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Fort De Soto Beach essentials
Paid parking
2 public lots nearby, closest 0.2 mi away
Beach fee
Parking is $6 per vehicle per day (since Jan 1, 2025), or a county annual pass
Restrooms
Public restrooms 0.1 mi away, wheelchair accessible
Showers
Outdoor showers 0.1 mi away
Lifeguards
Pinellas County lifeguards in season (April–September) at the designated swimming areas
Dogs: some areas only
Dogs only on the designated dog beach by the dog park, where they can be off-leash under voice control; not on the swimming beaches
Drinking water
1 water fountain nearby
Rules and fees checked against pinellas.gov. Other amenities were mapped by volunteers on OpenStreetMap within about ¾ mile of the beach. Rules, fees and lifeguard hours change by season, so check posted signs. Updated October 2026. Data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Something missing? Add it on OpenStreetMap
Beach Report is an informational guide from public data, not a substitute for lifeguards or official National Weather Service warnings. Always check posted signs and swim near a lifeguard.
About Fort De Soto Beach
Fort De Soto Park is a Pinellas County park spread across a string of islands at the mouth of Tampa Bay, south of St. Pete Beach. Its wide, white-sand North Beach, East Beach on the bay side, a historic fort, nature trails and a dog beach make it a full-day trip, and county lifeguards watch the swimming areas from April through September. Water is warm most of the year and cool in winter. Rip currents are Florida’s deadliest beach hazard, so check the safety flag and rip-current risk above, follow posted flags, and swim near a lifeguard.
Fort De Soto Beach FAQ
How much does it cost to get into Fort De Soto?
Parking is $6 per vehicle per day (since January 2025), or use a county annual pass.
Can I bring my dog to Fort De Soto?
Yes, to the designated dog beach next to the dog park, where dogs can run off-leash under voice control. Dogs aren’t allowed on the swimming beaches.
Are there lifeguards at Fort De Soto?
In season. Pinellas County lifeguards watch the designated swimming areas from April through September. The rest of the year, swim with care.
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