There's lots to do at Fort De Soto, and if you try one of these suggestions per week this summer, you’ll master the park by Labor Day. Drop a line off the Bay fishing pier. With a little luck, you’ll catch a shark. Don’t kill it; they’re actually quite sweet. Explore the fort, inside and out. It’s prettiest at sunset, but make sure you park at the entrance so you don’t get locked in the gate. Geocache. Never done it? Yeah, there’s an app for that. Download it and go; it’s self-explanatory and you’ll find new places. Hike Arrowhead’s trails. There are two: one’s right as you come in, the other’s to the south. The first has an abundance of palms and takes you to a few hidden beaches; the other has more to explore but no shortage of the much-hated sandspur. Bike the path. It’s about 11 miles for the loop, but watch the flag: the wind can be brutal. Swim in the Gulf. If you can’t remember the last time you did, stop reading and go now. We’ll wait. Grill your dinner. There’s no shortage of grills; all you do is add charcoal, wait while it comes to temp, and throw some dogs, steak, burgers or tofu on there. Paddle. Don’t content yourself to the paddling trail; point your bow toward the north end of Shell Key, or the spoil islands off the east beach. Find the unofficial nude beach. No, we won’t tell you where. It’s illegal. But oh, yeah, it’s still there. Look for the old railroad tracks. Long-time locals remember the railroad that ran around the island. Yes, it’s an island. Now get out there!
