It was a cold, windy, miserable day, cold front came through, but I wanted to look for migrant birds on my day off. I can imagine this venue is awesome on good days, in spite of the conditions, I still saw 52 bird species! There were too many trails to hike them all. The gift shop provided a moment of warmth and the grill provided a delicious warm meal. Definitely worth the drive and effort. It costs 5 dollars to visit all day. Best time to see the birds was low tide.

Went to the beach and it is beautiful white sand and very pristine. Some have mentioned parking issues but we found parking very easy to navigate on the park mobile app. This is the same app you would use to park in most of St. Petersburg. Beautiful place, not crowded what more could you ask for.

This park and it's beaches are a gem! So different from the crowded commercialism at the other St. Pete beaches. Plenty of parking for $5 a day, restrooms, picnic shelters and lots of handicap facilities. Beautiful white sand and turquoise water, not to mention all the shells. So glad we found this!!

took Hubbard's ferry for a day at Shell Key. found many shells and a few starfish and sand dollars. also saw some dolphins on the trip to and from the key. I would recommend this trip to parents who want their kids to be thrilled at how many shells they can pick up. P.S bring a big bucket.

This is a beautiful natural spot, a nice quiet place to get away for the day. Beaches are beautiful, although the water was quite rough on the day we were there. Lots of space to spread out from other people on the multiple beaches and recreation areas available. Just a few things to note. There are 2 tolls while going into the park, it doesn't seem like there is any avoiding these and they are both cash-less. Secondly you will want to bring food with you or plan to have eaten before arriving as there didn't appear to be much of anything available nearby the park. Overall a nice place to visit and a bargain price at $5 for parking for the day.

Extensive clean beach, white sand, calm water, North Beach has snack bar, umbrella and chair rental available Tips: In spring, rental for umbrella and chairs at snack bar on North Beach closes by 2:00. Chairs and umbrellas have to be returned by 3:00. You need a car to get to the park or bike, if you are a good biker. We Ubered and could get out there but had extreme difficulty getting an Uber to bring us back to our hotel. Don't risk taking a ride service there. If you like waves, you won't like this beach. Also, there aren't a lot of shells and nothing to see if you want to snorkel. This beach is best for families with very young children and inexperienced swimmers. Also, for those that just want to sit around on a beach.

Great beach day at Fort De Soto Park. Entrance fee includes parking and there are plenty of spaces. A bit of a walk to the beach. There are washroom facilities as you walk in. A great place for families to spend the day. No lifeguards.

Everything about the beaches and marine life you read about are true, BUT as a local I have never met ruder staff/employees anywhere else in the Bay Area. Ive been here twice in 9 months and can't seem to wonder why everyone who works here is so unhappy. Definitely not the norm at other County and State Parks throughout Pinellas and Pasco County. Enjoy the beauty, avoid the staff.