De Soto National Memorial

Things To Do Near De Soto National Memorial

The De Soto National Memorial offers an excellent blend of education and adventure. With options as diverse as craft demonstrations and kayaking trips, the park offers something for everyone in the family. Relax on the beach, take a dip in the ocean, or try fishing from the shore. Be sure to bring your binoculars—the spring and fall migrations bring fantastic bird-watching. Within a few minutes of the park, you'll find international restaurants, museums, and shopping.

Hiking Trails

• Nature Trail

  Stroll through the trees of the De Soto National Memorial on the Nature Trail, which travels next to every important spot in the park. As you hike, you'll see a mangrove forest, beaches, and other Florida ecosystems. Keep an eye out for the interpretive signs next to the path; they provide fascinating information about the conquistadors and the local flora and fauna.

  Location

  Visitor Center 75th St NW, Bradenton, FL 34209

  Length

  Varies

  Intensity

  Easy

• Riverview Pointe Preserve Trails

  Riverview Pointe Preserve sits adjacent to the De Soto National Memorial. A small trail network meanders through the oak hammock and mangrove forest, providing a spot for relaxing walks. You can walk to the trails directly from the memorial, so there's no need to drive or find another parking spot.

  Location

  8250 De Soto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton, FL 34209

  Length

  Varies

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Camp Uzita

  If you're visiting between December and April, Camp Uzita is a must-see destination inside the De Soto National Memorial. Historic reenactors populate this living history camp, providing a fascinating peek into life for people in Florida in the 1500s. Learn about Native American crafts and culture, watch Spanish soldiers working with weapons, and more.

  Location

  Visitor Center 75th St NW, Bradenton, FL 34209

• Tabby House Ruins

  Learn about a historic building technique at the Tabby House ruins inside the De Soto National Memorial. The structure is a bit of a mystery, making it a popular spot for archaeological digs. The house itself was built in the 1800s from tabby, which is a blend of sand, lime, and oyster shells. Before the house, the site may have been a fishing camp for the Spanish soldiers.

  Location

  Visitor Center 75th St NW, Bradenton, FL 34209

Museums

• Florida Maritime Museum

  If you have a short amount of time, visit the Florida Maritime Museum. Small and friendly, it explores the maritime history of the state. Learn about hurricanes, boating, fishing, Cuban rancheros, and more. The museum is located in a schoolhouse that was built in 1912; after your visit, you can explore the grounds to see artifacts from the historic Cortez Commercial Fishing Village.

  Location

  4415 119th St W, Cortez, FL 34215

• The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

  The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature offers a fun and exciting educational experience for kids and adults. Here, you can explore the natural and cultural history of the Gulf Coast. Check out Paleo-Indian artifacts, watch manatees in the museum's rehabilitation habit, and stop in to the remarkable all-digital planetarium. 

  Location

  201 10th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205

• Manatee Village Historical Park

  Enjoy the beautiful Florida weather while you walk through the Manatee Village Historical Park. This open-air museum, which is set in a lovely grove of trees, takes you back in time to the mid-1840s. This is an interactive spot—you can climb aboard a 1913 Baldwin Locomotive, walk through a historic general store, and explore a boat-building shop. Other spots include a Florida pioneer farmhouse, a barn, church, and courthouse. In total, the museum offers 14 different spots. Admission is free, and the area is great for kids and families.

  Location

  1404 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Crowder's Gifts & Gadgets

  Spend an hour browsing the varied stock of gifts, clothing, and jewelry at Crowder's Gifts & Gadgets. Make sure to pick up a box of the fantastic homemade fudge to enjoy in camp.

  Location

  5409 Manatee Ave W, #3746, Bradenton, FL 34209

• Island Bazaar

  Island Bazaar is a classic Florida gift shop that's packed with everything from swimsuits to souvenirs. Grab a fun fridge magnet, or pick up beach supplies for your vacation.

  Location

  3304 E Bay Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

• AMI Outfitters Coastal Gear & Men's Apparel

  If you're planning to go fishing during your trip to the De Soto National Memorial, AMI Outfitters Coastal Gear & Men's Apparel has everything you need. With supplies for spin fishing, saltwater fly-fishing, and deep-water fishing, there's something for all types of anglers.

  Location

  401 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216

• Cremesh European Restaurant

  Dig into dishes from across Europe at Cremesh European Restaurant. Whether you're in the mood for goulash or Wiener schnitzel, the menu has you covered. End your meal with the chef's signature pastry, custard, and fruit dessert.

  Location

  7232 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209

• Danny's Pizzeria

  Danny's Pizzeria is the perfect spot for a quick meal near the De Soto National Memorial. Dine at one of the outdoor tables or take your pizza to go; the menu also includes salads and classic appetizers such as garlic knots and fried ravioli.

  Location

  7220 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209

• Olympic Café

  Come hungry when you visit Olympic Café; with appetizers such as spanakopita and fried zucchini, every meal starts out with a bang. In addition to traditional Greek favorites, including lamb shank and moussaka, the menu includes salads, sandwiches, seafood, and burgers.

  Location

  6408 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209

How To Get To De Soto National Memorial

From northern or southern Florida, the easiest way to get to the De Soto National Memorial is on I-75. If you're driving from Orlando or other northern destinations, take I-75 south to US-41 south. In Bradenton, turn east on FL-64 and north on 75th St. NW until you reach the park entrance. If you're coming from the south, take I-75 north to FL-64 east and follow the same route.

Address

8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton, FL 34209

Fee: Entry Fee (per person)

There is no entry fee.

The De Soto National Memorial offers a look at the turbulent history of the United States' early days. Whether you're a history buff or an outdoor enthusiast, the park offers plenty to do. Maximize your time by renting an RV and camping at a nearby park; it's a wonderful way to experience the memorial and the other Tampa-area attractions.