Fort De Soto

Photo by: Pinterest

Fort De Soto is a popular destination in St. Petersburg, Florida, and for good reason. This park and historical landmark offer a range of recreational activities, stunning natural beauty, and a fascinating glimpse into Florida’s history.

Fort De Soto Park covers over 1,100 acres and is comprised of five interconnected islands. The park features a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, kayaking, camping, and hiking. It is also home to some of the best beaches in the area, including North Beach, which has been ranked as one of the top beaches in the country by numerous publications.

One of the most notable features of Fort De Soto is its rich history. The park is named after the fort that was built there in the late 1800s to protect Tampa Bay during the Spanish-American War. The fort saw action during both World War I and World War II and was eventually decommissioned in the 1940s. Today, visitors can explore the remains of the fort and learn about its role in Florida’s history.

In addition to the fort, Fort De Soto Park is also home to a range of other historical landmarks and exhibits. The Quartermaster Museum offers a fascinating look into the daily life of soldiers stationed at the fort, while the historic Battery Laidley provides a glimpse into the artillery that was used to defend the bay.

One of the most popular activities at Fort De Soto is camping. The park offers over 200 campsites, including a range of primitive sites for those who want a more rugged camping experience. The campsites are located in a variety of locations throughout the park, including near the beach and in the wooded areas.

Overall, Fort De Soto is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the St. Petersburg area. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore Florida’s history, or engage in outdoor recreation, there is something for everyone at this beautiful and historic park.

READ: St. Petersburg Sunken Gardens

DeleteMyInfo™

10 Best Things To Do In St Petersburg FL

1. St. Petersburg Sunken Gardens

Photo by: Expedia

The Sunken Gardens are a hidden tropical oasis located in old Northwest St. Petersburg. Open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 4:30 pm and on Sunday 12 pm to 4:30 pm.

Admission is $12 adult, but they often run specials on Groupon, so keep an eye out! For those living in the area, they have annual family passes for $100!

Sunken Gardens made our list, as it is one of the best things to do in St. Petersburg, Florida. At 100 years old it is the oldest living museum in St. Pete, and also the last authentic roadside attraction. The Sunken Gardens is home to over 50,000 plants!

The ADA-accessible paths wind through waterfalls, tropical environments, bird habitats, and flamingos! There is plenty of shade in the gardens so this is a great activity if you don’t know what to do in St. Pete during the summer.

2. Murals and Street Art, St. Petersburg

Photo by: Yelp

Try strolling along the 600 block of Central Avenue if you’re seeking for free things to do in St. Petersburg. There are about 90 street art murals there to enjoy.

Beginning in 2014, St. Pete welcomed the local arts scene. Murals are painted by local, national, and international artists during the two-week Shine festival every year. More than 26 new murals were added to the 90 that currently exist in St. Pete this year.

3. Dali Museum

Photo by: azureazure

The largest Salvador Dali collection outside of Europe is located in St. Petersburg. This is one of the top things to do in St. Petersburg if you’re seeking for an art museum. The majority of the collection belonged to the Morse family, who gave it in 1982, and the museum first opened its doors in 2011.

Over 2000 works from every phase of Dali’s life are kept in the Dali Museum. The collection consists of oil paintings, sculptures, photographs, and documents. This comprises 8 of the 18 Dali masterpieces.

4. Don CeSar Hotel

Photo by: 10best

The “pink palace”-style Don CeSar Hotel was constructed in 1928. On your list of the top things to do in St. Petersburg, Florida, be sure to include a visit to this opulent hotel.

A day permit to enjoy the facilities and beach is $40 and entitles you to access to the pool, beach, fitness center, bathrooms, and showers.

There are 241 rooms available at the hotel, with rates beginning at $279 per night. If you want to experience complete luxury and relaxation in St. Pete, Florida, stay here. Franklin Roosevelt, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Al Capone were all previous visitors to what was once the playground of the affluent elite during the Jazz Age.

5. Chihuly Collection Museum

Photo by: Architizer

The Chihuly Museum, which debuted in 2010, showcases the creations of glass art pioneer Dale Chihuly. Make sure to stop here if you’re seeking for interesting things to do in St. Petersburg while you’re downtown.

Admission is $20 or is already included when purchasing a Tampa City Pass. The hours of operation are 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday, and 12 pm to 5 pm on Sunday. The Morean Art Museums are also accessible by purchasing a St. Pete Art Experience ticket.

Chihuly is renowned for his enormous, vibrant glass sculptures, such the Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier that hangs in the lobby. His creations have been displayed in galleries like the Louvre, Chihuly Over Venice, and Chihuly in Jerusalem!

6. Skyway Fishing Pier

Photo by: businessyab

Visit the Skyway Fishing Pier if you enjoy fishing; it’s one of the top things to do in St. Petersburg! A fishing pier that extends the entire length of the bridge can be seen in this state park at the Tampa Bay mouth.

This bridge is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offers concessions, a bathroom, and a bait shop, and is lit up at night for fishing. Due to the 65 artificial reefs off the bridge, popular catches include snook, grouper, mackerel, snapper, and sea bass.

7. The St. Pete Pier

Photo by: Fine Art America

Another fantastic, cost-free activity in St. Petersburg is the new St. Pete Pier. It is more than just a pier; it is a brand-new waterfront destination! Numerous locations offer opportunities to ride, swim, eat, and be entertained.

The Tampa Bay Watch, an interactive classroom experience that teaches people how to restore the Tampa Bay Estuary, is located on the St. Pete Pier if you’re looking for educational activities to do in St. Petersburg with kids.

The Pier Port offers three dining options: an elegant restaurant, a rooftop bar, and a casual café. Visit Doc Ford’s Rum Bar for delicious Caribbean food and a fun atmosphere!

8. The Vinoy Hotel

Photo by: ilovecfl

The Marriott Group owns the Mediterranean-style hotel The Vinoy, which is situated in the heart of Saint Petersburg. Given that the Dali, Chihuly, and Fine Arts Museums, as well as other St. Petersburg attractions, are close by, it’s the ideal place to stay if you’re planning a weekend getaway. There are numerous eateries and stores around.

If you’re seeking for recreational activities in St. Petersburg, you can play a round of golf or rent a boat from the marina.

9. Florida Holocaust Museum

Photo by: fifthworldart

Walter Loebenberg, a philanthropist, founded the Florida Holocaust Museum in 1998 to honor those who perished during the Holocaust.

This museum is included on our list of the top things to do in St. Petersburg because it aims to spread awareness of the value of every human life, regardless of gender, skin tone, ethnicity, or cultural background.
10. Fort De Soto

10. Fort De Soto

Photo by: Pinterest

Fort de Soto need to be on your list of the top things to do in St. Petersburg, Florida, if you’re interested in history.
The fort was first used to block Tampa Bay during the Civil War. It was finished in 1900 and abandoned 23 years later. It was given the Hernando de Soto name.
It served as a bombing range during World War II and was reopened as a public park in 1962.