he said, eyes dancing about as he watched a chubby-cheeked toddler, with mom in tow carting an overstuffed beach bag, waddle toward the bike stand. Why? With 1136 acres of unspoiled wilderness, Fort DeSoto is one of Florida's premier beach parks. Asked by Sheena Stevens about 2 years ago, Current weather at the beach and 3 day forecast, The beach is located in Tierra Verde, Florida J7Q6+32 Tierra Verde, FL, USA (, Explore other beaches near Tierra Verde, Florida, North Beach (Fort De Soto Park) reviews and photos. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Fort Desoto's North Beach is for the Birds. Fort De Soto Park lies on five islands and has two main beaches where you can enjoy sunbathing, shelling, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking, biking, camping, and wildlife watching. !Love it, cannot go wrong , unless you are someone who loves overcrowded beaches, fast food, trash and over commercialism!!!!!!!!! Kayaking, water skiing, snorkeling, boogie boarding are some popular activities at the beach. The main lure, of course, is the beach, whose beauty draws everyone from toddlers to teens to an age group that Dave Cook calls "the sunshine ladies" in their 70s and 80s. Always obey signs at the beach or advisories from official government agencies. FORT DE SOTO PARK - 1168 Photos & 377 Reviews - Yelp A stone's throw northeast of Egmont Key National Park is Fort Desoto Park and another location of one of the many forts built in Florida to protect themselves from marauders. But it's a great beach even if you only sit and read, enjoy the view, or walk along the white sand. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. My wife and I saw lots of dudes in thongs. North Beach is a beach on the Atlantic Ocean in Fort De Soto Park, FL. Fort DeSoto Park. To reach the LGBT area, park in the last parking lot, cross the "rainbow" bridge, wade across a shallow lagoon and turn right at the beach. Please note: If you are using the app or pay-by-text option, there is a $0.35 cent convenience fee for submitting your payment using the app or pay-by-text option. Browse photos and listings for the 134 for sale by owner (FSBO) listings and get in touch with a seller after filtering down to the perfect home. North Beach at Fort De Soto Park in St. Pete. There were signs all over that said dogs had to be on a leash, so we kept her on a leash. There are miles of beaches and several fishing piers. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The park is ADA accessible. ellgeeBE is a moderated and unmoderated travel guide and community wherein users can independently establish travel itinerary through connecting with external providers. The ladies recently roared off on a bevy of "chopper" bicycles that Cook rents along the beach--a beach which was ranked "America's #1 Beach" in 2005 by coastal expert Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a.k.a. The irresponsible and awful dog owners made this a terrible day for us, and we will never go back there. At low tide, there appears a tiny sandy island close to North Beach. Once you arrive there, you will see a huge parking lot called Anderson Boulevard Parking. The tourism site Visit St. Pete/Clearwater is the countys main resource for visitors, Parks and Conservation Resources We came here in December and really enjoyed it. Florida's Pinellas County Park System has some of the best parks in the nation and they offer a treasure trove of recreational opportunities. A must visit! Southwest of Tampa and south of St. Petersburg, Fort De Soto Park is located at 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde. Fort De Soto Park is Tampa Bay treasure - Florida Rambler The 12-inch mortar battery, located at the fort for which the park was named, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. While it is said that the weapons of Fort DeSoto never fired on an enemy, it was clear they played a significant part in the evolution of modern weaponry. North Beach has wheelchair-accessible restrooms at various locations. Its quite long and there are some areas where you feel as though youre secluded. The largest park within the Pinellas County Park System, Fort De Soto park consists of 1,136 acres made up of five interconnected islands (keys). Costs $5 to get in (plus all the tolls on the way) but if you go on a good day then it feels like you're on your own private beach as there weren't many people around when we went. Driving around the park feels like you're in a beautiful isolated part of Florida since there are not hotels, big buildings, jet skis or other distractions. Fort DeSoto North Beach is sampled weekly from January 1st to December 31st. Both beaches have ample parking, restroom facilities and plenty of picnic shelters with. It's 1,136 acres is home to wetlands, mangroves, palm hammocks, and hardwoods. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.After hours, please leave message. For more information about Fort De Soto State Park and other beaches in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area, visit VisitStPeteClearwater.com or call the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-877-352-3224. Purple mountain bikes and helmets lay propped up against a bike rack at Fort De Soto County Park as Baker scans a map. In 2005, Dr. The park property was first purchased from the federal government in 1938 for $12,500. Markers showing the original building locations and aQuartermaster Storehouse Museumadd to the parks historic interest. If you dont bring your own food, dont worry there is a snack bar right next to the bathhouse where you can get some basic snacks, which is open from 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. on weekdays and from 10 a. m. to 5 p. m. on Saturday and Sunday. 3769 50th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711. Tampa Bay citizens demanded military defenses for Tampa Bay, hence Fort De Soto. The U.S. extends a flash flood alert for the Northeast after woman in New York drowns. The residents of Tampa Bay demanded protection and it quickly became the port of embarkation for US troops. To reach the LGBT area, park in the last parking lot, cross the "rainbow" bridge, wade across a shallow lagoon and turn right at the beach. Patrons can pay the Countys $5 parking fee using either the mobile parking apps, pay-by-text, existing parking terminals or annual pass. Park with one of the most beautiful beaches in the USA. In 1898, the US became involved in a conflict with Cuba which led to the Spanish-American war. The park, at the entrance of Tampa Bay, is five interconnected islands with secluded rustic areas and great views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Only the north part of the 1-mile pristine, white stretch of sand at this gay beach in the Miami area is delegated for urban nude sunbathers. We were okay with that, but there was this one guy standing around totally nude that sort of creeped me out a little. . Weekly testing is conducted on Wednesday and results are usually posted on Thursday. VISIT FLORIDA is a service mark of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, d/b/a VISIT FLORIDA, registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. The keys are connected by either bridge or causeway. Apply for a Right-of-Way Utilization Permit, Apply to be a Small Business Enterprise Vendor, Occupational Licenses/Business Tax Receipts, Florida Small Business Development Center, Pinellas County Economic Development Data Center, Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County, Petition to Vacate a Public Right of Way or Easement, Request to Hold a Special Event in a Park, Parks & Conservation Resources Department, Building and Development Review Services Department, Housing and Community Development Department, Office of Resilience and Asset Management. Swim Guide is a free service that helps to connect millions of people just like you with local beaches and swimming holes. The nearest airport is Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, 14.3 miles from Palmetto Pointe by AMI Locals. It consists of five offshore keys or islands. Lovely soft sand and great scenery including some roped off nesting areas with birds in. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Tierra Verde Things to Do in Tierra Verde Fort De Soto Park Fort De Soto Park See all things to do Fort De Soto Park 4.5 2,871 reviews #3 of 16 things to do in Tierra Verde State Parks Visit website Call Write a review What people are saying By Maurice B " Beach without the crowds " Feb 2022 What restaurants are near Fort De Soto Park? Not sure if theyre public though. TripAdvisor, the world's largest online travel community, named Fort DeSoto Park America's Top Beach for two consecutive years (2008 and 2009). We share our RV tips, tricks, and travel locations that work for us. We noticed quite a few families having picnics or grilling. Great Beach and the common grounds/facilities were clean. In 1977, the 12-inch mortar battery located at the fort was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Many birds around in the trees at the car parks. We've added plantation shutters to every room with views that extend across the bay, beyond the city pier. Fort Desoto Park has long been a popular beach destination for locals and tourists, and even earned the distinction of America's Top Beach in 2005 by Dr. Stephen Leatherman of Florida . (727) 464-3000 Beyond the sandbars the swimming is very nice. Admission is a daily parking fee of $5 and annual passes are also available. Two nature trailsa one-mile trail in the Arrowhead Picnic area and a 3/4-mile trail in the Soldiers' Hole area, A 2,200-foot self-guided, barrier-free nature trail open to all visitors, Numerous picnic tables in areas throughout the park, as well as 15 large group picnic shelters, Concessions and restrooms are available in all beach areas. But it's a great beach even if you only sit and read, enjoy the view, or walk along the white sand. Length 9.7 miElevation gain 16 ftRoute type Out & back. "Dr. It is. At high tide it may be a bit deep for a beach wagon. The highlight is to walk out on the 100 fishing dock and watch for dolphins. Maybe down farther. White powder sand, warm tranquil water, cafe, bicycles, birds, fish - it has it all. Tampa Bay Boating Guide: Best Places to Visit By Boat in Tampa, FL When you first arrive, be sure to stop in at the visitors' center to pick up a few brochures, such as a checklist of birds that make springtime stops at the park en route to their breeding grounds. A Guide to Fort De Soto Fishing | VISIT FLORIDA Water quality results displayed at this location were collected by the City of St. Petersburg Environmental Compliance Division. Dogs were coming up to her and jumping on her and humping her and knocking her to the ground. These keys are home to beach plants, mangroves, wetlands, palm hammocks, hardwoods and scores of native plants. Funding for this project is provided by the Federal Transit Authority and the Penny for Pinellas. The small house next to the left is also available for rent, making it perfectly suited for twofamily traveling, reunions and wedding guests. Ft. Desoto is a collection of islands located off the tip of Pinellas county at the mouth of Tampa Bay. There aren't a ton of cars, and it was a pleasure to just meander from the beach to the fort and then to the next beach.There aren't a ton of amenities- no snack shacks I remember or any restaurants right on site, so if that's what you prefer you might not be as big a fan.I found this place by accident, have been back once, and will definitely go again! Fort De Soto Park lies on five islands and has two main beaches where you can enjoy sunbathing, shelling, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking, biking, camping, and wildlife watching. The facilities are nice and clean. About 20 minutes north of South Beach, Haulover Park Beach is one of the best-known clothing-optional beaches in Florida and it's gay-friendly. 3500 Pinellas Bayway South Tierra Verde , Florida 33715 Google Map Amenities List Park Diagram Audio Tour Beach & Boat Ramp Parking Reserve Campsite or Shelter Park Finder Bay Pier closed for replacement Bay Pier at Fort De Soto Park will be closed to the public through Winter 2023 as Pinellas County completes the Bay Pier Replacement Project. I asked a park ranger how much busier it gets, and she told me that even during the peak weeks and months, the park is just so big that it never gets really crowded.The sand is soft and white and the water clear and sparkling. What's the best way to see Fort De Soto Park? These are the names of the islands: Madelaine Key, St. Jean Key, St. Christopher Key, Bonne Fortune Key and Mullet Key. We are campers and appreciate wildlife however rats are not at the top of my cute critter list. Very gradually sloping sandy bottom. Fort Desoto County Park is one of the Nation's top birding locations. South Beach is where you'll find the fort and concession stand. Bay Pier at Fort De Soto Park will be closed to the public through Winter 2023 as Pinellas County completes the Bay Pier Replacement Project. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. It's free to get in after you've paid the minimal road toll2. Photos (131) Directions. Fort DeSoto is so much more than just great sand. The property was repurchased from the United States in 1948 for $26,500. Mom brushed some sand off of him and herself as dad decided a fringed "surrey" would do just fine as their beach ride. Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a patio, The Seashell Cottage is set in Anna Maria. The parking lot is spacious as it extends along the beach for quite a distance. But it is Fort DeSoto's North Beach that stands out. After entering the park, follow signs to North Beach. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. January 17, 2023. Afterwards be sure to visit the store and get an ice cream cone. There are opportunities for biking, beaching, fishing, paddle board, canoeing etc. These are the tide predictions from the nearest tide station in Mullet Key Channel (Skyway), 3.12km SSE of Fort Desoto / North Beach. Adding to the historical interest at Fort De Soto, two British breech-loading, rapid-fire rifles of 1890 vintage were installed in March 1982. Grey means water quality information for the beach is too old (more than 7 days old) to be considered current, or that info is unavailable, or unreliable. Swim Guide shares the best information we have at the moment you ask for it. You will find yourself in a small unofficial gay area. All rights reserved. Spacious and natural, this park also has all the rentals you need. Fort DeSoto Park is its largest, made up of five interconnected islands consisting of 1,136 acres. Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. It will cost you $5 to enter the park to park for the entire day. Both locals and tourists can enjoy the great outdoors at this park. The holiday home has 9 bedrooms, a TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 8 bathrooms with a shower. Plenty of big birds on the pier hoping to get fed! Regularly ranked as a top US beach, the North Beach at Fort De Soto Park is popular with gays and lesbians. By far!!! The beach has a wide expanse of white sand and the waters are shallow for quite a way out, which makes it ideal for kids. The parking lot for North beach is huge and when we saw the beach we knew why. Fort De Soto - The Florida Guidebook Fort DeSoto Park | Tampa Bay, Florida | Attractions - Lonely Planet It is not crowded like many of the Gulf Coast beaches. No motorized vehicles allowed. All rights reserved. Swim Guide is a free service. The other beach at Fort De Soto Park, East Beach, is a haven for people who want a unique view and don't mind as much about crystal clear swimming. My husband actually went swimming once (the temps were in the low 80s). Sarasota is 18 miles from the holiday home. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())2021 VISIT FLORIDA. Fort De Soto Park. The 5-bedroom holiday home comes with a kitchen with a dishwasher, and 5 bathrooms with a shower and a washing machine. Tripadvisor gives a Travelers Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.