Shelling at Fort de Soto (and the Fort, too!

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So, back on my spring 2021 trip through Florida with my parents we went to Fort de Soto and I was.. not impressed.

I expected to do some shelling at Fort de Soto then we got there and it was busy, the beach was tiny near the part of the fort in the water, and it was just not good.

fort de soto beach florida — This was from my first visit. Why on Earth did I think the beach was so small and busy?

I chalked it up as a loss and didn’t plan to go back. Then, when my my friends came to visit in October of 2023 I figured we would give it a shot.

And boy am I glad we did because this is easily one of my favorite Florida beaches now! Give places second chances!

We actually went through the fort then onto the beach but I’m sharing backwards here since you’re here for the shelling. The fort section will be the third heading below this.

Shelling at Fort de Soto

This was like, the perfect beach day. It was sunny, not too hot, not too cold, and not even remotely busy.

The sand is so white, the water is so blue, and there were so many weird creatures on the beach!

After our walk through the fort we decided to see what kind of shells we could find. Well, that’s what I did and one friend joined me while the other hung out with a bird named Dorito.

There weren’t a ton of shells there, really, but I did find a few cool things. There were a lot of things with a lot of barnacles on them which were cool.

We also saw a bunch of Pen Shells with the things that live in them hanging out. They look so weird and I’ve never seen them before!

They’re big pink mushy looking things that are actually sort of solid feeling. They look kind of gross but I love them. The shells they’re in are also really cool looking.

I didn’t find any whole sand dollars but I did find lots of broken ones. I like to pick those up to hopefully make a really good frankendollar someday.

The most exciting things though were a moon jellyfish and a little tiny starfish! I left the jellyfish but the starfish was just sitting up on the beach and I picked it up not sure if it was alive.

It was so I took it’s picture then set it back in the water. I think it was a brittle star (based on Googling) but I’m not entirely sure.

Remember, you can’t take any live shells, sand dollars, or starfish, basically any live creature. It’s not only cruel, but illegal.

We didn’t spend tons of time on the beach, probably less than an hour, but I really loved it and will absolutely go back someday to go further down the beach from the fort!

What kind of shells are at Fort de Soto?

I think the shells at Fort de Soto are pretty typical of the area. I’ve read it’s really good for finding sand dollars but I didn’t see any whole ones, lots of pieces though.

I found a lot of the bigger clamshell type things with a lot of barnacles on them. I love things with barnacles on them.

There were also a solid number of stuff pen shells with.. something.. coming out of them. Whatever lives in them, I’m sure.

Sand dollars
Stiff pen shell
Wormies
Jewelboxes
Fighting conchs
Cockles
And much more

Walking around the fort

While the shelling at Fort de Soto was my priority and I had already been through the fort, we obviously had to go through it since they hadn’t been there.

It’s not my favorite fort in Florida so far (Fort Clinch is), it’s pretty good. It doesn’t have much in it though like Fort Clinch and Castillo de San Marcos.

There are signs throughout the fort talking about what it was used for and when which is interesting but I’m not getting into the history of it here.

The fort isn’t huge so it doesn’t take too long to get through, less than an hour for sure, but there are a lot of rooms you can go into, even if they are mostly empty.

There’s also a sidewalk that you can take to go over the top of the fort which has really nice views of both the beach and the park.

Since I’ve been through the fort twice now I would skip it next time I think but If you’ve never been before it’s worth a stroll through.

Is Fort de Soto Park the same as De Soto Monument?

Nope! Fort de Soto Park is a county park while the national monument is run by National Park Service. In here I’m talking about the county park.

I actually didn’t realize they were different until after I went here this time! I haven’t been to the national monument yet.

Where is Fort de Soto?

Fort de Soto Park is at the north side of the entrance to Tampa Bay, closer to St. Pete, while De Soto National Monument is at the south end near Bradenton and Anna Maria Island.

What to bring shelling at Fort de Soto

Sunscreen – If you plan on being outside, you’ll want sunscreen. I like the Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch a lot AND it’s reef safe! If you’re sensitive to fragrance though, it’s not a good choice. I also like the same one but specifically for your face.

Shell bag – I got these mesh shell bags over the summer and really like them so far. I do wish they were bigger but then I’ll just use two since it came with four. Buy my shell bags here!

Shark tooth sifter – The best and easiest way to find shark teeth is with a sifter. Scoop the sand into it with the sifter below, carefully shake the sand out of it on the water, and dig through whats left. We liked this one. You can use it alone but it’s easier with two people (one to scoop, one to sift). Buy our sifter here!

Big sand scooper – The best way to get the sand into the sifter is with one of these giant scoopers. We liked this one. Buy our scooper here!

Shell scoop (for standing) – A Sand Dipper shell scoop can help you get shells that are under water if you don’t want to snorkel/swim. They can also help just on the beach so you don’t have to bend over. You can scoop the shells right up. Buy a shell scoop here.

Sun hat – I got this giant sun hat and I love it! Mine doesn’t have the lining underneath but they do have some with UPF 50+ linings. Buy my hat here.

Water bottle – It’ll be hot and you’ll need to stay hydrated. Even if it’s not hot you need to stay hydrated. A Hydro Flask will keep your water ice cold all day long.

Headlamp – This is really only necessary if you’re going shelling at the crack of dawn so you can still use your hands to pick up shells and carry your bag.

How much is Fort de Soto?

There is a $5 entrance (parking) fee but if you enter on foot or bike it’s free!

There is also a little store in the park with snacks, beach gear, and rentals which would be an additional fee, of course.

Is shelling at Fort de Soto worth it?

Yes! I absolutely loved it and will definitely go back whenever I’m in the area!

I actually didn’t find a ton of shells here and there weren’t really any of the piles of shells like some other beaches but I feel like it has potential to be really great.

The beach itself is fantastic and I would go back just for that, too!