Fort Island Gulf Beach

Fort Island Gulf Beach Review

This is one of the most remote beaches you will find north of Fort De Soto, the isolated beach south of St. Petersburg. One of the best parts of coming here is the drive. The beach sits as the terminus of Fort Island Trail, the same road where you'll find the Plantation Inn & Golf Resort. A 9-mile drive through the wetlands gets you here, offering sweeping views along the way (though the Crystal River nuclear plant looms to the north). The beach itself is raw and subdued, though there are picnic shelters, barbecues and a fishing pier. Don't expect many frills, but if you need to relax after a long day of playing in the water, this is your place. Amenities: showers; toilets. Best for: solitude, sunset.