Historic Sites, Monuments & Landmarks · Bradenton
De Soto National Memorial
- Since
- 1948
- Location
- Bradenton
- Languages
- English
Story
Overview
De Soto National Memorial, managed by the National Park Service in Bradenton, commemorates the 1539 expedition of Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto and its impact on the American Indian societies of the Southeast. Created in 1948, the park is open year-round, and admission is free.
The De Soto Expedition
In May 1539, Hernando de Soto's army of soldiers, hired mercenaries, craftsmen, and clergy made landfall in Tampa Bay, where they met fierce resistance from Indigenous people protecting their homelands. De Soto's quest for glory and gold became a four-year, four-thousand-mile journey of intrigue, warfare, disease, and discovery that would shape the history of the United States. Park rangers and staff help visitors understand this important and controversial historical event.
Camp Uzita and Living History
The park's signature programming is its living history talks and demonstrations at Camp Uzita, a re-creation of a 16th-century native village, open January through April. On Fridays through Sundays, visitors can handle replica artifacts from Indigenous and European societies, try on replica armor, and watch historic weapon demonstrations. Programs may be canceled due to rain and severe weather.
Nature and Shoreline
A nature trail winds along the shoreline and through several Florida ecosystems, including a mangrove forest like the one De Soto's men would have encountered when they landed. Interpretive signs along the trail tell the story of the expedition and the area's natural history. The park has two small beaches: De Soto Point Beach, exposed to the current of the Manatee River and the waves of Tampa Bay, and the more sheltered Cove Beach. Fall and early spring bird migrations draw bird watchers to the park.
Hours
The park is open year-round. The park grounds are closed from sunset to sunrise.
Products & services
Free Admission
De Soto National Memorial charges no entrance fee, and no pass is required for the visitor center or the park's special events and activities. America the Beautiful passes are not sold at the park.
Living History Programs
Talks, replica artifacts, try-on replica armor, and historic weapon demonstrations at Camp Uzita, offered January through April.
Ranger-Led Kayak Tours
Summer tours of about 1.5 hours for groups of up to 10 people, with tandem kayaks, paddles, and life vests provided. Children must be at least 7 years old and weigh at least 50 lbs.
Reservation Programs
Ranger-led kayak tours, Junior Ranger day camps, De Soto Rancho fishing clinics, the Escape Uzita escape room, and De Soto After Dark, booked through Recreation.gov with a $1 service fee per ticket.
Group Visits
Visits for groups and tours, scheduled at least two weeks in advance.
Nature Trail
A shoreline trail through several Florida ecosystems, including a mangrove forest, with interpretive signs about the expedition and natural history.
Picnic Area
A picnic area next to the parking lot, available on a first-come basis. Large groups and schools should call ahead. Grills and alcohol are not allowed.
Beaches, Fishing & Boating
Two small beaches with no lifeguards, rod-and-reel fishing with a valid Florida fishing license, and launching of hand-carried canoes and kayaks from the park beaches.
Bird Watching
Seasonal bird migrations in the fall and early spring, with updates on recent sightings available at the visitor center.
Pet-Friendly Park
Leashed pets are welcome on the park's trails and water areas.
Location
8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton, FL, 34209
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