Pristine Area Favorite Lauded as
“Portrait of Tranquility”. Fort De Soto Park was named America’s Top Beach for
the second consecutive year by TripAdvisor, the world's largest online travel
community. Citing a “spectacular combination of soft white sand, calm, clear
water and a laid-back atmosphere,” the popular online travel network put the
park’s North Beach at the top of its annual best-of list, based on TripAdvisor's
Popularity Index. This marks the second time in three years the pristine
Pinellas County beach has received top honors on an annual “best-of” list. In
2005 Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a.k.a. “Dr. Beach,” named Fort De Soto the
nation’s #1 Beach.
Beaches are the number one recreational destination for Americans. These sandy
playgrounds that line our coasts are the most extensive natural parks in the
country.
The largest park within the Pinellas County Park System, Fort De Soto park
consists of 1,136 acres made up of five interconnected islands. First opened on
December 21, 1962, when the state toll road named the Pinellas Bayway was
completed, this park was dedicated May 11, 1963, in perpetuity as a public
park.Annual park attendance averages more than 2.7 million visitors.
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 1978. Adding to the
historical interest at Fort De Soto, two British breech-loading, rapid-fire
rifles of 1890 vintage were installed in March 1982.
Camping
Fort De Soto Park has excellent camping facilities. These park campgrounds
are among the best in the state. Enjoy the finest Florida RV camping, with
hookups and everything you need. Your kids can fish while you can watch from a
lawn chair right at the door of your RV. Or enjoy beach camping in a tent, just
steps away from a sand beach. If you wish, break up your day with a quick trip
into St. Petersburg. Some of Florida's greatest attractions are within minutes
from your campsite! That's how camping should be done! Campground information is
available by calling: (727) 893-9185.
Fort Desoto Park - Website
3500 Pinellas Bayway S.
Tierra Verde, FL 33715
Park Office: (727) 552-1862
Campground Office: (727) 893-9185
Best Beaches in the United States by Category:
Top Ten Beaches in the USA
Dr. Beaches #1's
Top 10
Hawaii Beaches
Most
Romantic Beaches in the USA
Best beaches for
solitude
Top 10
Dog Friendly Beaches
America's
Top 25 Beaches
Best Beaches for
Surfing
Top beaches for people
watching
Best Beaches for Singles
Best Family Beaches in the USA
Best Beach for Nightlife
Best Boardwalks in the USA
This listing of the
Fort De Soto Park as one of Best Beaches in
the United States is constantly being revised. Currently, Fort De Soto Park is number 3 on our USA list (number 2 on our Florida list). So, if you feel we are missing one, please email
us and let us know!