Fort de Soto is an excellent destination!
If you decide to take the scenic route on the water out to Fort de Soto Park with Jesse’s Pride, it will not disappoint! This area is so much more than just stunning, spectacular stretches of powder-white sand beaches (although you will need to spend some time there because it is sublimely beautiful and a big draw for people to visit!). Spread over five islands right on the gulf shores, Fort de Soto Park has something for everyone!
Breath-taking beaches
The North Beach is a seemingly endless expanse of warm and welcoming white sand — the kind that makes you want to take your shoes off and bury your feet in as soon as you see it. The emerald green ocean is calmer here. A tidal pool offers interesting pockets to explore, or you can merely soak up some rays and catch up on some relaxation! The East Beach has a different vibe — there is more of a breeze coming in from this side of the island, new and enthralling areas to explore, and a whole new view to take in that includes the Skyway Bridge in the distance!
Rich History
Named after the Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto, who disembarked on these beaches almost 500 years ago, you can find the namesake fort at the heart of the park. Wander through the firing galleys and artillery holds at the base or climb to where the cannons are to take in the panoramic views. A small museum in the park helps bring the area’s past back to life!
Endless Exploration
With seven miles of paved trails meandering throughout the island, there is no lack of places to wander! If you want to see as much as possible, there are convenient bike rentals so you can go for a cheeky cycle tour. If you prefer to remain on foot, there are beautiful, shorter nature trails to discover that fork off of the main paved path by North Beach.
Fishing Fun
If you have a hankering to toss a line in the water, you can choose to do so from either the gulf- or the bay-side, and try your luck at hooking one of several fish species in the area! An impressive fishing pier takes you a little further out into the gulf to cast your line — and you pass right by a super convenient bait and tackle shop along the way for you to pick up some new lucky lures if you want. Or you can find yourself a quiet cove on the other side of the park to set yourself with your rod.
Bird-Watching Wonder
A sectioned-off sanctuary for birds at Fort de Soto Park attracts millions of bird species every year as they migrate south. Regardless of where you are in the park or what you’re doing while you’re visiting Fort de Soto, you may be surprised to see some unique and delightful shorebirds and marine fowl that you may have never seen before! Add bird spotting and watching to the dolphins, manatees, and turtles you may see in the waters surrounding Fort de Soto, and it makes for a spontaneous tropical safari!
Ready to go?
This map provides a great visual of where you would meet your captain and step aboard for your boating adventure! Jesse’s Pride will comfortably escort you to Fort de Soto Park for whatever activity you wish to do! And if you want to mix it up, we have included the routes to two other destinations on the map that we can take you — learn more about those areas in the other articles on our Blog Page!
