Physical Address:

8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy

Bradenton, FL 34209

Mailing Address:

8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy

Bradenton, FL 34209

contact-details

  • Phone Number: 9417920458 Voice

  • Email Address: deso_interpretive_staff@nps.gov

  • Description:

Fees

Entrance Fees
Entrance Passes

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 designation:National Memorial

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.

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

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 restrooms or the park movie at this time. Trails are awaiting rehabilitation and access is limited for those who need mobility assistance.

Exceptions:
  • Thanksgiving Day Park Closed (November 27, 2025 - November 27, 2025)
  • Christmas Day Park Closed (December 25, 2025 - December 25, 2025)
  • New Years Day Park Closed (January 1, 2026 - January 1, 2026)

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.

Exceptions:
  • Park Closed for Thanksgiving Day Holiday (November 27, 2025 - November 27, 2025)
  • Park Closed For Christmas Day Holiday (December 25, 2025 - December 25, 2025)
  • Park Closed For New Year's Day Holiday (January 1, 2026 - January 1, 2026)

Weather Information:

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.

Activities
Fishing
Fishing

Saltwater Fishing
Saltwater Fishing

Living History
Living History

Reenactments
Reenactments

Historic Weapons Demonstration
Historic Weapons Demonstration

Paddling
Paddling

Kayaking
Kayaking

Shopping
Shopping

Bookstore and Park Store
Bookstore and Park Store