Fort De Soto is located in the south west corner of Mullet Key, at the entrance to Tampa Bay. The entire island is now Fort De Soto Park, a Pinellas county park which offers fine beaches, fishing, nature trails, camping, boating, hiking and biking.

Whether you are sitting on the beach or kayaking near the still water’s edge at Fort De Soto, you find yourself absorbed in the abundance of natural beauty for as far as the eye can see. The complexity of the ecology is not immediately apparent, but the park offers the greatest diversity of systems just about anywhere. Emerging from the wealth of bird life, sea life, wild life and plant life is the majestic tapestry called Fort De Soto.

Fort De Soto is probably best known for its beaches. It was named North America’s best beach by “Dr. Beach” in 2005 and has received numerous other awards. The entire outer perimeter of the island is lined with beautiful, white sandy beaches. Several picnic areas with modern facilities are located around the island with ample parking. Additionally, there are many places where one can pull off the road and walk a short trail to the beaches. The beach sand is clean, soft, very white and rock free. The sea-water is generally calm and quite inviting.