Park Overview
Renowned for its pristine beaches, Fort de Soto Park boasts miles of soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or simply taking a leisurely stroll along the shore.
Fort De Soto is located in the southwest side of Mullet Key, near Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg.
The Historic Fort De Soto
Standout feature of the park is the historic Fort De Soto, which dates back to the late 19th century. Exploring the fort is like stepping back in time and offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s military history.
Construction of the fort began in 1898, with the start of the Spanish-American War. And although the fortified bastion was always ready to take on attackers, Fort De Soto has never actually been the site of any major battle, with its canons having never been fired at a single enemy.
Today, the fort stands as an interactive exhibition on military history, while also boasting panoramic views from its vantage points.
Dog Beach
Your dog likes to swim? Perfect! Fort De Soto Park is one of the few spots in Tampa that has its own designated dog-friendly beach, where your four-legged friend is allowed to roam, play, and swim off-leash.
The dog beach spans a significant portion of the park’s shoreline and is generally well-maintained, featuring soft sand and calm, shallow water. This makes it the ideal place dogs to cool off and splash around.
It’s worth noting that outside of the designated dog beach area, dogs must be on a leash throughout the rest of Fort De Soto Park.
