De Soto National Memorial
Designation: National Memorial
Location: Florida
📘 Park Overview
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.
🌤 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.
🚗 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.
Images
Reenactor Bill Boston on his horse Dixie in front of the De Soto Monument.
Credit: Tim Ohr
De Soto Tim Burke greets on of the parks Junior Rangers
Credit: Tim Ohr
The Sunsets on another day at De Soto NM
Credit: park photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Monday, May 4
Patchy rain nearby
High: 82.8°F | Low: 71.6°F
Humidity: 68%
Wind: 18.1 mph
Rain Chance: 89%
UV Index: 8.7
Sunrise: 06:49 AM
Sunset: 08:06 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (95%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 69.5°F
Cloud Cover: 89%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Tuesday, May 5
Patchy rain nearby
High: 79.4°F | Low: 70.4°F
Humidity: 72%
Wind: 16.8 mph
Rain Chance: 88%
UV Index: 10
Sunrise: 06:48 AM
Sunset: 08:07 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (90%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 69.5°F
Cloud Cover: 88%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Wednesday, May 6
Sunny
High: 78.2°F | Low: 74°F
Humidity: 79%
Wind: 13.4 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 11
Sunrise: 06:48 AM
Sunset: 08:08 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (84%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 72.2°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Living History at De Soto National Memorial
De Soto National Memorial living hsitory allows visitors to get in touch with history. We will have interactive displays of Indigenous and European replica artifacts. There will be an armor table so you can try out and be a member of De Soto's expedition. There will be scheduled programs and demonstrations at 10:00am, 12:00pm, & 2:00pm. The Programs are free and family fun.
Location: De Soto National Memorial is on the Northen Terminus of 75th St NW/ DeSoto Memorial Hwy. The park juts out into the mouth of the Manatee River. Winter temperatures vary between 50-80 degrees.
Date: Jan 9, 2026 12:00am to Jan 11, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Food Truck Saturdays
Date: Jan 17, 2026 12:00am to Jan 17, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy
Bradenton, FL 34209
🏤 Mailing Address:
8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy
Bradenton, FL 34209
📞 Voice Phone: 9417920458
✉️ Email: deso_interpretive_staff@nps.gov