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Old 04-08-2013, 06:11 AM
 
Location: Myrtle Beach
3,381 posts, read 9,122,930 times
Reputation: 2948

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Hi friends.

Went to Fort De Soto park for the first time yesterday for the first time. This is by far now our favorite beach/park. Before Fort De Soto, Madiera Beach was our favorite beach. But man, this place is amazing. Tons of things to do. Great Beaches with good snack shacks. At the main snack shack we tried the burgers, corn dogs, hot dog and Pita Wrap. All were delicious. Their foot long corn dogs were probably the best I have ever had. Some of the shacks have absurdly large snowcones available too.

They have a dog park and dog beach for those interested in bringing their pooches. All sorts of places where you can picnic with grills along with swings and playground with the kids.

On the East beach you can rent an umbrella and chairs in case you don't like hauling your beach stuff. They also have rental available on the North Beach. The North Beach has the better sand (real suagr sand... amazing stuff) and has a very gradual slope out to the water.

The Fort itself was interesting and took up about 45 minutes to an hour of our time exploring. The kids thought the cannons were pretty neat. Also, you can rent kayaks, paddle boards, bikes, family bike contraptions and many other things.

It is $5 to get in the park and have some toll change available because you'll need it.

The campground is amazing and I am going to try and reserve a spot to tent camp woth the family before it gets too hot.

This place is truly the Gem of Pinellas.
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Old 04-08-2013, 07:06 AM
 
3,826 posts, read 5,805,690 times
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I agree Fort De Soto is a great park. Before they started charging $5 per car is was very busy with all sort of people
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Old 04-08-2013, 07:39 AM
 
Location: says MA on my license but can be found wandering the beaches of RI
1,432 posts, read 1,822,567 times
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Sounds like a really great place. It's not the first time I've read a recommendation here about it but from what you described, sounds like a "one-stop shopping" kind of place to go for the day.

And for $5? I think that's very reasonable. There are a handful of beaches in RI that charge $10 for the day and it's just a beach. I'm not - nor will I ever be - rich but I never mind paying for a place where the $ goes to the upkeep of something that I and many others can enjoy (as long as the money is actually used for that).
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Old 04-08-2013, 12:59 PM
 
4,586 posts, read 5,610,049 times
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Last time we went it was pretty busy. Its pretty and all, but busy.
There is an annual pass for it that also includes Sand Key Park in Clearwater, and Howard Park in Tarpon Springs.
Pinellas County, Florida, Park and Conservation Resources - Boat Ramp Parking Permit Information
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Old 04-08-2013, 01:12 PM
 
Location: Saint Petersburg, FL
1,881 posts, read 3,606,761 times
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I love Fort DeSoto. We're there as much as possible.

Did you check out the arrowhead picnic area? And if you kayak around you can see manatee almost all the time.
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Old 04-08-2013, 03:19 PM
 
Location: Lincoln County Road or Armageddon
5,023 posts, read 7,224,561 times
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You can thank the Pinellas County taxpayers for that beautiful park (you're welcome).
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Old 04-08-2013, 03:30 PM
 
Location: South Tampa
1,163 posts, read 2,099,911 times
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Have you ever been to Pass-A-Grille? That is our favorite beach and only one that reminds us of beaches back home in SC that aren't plagued with high rises and mega-business everywhere.
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Old 04-09-2013, 08:20 AM
 
Location: Myrtle Beach
3,381 posts, read 9,122,930 times
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Fort De Soto was not busy when we were there. Tons of parking and lots of beach space available. I figured it wouldn't be busy since all the Spring Breakers had left.

Yep, we checked out the picnic area. Very nice. We drove around and checked out everything.

VaughnWilliams - Indeed, thank you PInellas Tax Payers. Howeverm I spent my fair share of money there and did pay park admission. I would think if any park actually makes money... or breaks even... that could be the one.

SeaSpur - There are no high rises at Fort De Soto..... it's pretty natural. We will have to check out Pass-A-Grille sometime.
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Old 04-09-2013, 08:51 AM
 
Location: South Tampa
1,163 posts, read 2,099,911 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FloridaKash View Post
SeaSpur - There are no high rises at Fort De Soto..... it's pretty natural. We will have to check out Pass-A-Grille sometime.
Oh I know, we have been to Fort Desoto a few times and enjoyed ourselves. I should have said that Pass-A-Grille is only minutes down the road from Fort Desoto and since they have no high rises, parking against the beach, but ALSO have the added benefit of a few restaurants and places to get a drink- it is our pick. Unless we have the pup with us, she seems to prefer Fort Desoto!
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Old 04-09-2013, 01:15 PM
 
Location: Native of Any Beach/FL
35,699 posts, read 21,049,622 times
Reputation: 14244
I like that park too- grands love it- playground, running room, bathrooms,food, worth the trip south
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