De Soto National Memorial

De Soto National Memorial sits on 26 acres where the Manatee River flows into Tampa Bay, with mangrove forests and coastal terrain creating the landscape. The site features reconstructed buildings, period artifacts, and walking trails that help visitors picture what happened here centuries ago.

Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto landed here in May 1539 with roughly 600 soldiers, launching a four-year journey of exploration through southeastern North America. This arrival fundamentally changed the trajectory of the region and its inhabitants.

The site tells the story of Spanish arrival and encounters with the indigenous peoples already living here. Visitors walking through can see how this moment shaped the cultural landscape of the region.

Entry is free and visitors can explore on their own or join guided tours to learn about the history and natural surroundings. During warmer months, kayak tours are available with equipment provided for paddling through the waterways.

The memorial displays original weapons and armor from the 1500s, giving visitors a tangible sense of what the soldiers carried and wore. About 80 percent of the grounds consists of protected mangrove wetlands that serve as home to birds and other wildlife.