In May 1539, Conquistador Hernando de Soto’s army of soldiers, hired mercenaries, craftsmen, and clergy made landfall in Tampa Bay. They were met with fierce resistance of indigenous people protecting their homelands. De Soto’s quest for glory and gold would be a four year, four thousand mile odyssey of intrigue, warfa
Free — you won’t need your pass here.
Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
- Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
- HoursDe Soto National Memorial is open with a Visitor Contact Tent. The park's Visitor Center remains closed due to Hurricane damage. The park cannot offer the movie at this time. Trails are awaiting rehabilitation and access
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 9417920458 · deso_interpretive_staff@nps.gov
Driving Directions: From I-75 Take exit 220 SR 64/Manatee Ave, Gulf Beaches exit. Travel west on SR 64 for approximately 12 miles to 75th St. W. Turn right onto 75th St. W. travel north approximately 2 miles to the northern terminus 75th St. W. turns into De Soto Memorial Hwy and dead ends into the
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for De Soto National Memorial — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
No Is there a fee at De Soto National Memorial?
No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Yes Can you fish at De Soto National Memorial?
Yes — fishing is one of the listed activities here. You’ll need a valid state fishing license.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at De Soto National Memorial. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include DESO Nature Trail, Visitor Center Pathways. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Depends What are the hours?
De Soto National Memorial is open with a Visitor Contact Tent. The park's Visitor Center remains closed due to Hurricane damage. The park cannot offer the movie at this time. Trails are awaiting rehabilitation and access
Nearby sites
Zammerman / CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge
CheckThis U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
The original uploader was Dlohcierekim's sock at English Wik / CC BY-SA 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge
CheckThis U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
