East Beach at Fort De Soto Park in Tierra Verde traces its history to the Spanish-American War of 1898, when the U.S. Army identified Mullet Key at Tampa Bay's entrance as essential for harbor defense. The fortifications developed between Mullet Key and Egmont Key represented part of the military coast defense system, with the main operation named Fort De Soto in 1900 honoring Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto. Though constructed for the Spanish-American War, the fort was completed after hostilities ended and never fired a hostile shot. The installation consisted of 29 buildings erected over six years, including barracks, a hospital, stables, a mess hall, bakehouse, and workshops, functioning as a subpost of Fort Dade on Egmont Key from 1898 to 1910. Battery Laidley, now listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1977, houses the last four surviving carriage-mounted 12-inch seacoast mortars in the continental United States, preserved as historical treasures of coastal defense engineering.
East Beach stretches approximately three miles along Tampa Bay on Madelaine Key, offering a more quaint alternative to North Beach with dense palm tree canopies providing natural shade. The beach area encompasses the Dog Beach Area, the Dog PAW park, a 500-foot Bay Pier, and Picnic Pavilion 12 near the Park Headquarters intersection of Pinellas Bayway and Anderson Blvd. A seven-mile multipurpose paved trail connects East Beach, North Beach, the boat ramp, and camping areas for biking and walking. The entrance fee includes parking for all park beaches and amenities. East Beach's Tampa Bay location provides calm waters ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking, while shelling opportunities attract beachcombers along the shoreline. Wildlife viewing includes dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and numerous bird species in their natural habitats. The historic fort batteries and mortar displays offer educational experiences combining beach recreation with military history exploration.
Dining near East Beach and Fort De Soto Park includes several Tierra Verde establishments serving fresh seafood and local favorites. Island Grille & Raw Bar features an extensive menu with seafood and pub fare, cooking customers' fresh catches, making it a staple for island residents and Fort De Soto beachgoers. Billy's Stone Crab, a local landmark on the waterfront since 1972, serves fresh fish, crabs, and Gulf seafood. Vista at the Top provides rooftop dining with panoramic water views, handcrafted cocktails, flavorful tapas plates, daily specials, and unbeatable sunsets. Phila Deli prepares authentic Philly cheesesteaks perfect for grabbing before beach days. ALSACE French Bistro offers classic European-inspired fare, while Tony and Nello's specializes in Southern Italian cuisine. Smuggler's Tavern operates as a popular late-night watering hole for visitors and locals.
