Fort De Soto

Nestled in the bosom of the Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico is Fort De Soto. Though large enough to be a state or national park, it is part of Pinellas County. It is made up of five islands covering some 1,136 acres. It has several beaches, nature trails (including a barrier-free, handicapped accessible trail), picnic and camping areas. Its North Beach has been voted the number one beach in North America. It has long been noted as one of the premiere areas to view a variety of birds. Of course, when I was there Monday, most of the birds were off somewhere. A familiar resident of Florida, the pelican, could be found everywhere.



It was a peaceful experience. Standing on the edge of the far eastern part of the park, I could see the Skyway Bridge in the foggy distance. Despite the many trips I've taken across that bridge, it is still white-knuckle time when I drive across it.



For anyone visiting the Tampa-Clearwater-St. Pete area, Fort De Soto is a nice spot to visit.