You Can Get There from Here: Water Everywhere!

Either you decide to stay in the shallow end of the pool or you go out in the ocean.

Christopher Reeve

Ft. DeSoto Beach View

I am a confirmed beach lover. As such I observe that each beach has its own nature and character. I am drawn to the Gulf of Mexico for its serenity. My favorite beach, and admittedly I have yet to visit them all, is Ft. DeSoto Park in Tierra Verde, Florida. Fort De Soto was named America’s Top Beach for 2009 by Trip Advisor. Mullet Key that encompasses Ft. DeSoto beach has something for everyone. http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm


Ft. DeSoto Beach Tranquility

Historic Ft. DeSoto

First occupied by Tocobaga Indians, the area was explored and conquered by Spaniard Hernando DeSoto in 1839.

There are the ruins of historic Ft. DeSoto completed in May 1900 for coastal fortification. Workers used shell concrete formula, which proved very strong, later adding stone to the mix. Ft. DeSoto, constructed within its $155,000 budget, was a new design mortar battery camouflaged with tons of sand and scrub vegetation effectively hiding and protecting it from attacks of enemy warships. In 1977 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a must see for historic weapons afficiados.


Ft. DeSoto Cannons

There is a wonderful 7-mile paved mult-purpose trail that is wide enough to accommodate bikers, roller bladers and walkers all at the same time.

Three miles of white sand beaches are available for human enjoyment – wind surfing, swimming, shelling, relaxing in the sun, which is my choice pastime. I love the sand between my toes and the sound of the timeless surf. Nothing better for me to center and open myself to the wonders of nature.


3 miles of white sand

A 2.5 mile canoe trail is a nice cool pursuit on a hot day. The park also offers habitat for the diverse wildlife and birds residing in the park. I have observed a very friendly raccoon extract grapes from a picnicker’s lunch.