Fort DeSoto Park... Florida

Bike Trail along Tampa Bay and Gulf, near St. Petersburg

Fort DeSoto Park is a Pinellas County Park, covering over 1,100 acres on 5 keys south of St. Petersburg at the mouth of Tampa Bay along the Gulf of Mexico. The Park features a 7-mile paved multi-use trail, scenic water views, award-winning beaches, campgrounds, snack bars, nature trail, picnicking, parking, restrooms. A boat ramp, plus kayak and bike rentals are available, and of course the historic fort. A ferry runs to Egmont Key, a Florida State Park. Day fee applies. (Map link and photos below.)

Map link - Fort DeSoto Park Biking

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Location: Pinellas County
End Points: Fort DeSoto Park - boat ramp to east beach to north beach
Mileage: 7 miles
Surface: Paved
Nearby points of interest: St. Petersburg, Dali Museum

Bike Shops/Rentals:
The Fort DeSoto Park concession at the park (rentals)

Biking at Fort DeSoto Park

On the Park Trail

The 7-mile paved bike trail starts from the boat ramp near the park entrance ramp, then runs south to connect beaches, campground, picnicking, pier, and the historic fort.

From the park exit going north along SR679 (Pinellas Bayway S.), a connector runs to the Bayway Trail which connects St. Petersburg Beach to the Sunshine Skyway.

Along the trail

Bike rentals

East Beach

Trail end at East Beach

Nature trail

Fort DeSoto

Historic Fort DeSoto dates from 1898, built to defend Tampa Bay during the Spanish-American War but never saw battle and was abandoned in 1923. The land was obtained by Pinellas County in 1948 and the park developed. Visitors at the fort can see the remaining battery and mortars.