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• Egmont Key off St. Petersburg, Florida is a tiny island with a grandiose past that’s only accessible by boat. This 450-acre island was used as a jail for Seminoles, and was held by the Union in the Civil War for its strategic location in the bay. With the threat of war against the Spanish in 1898, a fort was built on the seashell shore to guard against potential attack, and stands today as concrete reminder of the island’s historic past. When visiting Egmont Key today on a boat ride from Fort DeSoto Beach, pack along shoes to enjoy the hiking trails that weave through the island’s interior, and keep a lookout for gopher tortoises that inhabit the sandy the island. Also bring your bathing suit, of course, for wading in the cerulean waters, and sunscreen to keep your skin protected while lounging out on the beach. Towards the end of the island is Egmont Key Lighthouse, which has stoically stood here since 1858 as an aid to passing ships. Today it’s one of the only structures that still remain on the key, which is a calming retreat of seashells and wilderness just minutes from bustling Tampa Bay.Egmont Key is a Florida State Park and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are no shops or facilities on the island, so you’ll have bring everything with you, including food, water, sunscreen, and anything you need for the beach. From March-September ferries run twice per day, departing Fort DeSoto at 10am and 11am, returning at 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm. From after Labor Day through the end of February, one ferry per day runs at 11am, returning at either 3pm or 2pm depending on the time of year.No, due to the remote nature of the island, there are no restrooms. The Egmont Key ferry from Fort De Soto does have an onboard restroom that can be used when it's docked. Some private boat tours, including the Pelican boat from St. Petersburg, may have restrooms onboard.The ferry from Fort De Soto allows for three hours on the island and has snorkeling gear for rent. Private boat tours include half-day and full-day tours from Anna Maria Island, St. Petersburg, and Tampa Bay, and may include stops like Outback Key and Shell Key. Most include snorkeling gear.No, Egmont Key State Park is only open for primitive day use (8am–sunset), and camping overnight is not permitted. You can camp at nearby public campgrounds, including De Soto Park Campground, Fort De Soto County Park and Beach Campground, Shell Key (primitive camping), and Little Manatee River State Park Campground.Yes, there are rattlesnakes on Egmont Key, and visitors should be aware of their surroundings when exploring the island—including its 6 miles (9.6 kilometers) of trails—particularly given its remote location. Other wildlife that visitors may see include box turtles, gopher tortoises, dolphins, manatees, and many birds.Yes. The clear waters offer excellent swimming. There are no lifeguards at Egmont Key so you swim at your own risk. Personal flotation devices are recommended for children and unsure swimmers. Be mindful of the dilapidated structures that have sunk into the sea, and avoid the water during inclement weather.Yes. With its clear waters, Egmont Key offers great snorkeling opportunities. The grass flats are ideal for beginner snorkelers, while more advanced snorkelers can explore sunken structures offshore, which have created artificial coral reefs that attract marine life. Avoid snorkeling when there are storms, high winds, or heavy surf.

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Fort De Soto Park

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Salvador Dalí Museum

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North Straub Park

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