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.
Photo: Tim Ohr
De Soto National Memorial
In May 1539, Conquistador Hernando de Soto’s army of soldiers, hired mercenaries, craftsmen, and clergy made landfall in Tampa Bay.
- LocationBradenton, FL
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursDaily, 9:00AM - 4:30PM
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Weather now85°F Overcast
- Alerts 2 active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Birds
- Colonial/European Contact Conflicts
- Estuaries and Mangroves
- Explorers and Expeditions
- Hispanic American Heritage
- Indigenous and Native Warrior
- Maritime
11 more topics
- Maritime - Military
- Marshes
- Massacres
- Military
- Native American Heritage
- Ships and Shipwrecks
- Swamps
- Tortoises and Turtles
- Tragic Events
- Wars and Conflicts
- Wetlands
Alerts (2)
CautionPark Trails are Experiencing Seasonal Flooding and High Tides Please be aware that portions of the nature trails are currently flooded due to seasonal high tides. These tides can cau… Read more
Please be aware that portions of the nature trails are currently flooded due to seasonal high tides. These tides can cause unexpected water levels, making certain areas of the trails slippery or difficult to navigate. For your safety, exercise caution and be prepared for wet conditions. Consider wearing waterproof footwear and keep to higher ground where possible. Always stay on marked paths.
InformationPark Visitor Center Is Closed Due to damage from the 2024 Hurricanes. The Park's visitor centers and restrooms are closed due to health and safety iss… Read more
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.
Things to Do
9 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Facilities & Services
Find tours, tickets and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Tours & Tickets
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De Soto National Memorial Tours
Ticket Facility
De Soto National Memorial is located on mouth of the Manatee River in Bradenton, Florida. This small 26-acre waterfront park offers lots of opportunity to view the…
Book tickets on Recreation.gov 8300 Desoto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton, FL
Details
De Soto National Memorial is located on mouth of the Manatee River in Bradenton, Florida. This small 26-acre waterfront park offers lots of opportunity to view the Manatee River and Tampa Bay. The Park was established in 1948 to commemorate the 1539 expedition of Hernando de Soto. We invite you to explore the park's natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and rich history.
Other Visitor Services
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De Soto National Memorial Visitor Reception Tent
Facility
The De Soto National Visitor Reception area is located on the sidewalk outside of the Visitor Center. Visitors can receive information such as program and tour times and…
8300 Desoto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton, FL (941) 792-0458 Directions
Details
The De Soto National Visitor Reception area is located on the sidewalk outside of the Visitor Center. Visitors can receive information such as program and tour times and signups, trail maps, brochures, and the parks Junior Ranger Activity Book. Tent may be closed due to thunderstorms, high temperatures with a heat index over 95 degrees, and high sustained winds.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, 9:00AM - 4:30PM · De Soto National Memorial
Hours by area (2)
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De Soto National MemorialDaily, 9:00AM - 4:30PM
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 the movie at this time. Trails are awaiting rehabilitation and access is limited for those who need mobility assistance. There are portable restroom facilities and handwashing stations on site for visitor use.
Monday 9:00AM - 4:30PM Tuesday 9:00AM - 4:30PM Wednesday 9:00AM - 4:30PM Thursday 9:00AM - 4:30PM Friday 9:00AM - 4:30PM Saturday 9:00AM - 4:30PM Sunday 9:00AM - 4:30PM -
De Soto National Memorial Entrance Gate and Parking Lot HoursDaily, 8:00AM - 5:00PM
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.
Monday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Tuesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Wednesday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Thursday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Saturday 8:00AM - 5:00PM Sunday 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Weather
85°F
Overcast · feels like 93°
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Today
85° 77°
Overcast86% rain
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Tomorrow
84° 79°
Light rain shower87% rain -
Saturday
82° 79°
Light rain shower85% rain
Updated 4 hr ago
What to expect by season
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.
Contact the park
Getting There
Bradenton, FL 34209
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.
Full directions
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.
Mailing address: 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton, FL 34209
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