De Soto National Memorial050

In 1539, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto came ashore at Tampa Bay and led his crew through the wilds of Florida. De Soto National Memorial chronicles the Spaniard's four-year trek through the state and his interactions with the state's native tribes.

Camp Uzita, a living history camp, features rangers and volunteers dressed in period clothing presenting talks about the De Soto Expedition and Florida's Native Americans. The camp is open from mid-December through the end of April.

The property also features nature trails with interpretive signs, picnic areas, and several small beaches. There are no lifeguards; visitors swim at their own risk.