This is a county park and the southern most beach in Pinellas. It has several distinct beaches to include: 2 piers, dog park, historical fort, and most important the small swimsuit area. This beach broke a barrier for me to wearing a thong for the first time.
Nudity is not allowed but several folks wear thongs, g-strings, speedos. It’s a further walk and secluded so people choose and feel comfortable wearing small swimwear. No one judges and folks out there are very nice. I’m not comfortable being around families/kids so this place works out great. On occasion an out of towner will walk the beach and end up in the area. Some of them turn around as soon as they see a thong, some don’t care and just enjoy themself like most people.
It’s great that you found a place where thongs are accepted and you feel comfortable wearing one, @HizuruTees. If you are open to sharing, I’m sure people would be interested to hear about the first time you wore a thong swimsuit.
Have to agree with @HizuruTees - I’ve been going to Fort De Soto Park for several years and it has to be by far one of my favorite places to thong freely and openly especially where several others feel comfortable wearing and walking around in the small swimsuit area. This area works well because I don’t feel comfortable to be around where there are families/kids either.
My first time in a thong wasn’t planned. I wore them under my shorts but had no intention. Been scoping out the beach for awhile and one day I saw a couple. The guy was wearing a G and his wife was wearing a bikini. I decided to go for it. I only stayed in my beach area but would walk to the water. After several trips I started to go for long walks as well. Each time I gained confidence and had no negative comments and all positive. Most of the people I talk to don’t say anything about my swimwear, I like that. Just act normal.
Any update about when Fort De Soto might reopen? When looking on their website it still has the following posted:
“Fort De Soto Park will remain closed until further notice for ongoing storm clean-up. Any campground or shelter reservations previously made for dates within this closure will be refunded.”
I went by the Ft yesterday, and the Ranger was blocking the toll road. I didn’t ask when they are opening. I keep an eye on the website and a group I joined on Facebook. As of today, it’s still closed. I checked out Passa Grille and Treasure Island yesterday. PG is open, but Treasure is still a mess.
I took a drive into Ft. De Soto Park today and was pleasantly surprised. The North Beach area is still blocked off, but it’s further to the north. The beach access paths to the west are accessible. I typically use the last path to get to the beach, then head north. Looks like a nice day tomorrow. Anyone want to meet up and start 2025 off right?
Made it out to the Fort yesterday. Mid-Beach north of the Gulf Pier is now open. North Beach is closed but will be opening soon. I made my way through the trails and set up. The beach was pretty packed because the weather was perfect. There were several people and couples wearing thongs and a lot of walkers who got to see a lot of cheek. Must have counted at least 15–20 folks wearing thongs. It was great seeing so many thongs.
A family with a little kid set up by me. Now, I’m not comfortable being around kids, but I didn’t let it stop me from walking. I walked past them, smiled, and acted normal. They didn’t say anything. I could tell they were looking around and were curious about why they saw so many thongs.
Another couple set up nearby—she was wearing a black thong, and the dude wore board shorts. I got in and out of the water several times, and they didn’t say anything. It was a great day to be out at the beach, and this is why I love Florida.
Great weather this past weekend here in South Florida along with several other thongers who turned out this weekend at Fort Desoto. The water temps are certainly warming up and the beach was in great condition. The far northern area is sectioned off with a rope and signs to prohibit people from disturbing the protected plovers. The walking paths are still dry as rainy season still has yet to make any impact here.
We will be traveling to South St. Pete Beach and staying near Pass-a-grille and visiting Fort Desoto. I have not been there in half a dozen years. Can I get updated on the thong environment for both?
When I lived in Florida, Fort Desoto was my go to beach for thongs. I would set up in an area on the Norm Beach where you could park along the road. This was between the Fort and North Picnic area.
All good, I’m a regular out there. I don’t go all the way to the protected area just before north beach. I hang around the low crowd areas. Plenty of ladies in thongs. Most of the guys in thongs tend to hang out in the Northern end.
I looked at a map of the park to see what the storms have changed. When I was last there, I don’t recall a bird sanctuary but I believe I would set up just south or along that area. By the north end do you refer to the section of far north beach past the picnic area that curves around to the east? Is this the area where some mentioned a “rainbow bridge” and it seemed to have some cruising activity? That is not what I am wanting.
Tx, that’s too far. There are 2 piers. The pier right next to the fort is your first marker, drive past the fort and concession. Drive past it North for about 1 minute. Park where you see Fort De Soto Trail on the map, $6 for parking. Walk the trail to the beach, 5-10 minute walk. When at the beach you can setup right there or walk north to where you see Shell tree for more secluded. You can wear a thong anywhere on the beach but this is the area more exclusive to small swimwear and topless women. You can’t officially be nude at De Soto, thongs are fine, so just keep an eye out. https://www.google.com/maps/@27.6248964,-82.7352849,2780m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDYxNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
The storms have changed the beach since I was last there but what you describe seems to be where I previously spent my thong time.
Last time I was there there were a group of men, all in thongs where that section of beach ended. A self appointed morality patrolman came along right as one guy stripped naked and got in the water. He immediately called the park rangers. When the ranger arrived the naked guy was an asshole and gave the ranger some lip. Fortunately the ranger was patient and tolerant and just made the guy get dressed.
I wish the west coast had clothing optional beaches but it doesn’t. Guys like naked boy gives thongs a bad reputation although Mr. Morality had to walk to the most isolated stretch of beach to find men in thongs.
It’s too bad the west coast of Florida does not have any C/O beaches. Especially with Pasco County being the nudist resort mecca in North America. I used to live in Pasco County years ago and never visited any of the resorts. I would probably still be living in Florida if I would have become a nudist/thong wearer back then!
Clothing optional beach would likely be an economic boom to the local economy. I have repeatedly visited Fort Pearce and Jensen Beach so I could spend a few days at Blind Creek Beach. Same for Playalinda area.