Fort De Soto State Park

I love to go to the beach. Especially toward later afternoon. It's great for beach combing. This beach was the best beach for "2005" There are concession stands, Shelters with BBQ pits, showers, restrooms. The beach is the cleanest that I've ever seen. more

In the area, there are bike paths where you can bike, Rollerblade/skate, run, or just walk on. At the main station for the park, you can learn about the wildlife there, and the history of the fort in general. Hiking through the fort itself, you see massive stone walls and you fell pulled back in time. There is much wildlife to see along the trails, kayaking/canoeing in the calm waters, or going to the magnificent beach. At the beach, the sand is soft under your feet and the water usually warm and moderately calm. There is a fishing pier, a camp ground, and if you get hungry a snack bar. Give it a try, go and visit. Alone or with the family, Fort De Soto is sure to be a great time. more

Ft. De Soto is a FANTASTIC place to go to spend the day! We visit the park nearly every holiday. We get together with friends, rent a pavilion and have a cook out steps from the beach. The beaches are abundant with sting ray and sand dollars. The atmosphere is incredibly tranquil and relaxing. Aside from lounging on the beach there are a great many things you are able to do here. You can camp, fish, bike, canoe, hike - visit the old fort complete with old canons, take a tour through the museum, ride the ferry to Edgemont Key. There is a snack bar to appease your hunger if you do not bring your own lunch. Don't forget your swimsuit, sunscreen, bug spray and to do the "sting ray shuffle"! Overall a great place to take your family for the day! more

Voted Americas #1 Beach "2005"! Fort De Soto has many attractions and sites to see. They have a campground for RV and tent camping. A fishing pier. And the worlds most beautiful beach. Take the Ferry over to Egmont Key for the day and swim with the dolphins, scuba dive, or search for seashells. They have historical forts to tour. The beach is beautiful. There are places to shower, restroom area.,concession stands, Picnic tables, BBQ grills, gift shops, etc.. Cost ranges from the 85 cent tolls you pay coming through the bridges and your gas. The beaches are free. The cost varies depending on what you are doing over there. Camping, concession stands and the ferry. It is a very beautiful beach! I'm so fortunate to live this close. more

Fort Desoto is by far one of the best locations for an afternoon at the beach, a picnic, a stroll around a historical fort, a day with your four-legged friend, etc. There is a place inside the park to rent canoes, kayaks, and bicycles for a reasonable fee. The beach area on the west side of the park is the nicest since it is right on the Gulf of Mexico. The dog park and beach area are located on the south beach providing a fenced area for your pet as well as a designated (not fenced) area on the beach itself. more

No kidding Fort De Soto was chosen as the best beach in America. Our secret is out. My wife and I really enjoy spending Sunday mornings on the beach (or better Friday mornings if I can get off of work). The sand is perfect and the water is usually clear with just enough waves to remind you it's a beach and not a bath tub. We often see wildlife, like stingrays and dolphins. Unfortunately the last few months we haven't gone out there because of the red tide but hopefully that will clear up soon. Top value for $0.35 (and an hour's drive each way)!!! more