De Soto National Memorial - Bradenton, Florida

De Soto National Memorial - A Journey Through History

Located at 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton, FL 34209, De Soto National Memorial is a historically rich site that commemorates the landing of Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto in 1539. This memorial park, with its phone number 941-792-0458, offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the past and appreciate the significance of De Soto's expedition.

Overview

With its exquisite location along the shores of Tampa Bay, the De Soto National Memorial spans over 26 acres of coastal land, perfect for those who love to explore nature and history. The park is characterized by its well-maintained trails, picturesque beach, and serene mangrove forests. It is a serene destination for a peaceful walk or a family outing. One of the main attractions here is the interpretation of the story of Hernando De Soto, his expedition, and its impact on the indigenous people of Florida. The memorial park also features educational programs and guided tours to make the experience more engaging and interactive.

Specialties and Other Points of Interest

• Memorial park: A place where history comes alive, the De Soto National Memorial is a tribute to the past and a source of learning for the present.
• Public restroom: Visitors can enjoy their time at the park without any discomfort, as clean and well-maintained restrooms are available on-site.

Reviews and Average Opinion

This company, De Soto National Memorial, has garnered a total of 1,729 reviews on Google My Business, reflecting its popularity among visitors. With an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, it's clear that people appreciate the efforts of the staff and the park's management in preserving this historical site and providing an enjoyable experience for all.

One visitor shared, "Although the gate says that the park is closed, all the trails are well maintained. You can park on the right just prior to the gate. It’s a beautiful short walk through the mangrove and along the beach. Well worth it. Dog friendly, no fee, lots of people with dogs." Another visitor praised the park's "awesome trail" and its "nice beach area."

Final Recommendation

For anyone intrigued by the rich tapestry of American history and looking for a peaceful retreat, De Soto National Memorial is an excellent choice. With its picturesque setting, well-maintained facilities, and engaging historical significance, this memorial park offers an unforgettable experience. Don't hesitate to visit and immerse yourself in the stories of the past. To learn more, visit their official website. Plan your visit today and step into history at De Soto National Memorial

👍 Reviews of De Soto National Memorial

Martin B.

5/5

Although the gate says that the park is closed, all the trails are well maintained. You can park on the right just prior to the gate. It’s a beautiful short walk through the mangrove and along the beach. Well worth it. Dog friendly, no fee, lots of people with dogs.

Jawana W. S.

5/5

This was an awesome trail. One area is closed but you can still do the trail from different areas within the park. One of the monuments have been knocked over. Nice beach area. Recommend!

sequoya G.

5/5

This is one of my favorite places to walk. It's beautiful and the trails are well kept. The staff in the welcome center are some of the most wonderful people. I have had the pleasure of meeting.

Sarah D.

4/5

If you are about history then this place is a cool spot to checkout. There is a little visitor center that offers a film and some artifical to checkout. There's a neat spot inside for the kids to try on medival armor to see how heavy it is and a little spot to color. There is a trail that goes along the shoreline that is beautiful. You can see right through the mangrove trees and little spots where the ocean meets the sand you walk on. There are some forts to check out and monuments along the path as well. Some of the signs are almost impossible to read due to the wear of them. Make sure to bring bug spray, we got bitten up awful. Also, maybe go during not so hot months. We went in August and it was so hot, mixed with thr bugs, made parts of it unbearable. But once you're on the trail and see the view, you don't regret going. And you get a little breeze while along the water. Those few negatives are why I gave 4 stars but ultimately it's worth the look for history and views alone.

casey R.

5/5

Fun little beach in the back. It has a little steam that drains the mangroves, me and my kids have fun building dams and changing the direction the water flows out. Fishing can be hit or miss. You won't get a line in on the weekends because boaters will beach and moor there. Unless of course it's football season, then Sundays you can get some fishing in.

Eighty E.

5/5

Great place to go for a walk. Partially shaded trails and beautiful water views. Trails are not too long and well maintained.
Also, dog friendly. Visitors are respectful and observe the dog and liter policies posted.
Markers along the trail explain the historical significance of the area.
Great place to bring family and friends who are visiting.

Kelsie G.

5/5

What a great day trip! Our daughters earned another Junior Ranger badge and we had the best walk! It was stunning views around each bend. There are a ton of picnic tables, so we packed a lunch and soaked in the view. There was a breeze coming off the ocean which made for a perfect experience. This is a dog friendly national park, so next time we plan on bringing our fur kiddo too. Most people go here for the beach we found out but the trails are totally worth it. They were easy enough for my 7 and 3 year old daughters and my senior parents. Very well maintained! The kids programs were not going on the day we were there, you have to check their schedule online to see the historic areas, but it gives us a reason to come back! Highly recommend!

Natalia S.

5/5

During the summer they hold free ranger led kayak tours. This year they are at Robinson preserve due to construction but typically they are held onsite. During seasonal months they have living history museum and short historic trails. Lovely place. People go fishing and swimming and kayaking here. Definitely visit this national park. Free entrance.