Fort DeSoto | COMPLETE TOUR | Best Florida Beaches

Fort DeSoto Park offers visitors some of the best Florida Beaches and so much more. In this video, we'll take you on a complete tour of Fort Desoto. We hope this video will help you to experience some of the great things that Fort DeSoto has to offer and maybe even to plan your own trip.
We start our day off at Fort Desoto by heading to the far East tip of the island where we enjoy watching kitesurfers on the warm, windy Florida day. We start working our way west, where our next stop is East Beach where we check out the beach and facilities after walking the path through a forest of palm trees.
We continue to head west to the Bay Pier, where we enjoy the views of Tampa Bay from the end of the 500 foot pier. We also check out the Egmont Key Ferry Terminal and the Dog Park. After a quick stop by the Canoe and Paddle Outpost, we continue on to the Gulf Pier and Fort. Here, we marvel at the beauty of the palm lined road before exploring the fort. During our self-guided tour, we hike to the top of the fort to take in the views of the Gulf Beaches before learning the history of the fort and checking out the artillery and ruins.
After a quick stop by the snackbar and gift shop and the Gulf Pier Beach, we are off to the north end of the key to visit North Beach, where we are immediately impressed by the beauty of the beach and softness of the sand. After relaxing and watching some more kitesurfers on the Beach, we decided to do some more exploring by walking the beach to the far north end of the key. We enjoy walking on the beautiful, secluded stretch of beach before reaching the north tip of the key, where we find a number of anchored boaters enjoying the warm Florida day.
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Videos referenced in this video:
*St. Pete Beach
- • St Pete Beach Florida ...
*Treasure Island
- • Best Florida Beaches |...
Other recommended Videos:
*Top Things to do in St Pete
- • Top Things to do in St...
*Madeira Beach
- • Best Florida Beaches |...
*Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
- • Florida Nature Preserv...
*Weedon Island Nature Preserve
- • WEEDON ISLAND PRESERVE...
*Florida Natural Springs
- • Video
For more Florida travel ideas check out our playlist:
- • Vacation in Florida | ...
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#florida #explorcation #stpetersburgfl
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Timeline:
00:00 - Intro
1:00 - #1 Getting to Fort Desoto
1:41 - #2 Far East End of Park
2:47 - #3 East Beach
4:38- #4 Bay Pier
6:43 - #5 Canoe and Paddle Outpost
7:08 - #6 Gulf Pier & Historic Fort
9:02 - #7 Arriving at the Arboretum
10:17 - #8 North Beach
11:40 - #9 Hike to North Tip of Mullet Key
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Websites from video:
Fort De Soto Park - Visit St Pete & Clearwater www.visitstpeteclearwater.com...
Fort De Soto Park - PinellasCounty.org www.pinellascounty.org/park/0...
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Music Credits:
Bensound.com
- Summer by Benjamin Tissot
KZread Audio Library
- Sweet Release by Dan Lebowitz
- Freedom by Dan Lebowitz
- Sunshine on Sand by Unicorn Heads
- Cigarette Solitude by Slenderbeats
- Doorway by Slenderbeats
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Explorcation consists of Jamie and Skylar, a couple who typically shares their experiences traveling and staying active via blogs and travel videos.
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Explorcation can be contacted at explorcationblog@gmail.com

Пікірлер: 100

  • @tomwagner6334
    @tomwagner6334 Жыл бұрын

    I’ll never forget fishing off that pier when a 10’ hammerhead just casually swam by about a foot below the surface. 😂 This was in 1983. I lived in Tampa/St Pete for 2 years and have been in San Diego for close to 35 years. Fort Desoto is a beautiful park and you did it justice with this video👍

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    Жыл бұрын

    Wow Tom, I don't think I would ever forget that experience either! We love Fort Desoto and try to get out there every chance we get. One of these days will explore the Pacific Coast and stop #1 will definitely be San Diego!

  • @IhaytFukkingsocialmedia

    @IhaytFukkingsocialmedia

    Жыл бұрын

    im a local of st pete. st pete rocks!!! im never moving hehe. i'll die here!

  • @AwesomeGee
    @AwesomeGee2 жыл бұрын

    Hello from across the pond in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿! I’m so glad I found you guys’ videos, as I’ve been to Florida so many times in the past! Definitely our favourite place for a holiday! Fort Desoto is one of our favourite areas. 💕

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    2 жыл бұрын

    Oh we're so happy to hear that you are enjoying our videos, Georgia! Ft. Desoto is up there among our favorites as well. We hope you are able to make it back to visit Florida again soon!

  • @itr0863
    @itr08633 жыл бұрын

    Such quality and professionalism in your vids. I’m binging all of them lol. The format is so practical and consistent.

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for watching and for the comment. We have been putting a lot of work into our editing lately so we really appreciate hearing the feedback 😊

  • @LucasWorldTravel
    @LucasWorldTravel3 жыл бұрын

    Kite surfing looks so cool! Love the view from the Fort! Very cool and the North Shore beach looks so chill and peaceful. It's not your typical crowded Florida beach. Very cool to know there's still some quiet beaches to explore there!

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yeah we love searching out the quiet beaches around here. Sometimes they take a little more effort to get to, but it's almost always worth it!

  • @EmceeGraffiti
    @EmceeGraffiti3 жыл бұрын

    My wife and I have been watching your channel for like 6 months. We moved to the area a couple weeks ago. Y’all were a huge help on us getting prepped. Oddly enough, she and I swear we walked passed y’all today with our son. I was about to turn and ask y’all, but I wasn’t completely sure and didn’t wanna approach the wrong folks haha. So, if y’all were at Vinoy Park today and happen to remember a couple with a kid and some quick banter: hello! If not, don’t mind me haha. And thanks again for the work you two do. It’s been great for us.

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    3 жыл бұрын

    We are so glad to hear that our channel has been helpful to you and your wife. We love to receive these types of comments! We were actually out of town over the weekend, so we must have some doppelgangers walking around 😆. We are out and about in downtown St. Pete all the time though, so when we do run in to each other, please don't hesitate to say hi!

  • @EmceeGraffiti

    @EmceeGraffiti

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@Explorcation absolutely doppelgangers! Thanks again for being awesome. Looking forward to more sweet videos!

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@EmceeGraffiti aww thank you!

  • @TiaandAndy
    @TiaandAndy3 жыл бұрын

    So many Kite Surfers, so cool to watch! East Beach looks beautiful, love all the green space and Palm Trees. It's so awesome there's so many beach options in the area. Fort Desoto looks pretty cool! Great informative video guys!

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yeah it's a pretty cool place and definitely one of our favorite Florida parks!

  • @BeingBedingfield
    @BeingBedingfield3 жыл бұрын

    This place is so cool! Love the pier! The view looking back at the beach is stunning. The kayak trail seems amazing. Mullet key 😅 immediately thought of the haircut 🤣 Great that there’s so much parking everywhere. North beach is beautiful, wish we could feel the soft sand 😌 You guys really live in a tropical paradise 💙

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yeah, we definitely thought of the haircut first too! It's amazing how much you appreciate parking after you spend several weeks visiting beaches with limited, expensive parking.

  • @NoBSEateries
    @NoBSEateries3 жыл бұрын

    I grew up going to Ft. Desoto. Loved exploring the fort and going fishing off the pier. So many memories! Thanks for sharing! -S

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    3 жыл бұрын

    That's awesome! We have only been to Ft. Desoto a couple of times, but now that we live in St. Pete, we will definitely be visiting more frequently!

  • @TheMapPinners
    @TheMapPinners3 жыл бұрын

    Looks like such a pretty area! That kayak trail looks super cool. I bet that would be a beautiful kayaking route. That historic fort looks like a fun place to explore too! Great video as usual, guys!

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    3 жыл бұрын

    We really can't wait to get out on the kayaking route when we get a nice weekend with calm waters. That will be a really fun video to make!

  • @LeBoof
    @LeBoof3 жыл бұрын

    I recently watched someone kite surfing here in Jacksonville for the first time. So its really cool you have them in your video today. I wasn't aware before this was even a thing.

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yeah we only discovered them a couple of years ago. We had seen the kites prior to that when driving over the skyway bridge, but never knew what they were! They really are super cool. We hope you are getting some good beach days up there in Jacksonville!

  • @Nanthankful
    @Nanthankful2 жыл бұрын

    We enjoyed Fort DaSota yesterday on bikes. Great spot to bike you might mention. Loved your video

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, Nancy. We're glad you had a good time! We'll be including Fort Desoto in an upcoming "Top Beaches" video and will make sure to mention that it's a great biking spot as well!

  • @HDWalkingAdventures
    @HDWalkingAdventures3 жыл бұрын

    Béautful scènery, amazing footage 👍

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    3 жыл бұрын

    It really is a beautiful place. Thanks for watching!

  • @GladysandKenny
    @GladysandKenny3 жыл бұрын

    Hi guys just came across your channel. Florida is such a beautiful place to explore. We have never visited For DeSoto. Thanks for sharing it looks lovely. A place we would love to visit.

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    3 жыл бұрын

    It's definitely one of our favorite places to visit near us. We hope you get a chance to visit someday as well!

  • @TheAverageTourist
    @TheAverageTourist3 жыл бұрын

    Guys - all your beach visits are giving me such ocean envy!! 😂 I need to head to Florida asap, or any beach destination with hot weather at this point. It looks like there is so much parking there so that's super convenient. I'd also like to see the fort - for some reason I really enjoy touring around historic forts and learning random history facts. Kayaking would be so nice there definitely putting this on my future travel list.

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yes, after our struggle to find reasonable parking while making some of our other beach videos, we were so happy to find so much free parking! We hope you guys get your beach getaway booked sooner than later. You definitely deserve it! And if it happens to be to Florida, we of course would love to meet up!

  • @terrybryant
    @terrybryant2 ай бұрын

    Looking forward to my Month of May in Florida. I will stay a week at the Fort De Soto RV park for a little fishing. This will be my 4th time there. Just a great place to stay if a bit difficult together reservations.

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    2 ай бұрын

    It will be here before you know it! We hope you have an amazing time!

  • @BobCarlson
    @BobCarlson3 жыл бұрын

    I was not planning to visit here on my trip but after seeing the kayak rental and trail I think I’ll add one more day. I like that your videos include all the things I want to see and do.

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    3 жыл бұрын

    Fort Desoto is another great spot to check out, if you end up renting a kayak let us know how it goes. We were bummed it was sooo windy the day we visited.

  • @kimberlycopeland8264
    @kimberlycopeland82642 жыл бұрын

    Recently discovered your channel searching for information on Madeira beach, the trolley etc. Great content! Keep it up!

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for the kind comments, Kimberly. We're so happy that you discovered our channel!

  • @OurTravelPlace
    @OurTravelPlace3 жыл бұрын

    I love that there's a bridge called the sunshine skyway bridge - that's a great name! 😀 The fort looks like an interesting way to break up relaxing on those beautiful beaches. The kayak trail sounds fun too. Ooo and I'd love to bob around in one of those boats at the last beach you visited. Great video guys!

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    3 жыл бұрын

    It is a great name and a really beautiful bridge to drive over. The fort was pretty cool as well, a nice break from the beaches indeed.

  • @sgt.pepper4274

    @sgt.pepper4274

    2 жыл бұрын

    And it's the second bridge named Sunshine Skyway Bridge connecting St. Petersburg and Terra Ceia. On May 9, 1980 u wouldn't have wanted to be on the old Skyway bridge.

  • @donaldsiler6779
    @donaldsiler6779 Жыл бұрын

    You're killing me Smalls

  • @SorgiStories
    @SorgiStories3 жыл бұрын

    Looks cool! Love the beach!

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yes, Ft. DeSoto has some of the best beaches in our area for sure!

  • @KelbyAdamOurLifethroughalens
    @KelbyAdamOurLifethroughalens3 жыл бұрын

    Oh my, how freaken cool does the kite boarding look, I would absolutely love to try this out. East Beach looks so beautiful but I see what you mean about the sand. But it's a great beach to do other activities besides swim. We absolutely love bay pier, it's absolutely beautiful. The colour of the water is just so beautiful. The size of the pier is absolutely insane, never seen a pier so long before. Still super jealous that you guys live in such an amazing place and everything is basically on your door step. North Beach definitely looks like a beach where you can chill and sun tan especially on that sand.

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yeah we would love to get into kiteboarding too. It's not a cheap hobby to get into though, and we have nowhere to store a kiteboard. But someday, I'm sure we will try it!

  • @genehinders9639
    @genehinders96399 ай бұрын

    have yet to get here...maybe this next trip down...

  • @stv1_channel
    @stv1_channel3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks a bunch for sharing a great footage 🔥👍

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    3 жыл бұрын

    We're so glad you enjoyed it!

  • @stpetefl
    @stpetefl3 жыл бұрын

    Awesome! Love it ❤️

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    3 жыл бұрын

    Glad you liked it, John. Thanks for watching as always!

  • @krystalanderic
    @krystalanderic3 жыл бұрын

    the opening shots of the beach have me dreaming of a beach vacation. This might sound crazy to you but I had no idea there were SO MANY beaches in Florida lol. Just this area alone has so many options!

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    3 жыл бұрын

    LOL and we have only highlighted the ones in a small area on the gulf coast! Florida is just full of surprises...did you know there are real mermaids down here? (and not just the manatees)

  • @krystalanderic

    @krystalanderic

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@Explorcation okay we need a video on the real mermaids lol

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@krystalanderic it is happening for sure LOL

  • @feelmountain
    @feelmountain3 жыл бұрын

    [We~FeelFriends🐢] I've been to Florida a couple of times but never been Fort Desoto, Definitely I should go there next time Thank you for sharing the beautiful journey, Your commentaries helped me a lot to know about there New friend here to stay connected with, Have a wonderful trip and See you around !!

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much for your support. We hope you do get to visit Fort DeSoto some day when you make it back to Florida!

  • @exploreaswego
    @exploreaswego3 жыл бұрын

    You always find the coolest places!!! There is literally no one around you! Those waves looked really rough though! Just waiting on what was the best place at the end :) Appreciated that you shared the map! IT was helpful to see! Looks like a very fun area to explore over all! WOW that NORTH SHORE SAND WINS for SURE! I wanted to ask! What is the time-lapse walking speed for your GO PRO!?!?! It's also so smooth and maybe your arm was tired after the whole SHOT HAHA. We have never been there and will be sure to check it out!

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    3 жыл бұрын

    It really is a cool place, and we loved walking to the secluded portion of the island. The feature we often use is like a time lapse but is actually called a time warp. It's a feature on our gopro max that we really enjoy.

  • @MerlyCosta
    @MerlyCosta2 жыл бұрын

    Nice video. Thanks for sharing.

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    2 жыл бұрын

    Our pleasure. Thank you so much for watching!

  • @clos116
    @clos1162 жыл бұрын

    Awesome video, thanks. We are heading there today

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much for the support, Carlos. We hope you had a great time visiting!

  • @JessicaKwon
    @JessicaKwon3 жыл бұрын

    great tour 👍🏼

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, Jessica. We are so glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for watching!

  • @luisfont6468
    @luisfont64683 жыл бұрын

    Tks guys… dog beach video would’ve been nice even if it were a second or two.

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank for the feedback Luis. We appreciate it.

  • @CallunaTrip
    @CallunaTrip3 жыл бұрын

    nice video, cheers from Poland

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    3 жыл бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for watching. Cheers.

  • @silentreviews6732
    @silentreviews6732 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    Жыл бұрын

    Our pleasure!

  • @orangedustkun2021
    @orangedustkun2021 Жыл бұрын

    I’m going there tomorrow with my church friends

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    Жыл бұрын

    That's awesome. We hope you all have a great time!

  • @henryolivo176
    @henryolivo1762 жыл бұрын

    Happened to drive into Fort De Soto by chance and boy was I pleasantly surprised! Had me a close encounter with a manatee while swimming in North Beach. I most definitely would prefer Florida beaches than the Southern California beaches (I'm a So Cal boy). Pacific Ocean water is much too cold for me! 🥶🥶

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching, Henry! We love fort DeSoto, and definitely agree with you regarding the Florida beaches versus the Cali ones. I got in the water a couple times in California, and both times I was back out in less than a minute!

  • @pedromontanez6701
    @pedromontanez6701 Жыл бұрын

    You missed the picnic area across from north beach.

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    Жыл бұрын

    Yeah, we missed a few things. There's just so much to see and do at this park we couldn't fit it into one day!

  • @stv1_channel
    @stv1_channel3 жыл бұрын

    Welcome for relax

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    3 жыл бұрын

    It was a very nice and relaxing day!

  • @TravelInteresante
    @TravelInteresante3 жыл бұрын

    I really don't like the rough Atlantic Ocean water, no offense! Even up in the NYC area during the summer it gets super wavy. Where I grew up on the Aegean Sea it is rarely wavy and it makes it more like swimming in a pool. That said, the beaches by my hometown are rocky and Steve is all about sandier beaches too! WE never heard of Fort DeSoto before, but when we finally do make it to the St. Pete/Tampa area, hopefully we can visit!

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    3 жыл бұрын

    Skylar likes the waves, but I prefer the calm waters like you. Luckily for me, most days in the gulf near us are pretty calm!

  • @karmendurbin
    @karmendurbin Жыл бұрын

    Can anyone tell me how much the kayaks cost here? I’m having trouble finding it on their website.

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    Жыл бұрын

    Is this what you are looking for? www.topwaterkayak.com/rental-information

  • @karmendurbin

    @karmendurbin

    Жыл бұрын

    @@Explorcation Yes! Thank you so much!

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    Жыл бұрын

    @@karmendurbin YW!

  • @Trtevoorryu
    @Trtevoorryu2 жыл бұрын

    Fun fact: You can also get a county pass so if somebody goes there often it pays for itself

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    2 жыл бұрын

    That's great to know! Thanks for sharing.

  • @masoomarahimi2478
    @masoomarahimi24783 жыл бұрын

    🤝🔔👍

  • @StacySelah
    @StacySelah Жыл бұрын

    Shakka-Brakka

  • @mischelldelacruz4529
    @mischelldelacruz45292 жыл бұрын

    I got curious about Fort DeSoto,then i saw this video. Watched it. There's beaches, then i remember the 3sec.instagram live of brian. Might be true.

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    2 жыл бұрын

    I think that Instagram video was debunked, but it does appear that Brian's mom checked into the park in early September. So the possibility of him hiding out in Fort DeSoto does seem to be there!

  • @superchoco5303
    @superchoco53032 жыл бұрын

    Briand Laudnrie is there. Lol

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    2 жыл бұрын

    I guess we'll find out sooner or later!

  • @bradkay
    @bradkay2 жыл бұрын

    It's a County Park, not a State Park.

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for bringing this mistake to our attention, Brad. And of course, thanks for watching!

  • @heatherrickert5576
    @heatherrickert55762 жыл бұрын

    “Come to fort de Soto, where u can relax (hide) on an award winning beach and only pay $5.75 (unless your parents drop u off, then it’s free!). You can put up a hammock and kayak and totally escape federal investigators (even though we sign people in and have cameras!)”

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yeah, sounds like we have a realty TV star to thank for our increased views on this video over the last couple of days!

  • @heatherrickert5576

    @heatherrickert5576

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@Explorcation it’s unfortunate that he has tainted so many beautiful things and places and moments. It’s so frustrating that his parents let him hide in such a gorgeous campsite, while her parents were and are still feeling like they are in hell. 💔

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@heatherrickert5576 it really is heartbreaking.

  • @tylermills8812
    @tylermills88122 жыл бұрын

    Get ready for Brian laundrie traffic

  • @Explorcation

    @Explorcation

    2 жыл бұрын

    You're not joking! This has been our top performing video since last night. It didn't take us long to figure out why!