de soto national memorial

Great views, nice day out with a bit of history, and free!! Take some food /drinks as there is nothing available for purchase.

Looking for a nice beach, with nice amenities, good facilities, and a spectacular series of views? Here's a good option. Swimming along with the sting rays is a hoot!

Enjoyed the re-enactment of early life in the area. Found the historical displays very informative. Need to see the displays before taking a leisurely walk thru the woods. Gorgeous views of the river and gulf!

Hernando got his taste of and lust for gold when he soldiered under Pizarro in Peru. When he finally got the chance to lead his own expedition, he wasted four years and four thousand miles, traveling all over southeast territory from Florida, up to the Carolinas, and ending in Louisiana (his army, not him; he died from his efforts). Searching for gold instead of his commission to found new Spanish colonies, De Soto saved our southern area from Spanish conquest.The National Memorial is small, but well worth the trip. A live demonstration greets visitors at the entrance, and the visitor center has a wonderful film in addition to a gift shop. The view from the beach afforded us a wonderful sight of windsurfers on this breezy day, and the sun was warm and pleasant.

A very nice National Monument maintained by the National Park Service which is always a first class adventure. An educational visitors center with a short video presentation. They have about a 1 mile hiking path which is easy and level. A nice way to spend a couple hours.

I love to go here to unwind. I walk the trails and sit by the beach and watch the boats. Trails aren't very long and there is plenty of parking. You can see the Sunshine bridge on clear days.

DeSoto National Memorial is a small park along the Manatee River at the northern end of 75th Street West in Bradenton. On some weekends, historically clothed Craftsmen in a small village of grass-roofed huts demonstrate centuries-old crafts. Benches along the river allow you to envision DeSoto's landing at the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico. A wooded path snakes through the coastal area. Picnic tables along the path make for a fine place for a picnic lunch. A small museum/gift shop is included in the park. There is no charge to visit the park.

We like to include the De Soto National Memorial on the area tour we give our house guests. It gives a little realism to that about which we read in school. The small museum building is located on the water near the mouth of Tampa Bay, and is intended to represent the site where De Soto first landed and established his first support base. The actual site is unknown, as is the actual route De Soto took after he landed.30 to 60 minutes: Inside, they show a 20 minute film describing De Soto's venture, from his landing, through his route north and west, to his death and burial in the Mississippi, concluding with the escape of the expedition survivors to safety in Mexico.30 to 60 minutes. Outside, they have a display and docent narrative and demonstration of some of the equipment, animals, techniques, and impact of De Soto's (and other early) expedition. Having been to many similar demonstrations at many other historical sites, I was surprised that I learned more.Note that the turn from SR64 is marked with rather small signs, easy to miss. Simply turn north on 75th Street NW and it ends at the Memorial.There is no fee for entrance. They do sell the National Park Passes there, including the Senior Pass (need ID).

We live within walking distance of the park and love it. We take the dogs, kids and a camera and have a blast. Best time is towards the end of the day, sometimes you can see Dolphins feeding back in the sound! (And my husband proposed to me y the water so it holds a special place in my heart!)

It's worth the drive, we think! Beautiful location by the water. There's a short, lovely trail. The visitor center shows an excellent movie about the history of this location and De Soto, the explorer. A small hands-on outdoor "museum", a replica of a hut of the De Soto days, adds additional appeal. A must-do activity for a family.

This park is very popular. Lots of families with dogs, beautifully maintained walkways that are even handicapped friendly. Lots of spots to picnic, information about the history of the area and brochures available in the office explaining the plants unique to the area marked on the route.

Fun and informative walk for the whole family, even the dog. The trails were easy and level enough for my husband with his walker. Great living history demonstrations.Beautiful trees

A great hideaway off beaten path. Lots of history and a nature aalk around the perimeter. Relaxing at the top of the knoll watching boat traffic at the mouth of Manatee River into Tampa Bay.Historic reenactments check web site for schedule.

Have lived in the area for 25+ years and never knew this national park existed. It was recommended to us by Capt. John of Five O'Clock Charlie's Boat Tours and was well worth the side trip. There is a very small "village" where staff give demonstrations of weapons used back in explorer days. There are beautiful walking trails along the water, with benches and picnic tables. It is free - an added perk.

This is a very special place. There's an interpretive center, where they demonstrate the various weapons from history and have displays of the armor that the first explorers wore while fighting the Indians. Kids would love to experience this because it isn't overwhelming with information and the trails have fun signs along the way as well as a couple of natives lurking in the woods.