Reenactor Bill Boston on his horse Dixie in front of the De Soto Monument.
De Soto National Memorial
National Memorial · FL
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, warfare, disease, and discovery that would form the history of the United States.
Park report
Alert: Information
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesPark Visitor Center Is Closed
Hours Exceptions
NoteThanksgiving Day Park Closed; Christmas Day Park Closed; New Years Day Park Closed
Entrance Fee
How this is rated
Good: free entryFree — no entrance fee
Visitor Centers
Good1 visitor center
Activities Available
How this is rated
Good: many activities available9 activities
Park Name
InfoDe Soto National Memorial
Designation
InfoNational Memorial
State(s)
InfoFL
Phone
Info9417920458
deso_interpretive_staff@nps.gov
Operating Hours
InfoDe 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 is limited for those who need mobility assistance. There are portable restroom facilities and handwashing stations on site for visitor use.
Campgrounds
InfoNo campgrounds listed
Visitor Center: De Soto National Memorial Visitor Reception Tent
InfoSee park for hours
Activity: Fishing
InfoAvailable
Activity: Saltwater Fishing
InfoAvailable
Activity: Living History
InfoAvailable
Activity: Reenactments
InfoAvailable
Activity: Historic Weapons Demonstration
InfoAvailable
Activity: Paddling
InfoAvailable
Activity: Kayaking
InfoAvailable
Activity: Shopping
InfoAvailable
Activity: Bookstore and Park Store
InfoAvailable
Theme: Explorers and Expeditions
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Hispanic American Heritage
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Maritime
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Maritime - Military
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Ships and Shipwrecks
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Military
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Indigenous and Native Warrior
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Native American Heritage
InfoFeatured at this park
Weather Info
InfoSummers avg. Temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit with a relative humidity of 80-90% Late afternoon showers and thunderstorms are common usually lasting only 10-20 minutes. Winters are mild and dry wi
Getting There
InfoDriving 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
GPS Coordinates
Info27.5227° N, -82.6434° W
Data from official federal recreation records. Updated periodically. Park conditions change — always verify with the park before visiting. Verify on official park website