Stump Pass Beach State Park

Stump Pass Beach State Park in Englewood, Florida.Englewood, Florida: At the southern tip of Manasota Key lies a stretch of natural Florida coastline known as Stump Pass Beach State Park. The mile plus strand of unspoiled coastal land is a favorite to locals and tourists alike. Many flock to the park for the great beach, shelling and fishing.

The park is made up of three islands sandwiched between the Gulf of Mexico and Lemon Bay. The main portion of the park is located on Manasota Key and is accessible via the Tom Adams Bridge. Here is the gulf beaches, picnic areas, bath house and nature trail. As you head further east you encounter the uninhabited Peterson Island and Whidden Key which are also part of the park and only accessible via boat.

The body of water separating the islands is known as Ski Alley and is a popular local water recreation area. At the southern end of the park is Stump Pass, one of the few passes in the area that allow you to enter the Gulf of Mexico from the Intercoastal Waterway.

The water activities are the main attraction of the park. There is over a mile of coastline for swimming and fishing. The further south you head from the parking lot, the more secluded the park gets. There is a two mile round trip hiking trail that will take you through the entire park, encountering multiple coastal habitats and home to gopher tortoises and many species of shore birds.

The park was purchased by the state of Florida in 1971. It was opened to the public the same year but only had a handful of parking spaces and no amenities. In 2000, the park was renovated and the bathhouse added as well as the parking lot expanded. A fee is charged for admission into the park and it is currently $3 a car.

So whether you are looking to kick back and soak up some Florida sunshine or toss in a line and try your luck at catching some fish, Stump Pass Beach State Park is your place to just let go.

For photos of the park, visit my Stump Pass Beach photo gallery.

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