Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Fort DeSoto's 1136-acres of unspoiled wilderness is unquestionably one of Florida's
premier beach parks - with the accolades to prove it. It includes 7 miles of beaches, two
fishing piers and an extensive nature trail hopping over five interconnected islands. Of its
two swimming areas, the long, silky stretch of
North Beach
is the best. It's accessed by
huge parking lots and offers grassy picnic areas, a cafe and gift store (open from 10am to
4pm weekdays and to 5pm weekends). The cafe organises bike ($10 per hour) and kayak
($23 per hour) rentals.
East Beach
, meanwhile, is smaller and coarser, and consequently
less crowded.
The
fort
after which the park is named, and which dates from the 1898 Spanish Americ-
an war, is in the southwest corner of Mullet Key, which was once inhabited by Tocobaga
Native Americans. Union troops were later stationed here and on uninhabited
Egmont
park. Once there you can explore the fort and abandoned houses, say hello to the protected
gopher tortoises, and go shelling and snorkeling (equipment hire $5) off the beach.
Fort DeSoto Park is signed off US 682/Pinellas Bayway (exit 17 off I-275). Parking
costs $5.
Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary
WILDLIFE RESERVE
( 727-392-4291727-392-4291;
www.seabirdsanctuary.com
; 18328 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores; admis-
sion by donation; 9am-sunset)
The largest wild-bird hospital in North America, this sanctuary has up to 600 sea and land
birds for public viewing at any one time, including a resident population of permanently
injured birds. Thousands of birds are treated and released back to the wild annually.
John's Pass Village
PIER
( 727-394-0756;
www.johnspass.com
;
209 Boardwalk Pl E, Madeira Beach)
For an industrial-strength concentration of Florida seaside tackiness, tie up the boat (er,
park the car) at this former fishing village now transmogrified into an all-in-one, wharf-
sized nautical tourist trap. Any kind of rental or boat trip is available: WaveRunners, pirate
ships, dolphin cruises, parasailing, fishing charters, you name it. Watch pelicans scavenge
below the fish-cutting stations. Wander the wooden boardwalk while dripping ice cream.
