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.
Photo: Tim Ohr / NPS
About 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. 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.
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Driving times from De Soto National Memorial, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Hours
De Soto National Memorial
- Mon
- 9:00AM - 4:30PM
- Tue
- 9:00AM - 4:30PM
- Wed
- 9:00AM - 4:30PM
- Thu
- 9:00AM - 4:30PM
- Fri
- 9:00AM - 4:30PM
- Sat
- 9:00AM - 4:30PM
- Sun
- 9:00AM - 4:30PM
De Soto National Memorial Entrance Gate and Parking Lot Hours
- Mon
- 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Tue
- 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Wed
- 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Thu
- 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Fri
- 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Sat
- 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Sun
- 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Activities
Getting there
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.
Frequently asked questions
- What is there to do at De Soto National Memorial?
- Popular activities include Bookstore and Park Store, Fishing, Historic Weapons Demonstration, Kayaking, Living History, Paddling.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of De Soto National Memorial?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Fort Matanzas National Monument (3 h 36 min), Castillo de San Marcos National Monument (3 h 45 min), Canaveral National Seashore (4 h 34 min), Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve (4 h 34 min), Biscayne National Park (4 h 47 min), Everglades National Park (5 h 1 min).