Part beach park, part history site, part nature park, and part campground: Fort DeSoto has a little something for everyone.

Fort DeSoto is a Pinellas County park located on the southwest corner of Mullet Key. Construction began November 1898 and was completed on May 10, 1900. It was built to repel Spanish forces during the Spanish-American war using tent guns among other armament. The foundation is constructed of a shell concrete formula and the walls and ceiling used a shell, stone and concrete mix.

On April 4, 1900 the site was named Fort DeSoto after Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto.
The fort and surrounding area was used as a gunnery and bombing range during World War II. Fort Desoto Park was opened to the public on December 21, 1962 and was dedicated on May 11, 1963.

Fort DeSoto was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. The park has a campground, 2 fishing piers, a museum, nature trails and its North Beach has been voted one of the best beaches in the United States.