Fort De Soto - Anybody been?

[Woodsie91]

As the title suggests. I'm planning a beach trip for my birthday as a chance to unwind for a day and am contemplating either Clearwater or Fort De Soto Park. I understand the latter is a bit further but I don't mind the drive.

It looks stunning in photos, with lots of shells on the beach and some old cannons knocking about (which will be nice to get the camera out) but wondered if anybody's actually been and can shed some light on the place and share their experiences.

Cheers,
Dan

[Redsnapper]

Really nice park - with some very nice beaches.

They have canoe rental also and a gift shop/restaurant.

The "fort" id fairly modern but worth a quick look round.

After visiting the park we drove on to St Petes and did a tour up the coast as far as Clearwater before heading back inland towards Orlando.

[barryp1]

Clearwater Beach and Fort de Soto beach couldn't be more different.

Fort de Soto is a National Park and if you fancy a quiet tropical beach kind of day it will not dissapoint.

[Woodsie91]

Originally Posted by barryp1

Clearwater Beach and Fort de Soto beach couldn't be more different.

Fort de Soto is a National Park and if you fancy a quiet tropical beach kind of day it will not dissapoint.

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That's exactly what I fancy! Great stuff.

Thanks,
Dan

[Woodsie91]

Originally Posted by Redsnapper

Really nice park - with some very nice beaches.

They have canoe rental also and a gift shop/restaurant.

The "fort" id fairly modern but worth a quick look round.

After visiting the park we drove on to St Petes and did a tour up the coast as far as Clearwater before heading back inland towards Orlando.

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That sounds a really good idea; how long did the drive back up to Clearwater take?

Dan

[Guest]

Its about 50 mins to Clearwater, 20 mins to downtown St Pete's and 2 hours to Orlando.

Probably the best beach is the North one, after the pay booth ($5), follow the road until you hit a T junction, turn left and follow the road all the way up to the end where there is a turning circle. There is a massive car park and you just head through the trees on to the beach. Marked sections have lifeguards.

The beach was pretty quiet during the week though it might be busier at weekends. Probably the nicest beach I have been on. White sand, blue green warm water, trees and no commercial development except the snack bar a mile down the beach. Well worth the trip.

[Ninnybobs]

Fort Desoto is my favourite place in the whole world... we go 3 or 4 times every time we go to Florida.

There are two piers, miles of beautiful beaches, shells by the thousands, lots of wildlife and dolphins to watch from the beach or piers.

The fort is a bit of interesting history. Plenty of walks, cycle trails and kayak hire.

Lots of places to BBQ and a few places to eat.

Fort Desoto comes highly recommended

[Brunswickian]

Originally Posted by amonynous

Its about 50 mins to Clearwater, 20 mins to downtown St Pete's and 2 hours to Orlando.

Probably the best beach is the North one, after the pay booth ($5), follow the road until you hit a T junction, turn left and follow the road all the way up to the end where there is a turning circle. There is a massive car park and you just head through the trees on to the beach. Marked sections have lifeguards.

The beach was pretty quiet during the week though it might be busier at weekends. Probably the nicest beach I have been on. White sand, blue green warm water, trees and no commercial development except the snack bar a mile down the beach. Well worth the trip.

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I think you mean turn Right at the T junction for the North Beach.

We spent the day at Fort de Soto before going to watch the Ice Hockey at Tampa. It is well worth the drive from Orlando.

[fredflintstone]

I haven't gone Fort Desoto yet, but the daughter went last year and said it was beautiful. She went on a segway tour there and said that was really enjoyable.

because you can get the I-275 all the way to St Pete's it takes about the same time as getting to Clearwater beach, as the roads are not as good.

[Guest]

Originally Posted by Brunswickian

I think you mean turn Right at the T junction for the North Beach.

We spent the day at Fort de Soto before going to watch the Ice Hockey at Tampa. It is well worth the drive from Orlando.

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Yes sorry!