Looking for fun and educational things to do near Sarasota? Visit the De Soto National Memorial! De Soto National Memorial offers a perfect blend of history and natural beauty. Commemorating the 1539 landing of Hernando de Soto and his 600 soldiers’ four-year expedition through the southern United States.
Learn about the past while enjoying the scenery and wildlife of the Manatee River and Tampa Bay at the De Soto National Memorial on your next Sarasota vacation, it’s a must-visit for history and nature enthusiasts alike!
History
The De Soto National Memorial was established in 1948 to preserve the story of Hernando de Soto’s expedition. He was a Spanish conquistador appointed by King Charles V to explore La Florida and seek wealth and new trade routes. In 1539, de Soto and his army landed in Tampa Bay, encountering resistance from indigenous people.
Their four-year journey covered 4,000 miles across ten states, but de Soto never found the riches he sought. He died in 1542 near the Mississippi River. The expedition had a lasting impact on the American Southeast and native populations.
Basic Information
Located in Manatee County, De Soto National Memorial features 3,000 feet of coastline where the Manatee River meets Tampa Bay. With 80% of the area covered in mangrove swamps, the park offers a unique natural environment. It is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Best of all, admission is free for all visitors!
The park boasts a visitor center where you can watch a 22-minute film about De Soto’s expedition. Explore exhibits and artifacts that showcase the region’s history and culture. Don’t forget to check out the bookstore for books and souvenirs!
Several trails await your exploration, whether on foot or by bike. The De Soto Trail is a 3/4-mile loop that takes you through the mangrove forest, along the shoreline, and past historical markers. The Nature Trail is a 1/4-mile boardwalk leading to a bird observation platform and a fishing pier.
How to Get There
Getting to De Soto National Memorial is easy by car. If you’re coming from our Sarasota vacation homes, take US-41 north to Cortez Road, turn right, and continue until you reach 75th Street West. Turn left and drive for about two miles until you reach De Soto Memorial Highway. Take a right, and you’ll find the park entrance.
From Tampa, take I-275 South to I-75 South. Take exit 220 for State Road 64 West toward Bradenton. After about 11 miles, turn right onto 75th Street West and drive for three miles until you reach De Soto Memorial Highway. Turn left, and you’ll reach the park entrance.
Plan Your Sarasota Vacation
Looking for the perfect place to stay during your De Soto adventure? Look no further than Vunique! Our luxury vacation rentals offer the perfect mix of relaxation and fun, featuring refreshing pools, fully equipped kitchens, stunning views, and so much more! Start planning your Sarasota getaway with Vunique Vacations and make your vacation dreams a reality today!
Things to Do at the Memorial
De Soto National Memorial offers engaging activities for all ages. Experience a living history demonstration of de Soto’s camp. Witness reenactors dressed in 16th-century clothing, learn about their weapons and equipment and even watch a mock battle. Demonstrations are held from December to April, Wednesday through Sunday.
Join a ranger-led kayak tour of the Manatee River and Tampa Bay. Learn about the Fort De Soto Park ecology and history while spotting dolphins, manatees, and birds. Tours run from June to August, Thursday through Sunday. Don’t forget to make reservations online.
Engage your kids with the Junior Ranger program. They can complete fun activities in a booklet, earn a badge and certificate, and become official junior rangers!
Attend special events and festivals like the Castortowne Pirate Invasion in May, featuring a pirate village and demonstrations, or the De Soto Landing Reenactment in March, where de Soto’s arrival is dramatized.
The park also offers picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and drinking water, so you can relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy the park’s beauty!
Your Sarasota Vacation Home
With its pristine beaches, delicious restaurants, and wealth of family-friendly activities, it’s easy to see why Sarasota is a favorite vacation spot for so many! When it comes to finding the perfect Sarasota vacation rentals for your stay, no one does it better than Vunique Vacations. Our luxury properties are equipped with everything you need for the perfect getaway!
Whether you’re planning a short weekend getaway or an extended stay, you can ensure an unforgettable vacation with Vunique. Find the perfect Sarasota vacation rental and start planning a getaway filled with relaxation, exploration, and the comforts of a home away from home today!
