De Soto National Memorial Tours
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.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.
Notifications and Alerts
A No Swimming Advisory has been issued by Suncoast Waterkeeper due to raw and partially treated sewage in the Manatee River as reported by the City of Bradenton Water Reclamation Facility. In the abundance of safety, De Soto National Memorial will not be conducting any kayak tours or other programs on or near the water for the foreseeable future. We apologize for the inconvenience, thank you for your understanding. More information may be found at https://cityofbradenton.com/reportableevents
Need to Know
- COVID 19 Safety Precautions
Exposure to COVID-19 is an inherent risk in any public location where people are present; we cannot guarantee you will not be exposed during your visit.
- Prohibited
Firearms, alcoholic beverages, coolers, smoking, pets. Bring electronic equipment (cameras, phones, watches) at your own risk. People who arrive and appear intoxicated will not be allowed on the tour.
- Weather
The average temperature in the summer 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.
- Fees and Cancellations
Programs at De Soto National Memorial are free. A non-refundable $1.00 reservation fee per person applies. If you have made reservations and are unable to reschedule or attend your scheduled tour/program, please cancel your reservation to open space for other participants, as all tours/programs are in high demand. Park staff cancel tours and programs for unsafe conditions, including but not limited to insufficient staffing, unsafe water conditions, harmful algae blooms, and extreme or inclement weather.
- Arrive on Time
If you arrive late and miss any safety briefing, you will not be permitted on the program. Please plan for summer traffic and other unforeseen delays.
- Internet & Cellular Access
De Soto National Memorial has no public WiFi features for internet access. Cellular reception is spotty at best depending on your service provider.
Booking Windows
Primary Booking Window: Tickets are available 14 days in advance of the tour date at 8 a.m. ET.
Secondary Booking Window: n/a
Changes and Cancellations
Programs and tours are free. There are no refunds for the $1.00 reservation fee under any circumstances.
If you have made reservations and are unable to reschedule or attend your scheduled tour/program, please cancel your reservation to open space for other participants, as all tours and programs are in high demand. Park staff cancel tours and programs for unsafe conditions, including but not limited to insufficient staffing, unsafe water conditions, harmful algae blooms, and extreme or inclement weather.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
8300 Desoto Memorial Hwy Bradenton FL 34209
Phone Number
941-792-0458 X105
