Fort De Soto Park is one of those Tampa Bay places that can be several different outings depending on how you use it.

The 1,136-acre Pinellas County park spreads across five interconnected islands, combining beaches, wildlife habitat, trails, fishing, camping, boating and a historic military fort in one large waterfront destination.

For most first-time visitors, the biggest decision is which part of the park to make home base.

North Beach is the classic choice for families and beach days because of its broad shoreline, shallow areas and nearby amenities.

East Beach has a different feel, with calmer views toward Tampa Bay and easy access for people who want a quieter stop or picnic area.

Dog owners have one of the most unusual beach options in the region.

Fort De Soto includes a designated dog beach where dogs are allowed on the sand and in the water, along with separate fenced areas for large and small dogs.

That makes the park a regular destination for people who want a beach day without leaving the dog at home.

The park is just as useful away from the sand.

A paved recreation trail connects major sections of Fort De Soto, giving cyclists, walkers and runners a way to move between the campground, beaches and historic fort.

Nature trails and paddling routes create quieter options for visitors who want to see mangroves, coastal habitat and wildlife.

Birdwatchers have especially good reason to return throughout the year.

Pinellas County says more than 328 bird species have been documented at Fort De Soto over decades of observation, and the park is also important habitat for nesting sea turtles.

The historic fort gives the park another layer.

Battery Laidley and the surrounding military structures preserve part of the site’s coastal-defense history, and the Quartermaster Museum helps explain how the area was used before it became a public park.

Visitors can walk through parts of the fort and combine the history stop with the nearby waterfront in a single visit.

Fishing is another major draw.

The park has two fishing piers, and the larger boat-launching area serves anglers and boaters heading into surrounding waters.

Camping is available in a large family campground, but reservations can be competitive during popular seasons and weekends.

If camping is the goal, planning well ahead is much easier than counting on a last-minute opening.

The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset.

Pinellas County currently charges a parking fee, and because fees or facility conditions can change, checking Pinellas County’s official Fort De Soto page before a visit is smart.

Temporary closures sometimes affect beaches, piers, concessions or other facilities after storms and maintenance work.

Fort De Soto is also a departure point for ferry service to nearby islands, creating another reason to use the park as more than a beach stop.

The best Fort De Soto visit starts with choosing one main goal and leaving time for a second.

Go for the beach and add the historic fort, bring the dog and walk the trails afterward, or plan a cycling morning followed by a picnic.

That combination of beaches, history and outdoor recreation is why Fort De Soto remains one of the Tampa Bay area’s most useful evergreen destinations for both locals and visitors.

Official information: Fort De Soto Park — Pinellas County.