De Soto National Memorial
Location: Bradenton, Florida
Length of visit: 2 hours
Major draws: Dog walking trail, film
Strenuosity: 1 out of 10
Cost/Fees: Free
Additional considerations: Ranger-guided activities primarily in winter
Description: This is the spot Spanish Conquistador Hernando de Soto landed in 1539 on his ill-fated search for gold. The Spaniards brought many diseases to the indigenous peoples, but the longest lasting influence was the introduction of feral pigs.