De Soto National Memorial
National Memorial · Florida
Tim Ohr
United States historic place
De Soto National Memorial is a national memorial located in Manatee County, approximately five miles west of Bradenton, Florida. The national memorial commemorates the 1539 landing of Hernando de Soto and the first extensive organized exploration by Europeans of what is now the southern United States. The memorial site comprises 26.84 acres (10.86 ha), where the Manatee River joins Tampa Bay. It has 3,000 feet (910 m) of coastline; eighty percent of the area is mangrove swamp.
About De Soto National Memorial
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 Photos
Activities
Operating Hours
De Soto National Memorial
De 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.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00AM - 4:30PM | 9:00AM - 4:30PM | 9:00AM - 4:30PM | 9:00AM - 4:30PM | 9:00AM - 4:30PM | 9:00AM - 4:30PM | 9:00AM - 4:30PM |
De Soto National Memorial Entrance Gate and Parking Lot Hours
De Soto National Memorial is open seven days a week with exceptions of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. The park will also be closed during periods of severe weather like tropical storms and hurricanes.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00AM - 5:00PM | 8:00AM - 5:00PM | 8:00AM - 5:00PM | 8:00AM - 5:00PM | 8:00AM - 5:00PM | 8:00AM - 5:00PM | 8:00AM - 5:00PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter De Soto National Memorial?
De Soto National Memorial is free to enter.
What are the best activities at De Soto National Memorial?
Popular activities at De Soto National Memorial include: Fishing, Saltwater Fishing, Living History, Reenactments, Historic Weapons Demonstration, Paddling, Kayaking, Shopping.
What is the weather like at De Soto National Memorial?
Summers 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 with lows reaching on average 60 degrees.
How do I get to De Soto National Memorial?
Driving 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 2 miles to the northern terminus 75th St. W. turns into De Soto Memorial Hwy and dead ends into the park.
Entrance Fees
Free Admission
Weather
Summers 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 with lows reaching on average 60 degrees.
Directions
Driving 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 2 miles to the northern terminus 75th St. W. turns into De Soto Memorial Hwy and dead ends into the park.
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Official Resources
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