Fort De Soto Park

First, don’t confuse this park with the De Soto National Memorial directly across the bay in Bradenton. Although it has restrooms, showers, and picnic shelters, the Fort De Soto Quartermasters Museum is one of the few roofed structures on the island chain so check the storm forecast and heat index before you come. A 7-mile (11-kilometer) paved trail runs through the majority of the park and is wheelchair accessible (ask about beach wheelchairs).

• You won’t have to worry about alligators in or around the park, but stingrays, jellyfish, and sharks do make the occasional appearance.

• There’s a bait and tackle shop on the island for fishermen.

• Families should head to North Beach where a pirate ship playground holds a treasure box of fun.

• The off-leash dog beach and paw playground is on Mullet Key, near the Quartermaster’s Museum.

Technically, you could kayak from the Skyway or Tern Bay, but most people access Fort De Soto Park via Highway 679. From Interstate 275, head west on Highway 682 then turn south onto 679. There’s a US$5 per car parking fee and you may encounter some tolls on the roadways en route to Fort De Soto Park.

Fort De Soto Park is the only park in Pinellas County open year-round, between 7am and sunset. Getting there early not only offers the best opportunity to see wildlife and beat the heat but also lets you see the sunrise over Tampa Bay and the coast. If you’re camping, reserve your spot in advance or visit early to secure a campsite before they go. Visit between April and September to watch loggerhead sea turtles nest.

One of the best backdrops at Fort De Soto Park is another St. Pete attraction: the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. This cable-stayed bridge was the longest of its kind when it was completed in 1987. Snap a pic of it at the park and consider driving over to visit the bridge’s beaches and fishing spots.