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De Soto National Memorial

Designation: National Memorial

Location: Florida

Visit Official Park Website

📘 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.

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

De Soto Tim Burke greets on of the parks Junior Rangers

Credit: Tim Ohr

Sunset at the Park

The Sunsets on another day at De Soto NM

Credit: park photo

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
9:00AM - 4:45PM
Monday
9:00AM - 4:45PM
Tuesday
9:00AM - 4:45PM
Wednesday
9:00AM - 4:45PM
Thursday
9:00AM - 4:45PM
Friday
9:00AM - 4:45PM
Saturday
9:00AM - 4:45PM

Entrance Fees

No entrance fees listed.

Entrance Passes

No entrance passes listed.

3-Day Weather Forecast

Thursday, Feb 19

Partly Cloudy

Partly Cloudy

High: 65.5°F | Low: 62.6°F

Humidity: 95%

Wind: 13.2 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1.6

Sunrise: 07:05 AM

Sunset: 06:25 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (3%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 62.4°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Friday, Feb 20

Cloudy

Cloudy

High: 64.8°F | Low: 62.1°F

Humidity: 97%

Wind: 12.8 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1.6

Sunrise: 07:04 AM

Sunset: 06:26 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (7%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 62.7°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Saturday, Feb 21

Fog

Fog

High: 63.7°F | Low: 59.2°F

Humidity: 98%

Wind: 9.2 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1.7

Sunrise: 07:03 AM

Sunset: 06:26 PM

Moon: Waxing Crescent (14%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 61.6°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Park Alerts

Park Visitor Center Is Closed Information
Due to damage from the 2024 Hurricanes. The Park's visitor centers and restrooms are closed due to health and safety issues. The Park has installed portable restrooms located at the front of the park for visitor use.
De Soto National Memorial is Closed for Thanksgiving Holliday Park Closure
De Soto National Memorial Parking lot and grounds are closed in observance for the Thanksgiving Holliday. We will resume normal operations on Friday. Thank you and have a grateful and happy Thanksgiving!
Park Visitor Center Is Closed Information
Due to damage from the 2024 Hurricanes. The Park's visitor centers and restrooms are closed due to health and safety issues. The Park has installed portable restrooms located at the front of the park for visitor use.
Parking Lot and Surrounding Area Closed for Construction August 26 through September 27. Caution
The Park's parking lot, access road, and outdoor classroom will be closed due to construction safety. Visitors can access the Visitor Center via walking the trails through Riverview Point Preserve located next door. Construction begins Monday August 26.
Park Closed Thursday January 1st for New Year's Holiday Park Closure
De Soto National Memorial is closed on January 1st in observance of the New Years Holiday. We will be open again on the 2nd during normal park hours.
What to Expect During Government Funding Lapse Park Closure
There are currently no amenities or services available due to the lapse in government funding. In general, trails within this park remain as accessible as possible. Visitors are expected to protect park resources by following all regulations and "Leave No Trace" practices. https://www.nps.gov/articles/leave-no-trace-seven-principles.htm For more information, please visit: doi.gov/shutdown

More Info

Park Closed December 25th in Observance of Christmas Holiday Park Closure
De Soto National Memorial is closed on December 25th in observance of the Christmas Day holiday. We will be open again on December 26th as normal.
Park Trails are Closed! Danger
Due to Tropical Storm Colin, all of the park's trails are closed today. The storm will generate high winds, coastal flooding, and thunderstorms. For your safety please stay off of the trails. The park's Visitor Center is open.

More Info

Trail Closures Due to Wayside Installation Caution
Through the week of December 8-12, the park will be installing new signs and waysides. Trail closures will occur as crews and machinery work to remove and install old and new signs. We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

Park Events

The Shore Party

Get your eye patches, head scarfs and peg legs ready! we will host the SHORE PARTY from 10:00 am to 3:00pm. The pirates of the Scarlett Fortuna and the staff of De Soto National Memorial will bring you a unique historical pirate adventure. There will be historic weapon demonstrations, treasure hunts, and reading! We will also feature the firing of DEUS IRAE the park's new bronze cannon!
We will also have food from Killiks Kitchen a Hawaiian, Asian, & BBQ inspired Catering + Food Truck. 🏆 2023 SRQ Magazine TOP 5 Food Trucks! https://www.facebook.com/killikskitchen/
Come out from 10-3 for FREE FAMILY FUN!

Location: De Soto National Memorial on the Northern terminus of 75th St NW. 8300 DeSoto Memorial Hwy Bradenton, FL 34209

Date: Dec 13, 2025 12:00am to Dec 13, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

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
One Saturday a month De Soto National Memorial will feature Food Truck Saturdays. Come out on January 17th were we will feature the Chi-Phi the taste of two Cities, and Wal Pow food trucks from 11:00 until 2:00. Then join us for our living history demonstrations throughout the day! ~All events and programs are subject to change due to weather.~

Date: Jan 17, 2026 12:00am to Apr 18, 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

Park Location

👏 Fun Fact
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