Fort De Soto Park

Fort De Soto Park
FAQ

Everything you need to know before your beach day.

What are the beach conditions at Fort De Soto Park today?

Fort De Soto Park sits on the Gulf of Mexico. Our conditions page shows today's water temperature, surf height, wind, UV index, tide times from NOAA station 8726520, and rip current risk, plus red tide and sargassum seaweed status. Everything is pulled live from NOAA and Open-Meteo and refreshes through the day.

View Live Conditions

Where do you park at Fort De Soto Park?

Park at Fort De Soto Park in lots like North Beach Lot, Fort / Pier Lot, East Beach / Boat Ramp Lot. Our parking page maps every option with addresses, rates from $5/day and a live crowd-based availability estimate so you can plan ahead and skip circling.

Find Parking

Where should you eat at Fort De Soto Park?

At Fort De Soto Park, don't miss the Concession Stand Dog at Fort De Soto North Beach Concession. Our dining page pulls live ratings and hours from Google Places and highlights the local dishes worth ordering.

Explore Dining

What boat trips run from Fort De Soto Park?

Boats leave Fort De Soto Park from Fort De Soto Boat Ramp, including the Egmont Key Ferry — dolphin watches, sunset sails, kayak tours and fishing charters. Our things to do page lists the operators, departure times and prices.

See Things to Do

What's happening at Fort De Soto Park this week?

Fort De Soto Park hosts Gulf Sunset at North Beach and more. Our events page pulls the current week's lineup so nothing sneaks up on you.

Check Events

How long does it take to get sunburned at Fort De Soto Park?

It depends on the UV index and your skin. Our conditions page converts today's hourly UV forecast at Fort De Soto Park into minutes to burn using the standard erythemal dose model, so instead of "UV 9" you get "unprotected fair skin burns in about 18 minutes", along with the strongest stretch of the day and when to reapply. Open sand and water reflect UV back at you, so the estimate includes a beach uplift.

Check Today's Burn Time

Are dogs allowed at Fort De Soto Park?

It depends where on the beach. Fort De Soto is the only Pinellas County park where dogs can go on the beach, in a designated dog park and dog beach area at the park's south end near the fort. A leash is required everywhere except inside that area. Source: Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources — Park Rules (Code of Ordinances Chapter 90) and the official Fort De Soto Park map, checked 2026-09-09.

See All Beach Rules

Can you drink alcohol at Fort De Soto Park?

No. Alcohol is banned everywhere in the park, including the beach, and the county strictly enforces this. Source: Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources — Park Rules (Code of Ordinances Chapter 90) and the official Fort De Soto Park map, checked 2026-09-09.

See All Beach Rules

Can you have a fire or grill at Fort De Soto Park?

No. Open fires or frying of any kind is banned park-wide, and the beach carries its own explicit ban on campfires. Source: Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources — Park Rules (Code of Ordinances Chapter 90) and the official Fort De Soto Park map, checked 2026-09-09.

See All Beach Rules

Can you fly a drone at Fort De Soto Park?

No. Remote controlled devices, including drones, are on the county's list of prohibited activities for all county-owned land. Source: Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources — Park Rules (Code of Ordinances Chapter 90) and the official Fort De Soto Park map, checked 2026-09-09.

See All Beach Rules

Is glass allowed at Fort De Soto Park?

No. Glass containers are banned specifically on the beach, along with grills and campfires. Source: Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources — Park Rules (Code of Ordinances Chapter 90) and the official Fort De Soto Park map, checked 2026-09-09.

See All Beach Rules

Can you smoke at Fort De Soto Park?

No. Smoking and vaping are prohibited on all beaches at Fort De Soto. Source: Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources — Park Rules (Code of Ordinances Chapter 90) and the official Fort De Soto Park map, checked 2026-09-09.

See All Beach Rules

At Fort De Soto Park, the sun sets at 7:20 PM today — about 11h 56m of daylight. Sunrise was 7:24 AM. Live water temperature, surf height, UV index, wind and tide for Fort De Soto Park update at the top of the conditions page.