The Gulf Fishing Pier at Fort De Soto Park is a rare gem on Florida’s Gulf Coast, offering an experience that feels worlds away from the typical, condo-lined beaches. Stretching more than 1,000 feet into the open Gulf, the pier provides sweeping, unobstructed views of endless blue water and pristine shoreline—no high-rises or commercial development in sight, just pure, natural beauty. The scenery is breathtaking: watch dolphins glide by, seabirds swoop overhead, and the sun set in a blaze of color, all from your spot above the waves. Its location is unbeatable—nestled within a 1,136-acre park made up of five islands, surrounded by white sand beaches and lush trails. The lack of condos or commercial clutter creates a peaceful, authentic Florida atmosphere that’s increasingly hard to find. Whether you’re casting a line for sheepshead or sharks, strolling with family, or simply soaking in the salt air, the Gulf Fishing Pier delivers a memorable escape. With a convenient bait and tackle shop, shaded areas, and plenty of room for everyone, it’s a must-visit for anglers and nature lovers alike—a place where the scenery, solitude, and sense of...
Read moreThe pier is always packed with tourists and fishermen. There is plenty of opportunity to see dolphin and manatee. The dolphin and pelicans make for difficult fishing as they will go after what's on your hook. I witnessed a young man catch a large snook, and a dolphin came up and ripped it off his line while he was trying to reel it in. I felt for him because all the tourists nearby immediately swarmed around him to get a closer look at the situation. During this trip, my friend hooked a pelican while casting her shrimp in the water. We had to walk from the midpoint on the pier back to the beach and drag the bird in the water to get access to the bird to get the hook out of him. I recommend bringing your stuff on wheels because it is a walk from the parking lot. The water and the beach is beautiful, and the wind always seems to pick up around early afternoon. We've caught flounder, jack, greenbacks for bait, pinfish, snook, and lizard fish, and more. There's a shop with restrooms between the parking lot and the pier that has tackle, apparel, food,...
Read moreThis is the prettiest beach ever, the bridge is the perfect place to take pictures, and the water is so clean and pretty! Though if you want to go, you for sure have to leave early, as a lot of people go there and you may not find a parking spot. This beach has dolphins in it, which you can take pictures of them! It has different type of places where you could take a picture. But, do not use the restroom. It is absolutely disgusting and outrageous. If you use the restroom, you will surely get an infection. It is full of toilet paper and pee all over the floor, toilets are mostly filled with peoples fluids, floor is extremely unclean, mold is on the windows, the sink is extremely dirty,and I'm not even sure if the mirror is even there anymore as it was about to fall off. It was extremely dirty with people's hand marks on it anyway. This beach is super pretty, but please, save your time and do NOT use the bathroom in it. It is...
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