Fort De Soto Park with Kids: The Ultimate Family Guide
Fort De Soto Park is consistently ranked as one of America's top beaches—and it's right here in Tampa Bay! This 1,136-acre park on five interconnected islands offers pristine beaches, calm waters, historic sites, and endless family adventures.
Whether you're planning a beach day, camping trip, or outdoor exploration, this guide covers everything families need to know.
Fort De Soto Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde |
| Distance from Tampa | 35 minutes (30 miles) |
| Entrance Fee | $5 per vehicle |
| Hours | Sunrise to sunset |
| Best Ages | All ages |
Why Families Love Fort De Soto
✅ Calm, shallow waters perfect for toddlers
✅ Pristine white sand beaches
✅ Less crowded than Clearwater Beach
✅ Historic fort to explore
✅ Playgrounds and picnic areas
✅ Kayaking, biking, fishing activities
✅ Amazing camping on the beach
The Beaches: Which One is Best for Your Family?
Fort De Soto has three main beach areas:
North Beach ⭐ BEST FOR FAMILIES
Why Kids Love It: Calm, shallow water with sandbars perfect for wading
North Beach is the #1 family beach at Fort De Soto. The water is bathwater-calm, protected from Gulf currents. Kids can wade far out in knee-deep water. A playground sits right behind the beach.
- Best For: Toddlers, young children, nervous swimmers
- Facilities: Restrooms, showers, concession stand, playground
- Parking: Large lot fills by 11 AM on weekends
Pro Tip: Arrive before 10 AM on weekends. Bring a shade tent—limited natural shade.
East Beach
Why Families Love It: Paddle boarding, kayaking, and calmer vibes
East Beach faces Tampa Bay with even calmer waters. It's the launch point for kayaking and paddle boarding. Less crowded than North Beach.
- Best For: Kayaking families, quieter experience
- Facilities: Restrooms, kayak rentals nearby
- Water Activities: Kayaking, SUP, fishing
Dog Beach
Why Families Love It: Your pup can join the fun!
Fort De Soto has a designated off-leash dog beach. Dogs must be on leash elsewhere in the park, but here they can run free and swim.
- Best For: Families with dogs
- Facilities: Waste stations, freshwater rinse
Exploring the Historic Fort
The park's namesake, Fort De Soto, is a fascinating Spanish-American War-era fort that kids love exploring. Built in 1898, it never saw combat but offers:
- Old cannons (kids love climbing!)
- Underground rooms to explore
- Panoramic views from the ramparts
- Historic displays about military history
Cost: FREE (included with park admission)
Duration: 30-60 minutes to explore
Pro Tip: Bring flashlights for the darker tunnels. Great for imaginative play!
Kayaking & Paddle Boarding with Kids
Fort De Soto offers exceptional kayaking for families:
Where to Launch
- East Beach - Calmest waters
- Kayak rentals available at the park
Best Routes for Families
- Mangrove Trail - Paddle through mangrove tunnels (calm, shaded)
- Mullet Key Bay - Spot dolphins and manatees
- Shell Key - Paddle to uninhabited island (intermediate)
Rentals
| Equipment | Hourly Rate | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Single Kayak | $25-30 | East Beach area |
| Tandem Kayak | $40-45 | East Beach area |
| SUP | $30-35 | East Beach area |
Pro Tip: Morning paddles offer calmer water and more wildlife sightings.
Biking at Fort De Soto
Fort De Soto has 7 miles of paved trails perfect for family biking:
The Main Trail
- Connects all five islands
- Flat and paved
- Shaded sections
- Wildlife viewing
Bike Rentals
- Available near the park entrance
- Kids' bikes and trailers available
- Approximately $10-15/hour
Pro Tip: Bike early morning to spot birds and avoid afternoon heat.
Camping at Fort De Soto ⭐
Fort De Soto's campground is legendary—consistently rated among Florida's best. Camping here is a bucket-list family experience.
Campground Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Number of Sites | 238 |
| Site Type | RV and tent sites |
| Amenities | Water, electric, near restrooms |
| Showers | Yes, hot showers |
| Camp Store | Yes |
| Pet-Friendly | Yes (leashed) |
Rates (2026)
- Peak Season (Dec-Apr): $45-55/night
- Off-Season: $35-45/night
- 6-month advance booking required for peak dates
Booking Tips
- Book 6 months out - Sites sell fast
- Book at 8 AM ET on release day
- Weekends are hardest - Try weekdays
- Off-season (May-November) is easier to book
- Reserve at: Pinellas County Parks Reservations
Best Campsites for Families
- Sites near playgrounds - Less walking with gear
- Waterfront sites - Worth the premium
- Loop 3 - Closest to North Beach
Fishing at Fort De Soto
Two fishing piers offer excellent family fishing:
Gulf Pier (1,000 feet long)
- Deeper water, larger fish
- Best at dawn/dusk
- Bait shop nearby
Bay Pier (500 feet)
- Calmer, great for beginners
- More kid-friendly
- Catch pinfish, snook, redfish
No license required to fish from the piers (license needed elsewhere in park).
Playgrounds
Fort De Soto has playgrounds at:
- North Beach - Best playground, near restrooms and beach
- East Beach area - Smaller playground
- Campground - For campers
Wildlife to Spot
Fort De Soto is a birding paradise! Families can spot:
- 🐬 Dolphins - Commonly seen from shore and kayaks
- 🐢 Sea turtles - Nest here in summer
- 🦅 Ospreys - Year-round
- 🦩 Roseate spoonbills - Pink and beautiful
- 🦀 Hermit crabs - Kids love finding them
- 🐚 Sand dollars - Hunt along the shore
What to Bring
Beach Day Essentials
- ☀️ Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- ⛱️ Shade tent or umbrella
- 🪣 Beach toys
- 🥪 Cooler with snacks/lunch
- 💧 Plenty of water
- 👟 Water shoes (some shell fragments)
- 🔦 Flashlight (for fort exploration)
- 🚲 Bikes (or rent there)
Camping Additions
- 🏕️ Tent and sleeping gear
- 🛒 Groceries (nearest store 15 min away)
- 🦟 Bug spray (mosquitoes at dusk)
- 🔥 Firewood (available for purchase)
Sample Family Itineraries
Half-Day Beach Trip
- Arrive by 9 AM at North Beach
- Beach time and playground (3 hours)
- Quick fort exploration (30 min)
- Picnic lunch
- Head home by 1 PM
Full-Day Adventure
- Arrive at 8 AM
- Morning kayaking from East Beach
- North Beach for swimming
- Lunch at picnic area
- Fort De Soto exploration
- Bike the trails
- Sunset at the beach
Weekend Camping Trip
Day 1: Check in at 3 PM, beach time, campfire dinner, stargazing
Day 2: Sunrise kayaking, beach day, fishing, s'mores
Day 3: Breakfast, pack up, one more beach swim, depart
Getting There
From Tampa: Take I-275 South to Pinellas Bayway S (Toll road: $1.50)
From St. Petersburg: Take I-275 South to Pinellas Bayway S
GPS Address: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde, FL 33715
Toll: $1.50 at Pinellas Bayway (plus $5 park entrance)
Fort De Soto is Tampa Bay's best-kept secret for families. With pristine beaches, endless activities, and incredible camping, it deserves a spot on every family's bucket list. See you at the fort! 🏖️
