Last Updated on January 24, 2023
UPDATE as of 1/23/23: Stump Pass Beach State Park has reopened.
Charming and somewhat secluded, Stump Pass Beach State Park is on the southern tip of Manasota Key. This quaint and natural beach setting is ideal for relaxing, swimming, and picnicking. It’s a “sweet” find for the authentic Florida traveler.
Stump Pass Park is perfect for a half or full-day getaway with over 245 acres, plenty of beach, three islands, and protected channels.
Kayaking
If you like to explore parks by kayak, this is a great option. It gives you a unique perspective of the area and greater accessibility.
Go early in the morning, especially if you plan to launch a kayak.
Two islands, Peterson Island and Whidden Key are nearby, both with navigable waters. (Lemon Bay sits on the northeastern side of Whidden Key.)
Travel north along Peterson Island and then paddle south through the channel that separates the two islands.
Fishing
Besides drifting and exploring, be sure to look for an abundance of fish – especially tasty redfish. Nearby and not far from Blind Pass, anglers reportedly fish for sheepshead, flounder, snook, snapper, whiting, trout, and tarpon.
Natural Environment
The natural environment is thriving at Stump Pass Beach State Park. Thus, you’ll find seagrasses, fish, bird nests, and an abundance of wildlife.
The water is usually clean and clear, and the seagrasses shelter many marine creatures, including beautiful spiny sea urchins – a sign of a healthy aquatic environment.
Keep your eyes open for ospreys searching for food. You may even spot their nests.
After kayaking around the islands, beach at Stump Pass, a popular boating area and waterway to the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a great place to enjoy a picnic, walk the beach, swim, and go shelling.
Shelling & Shark Teeth
Shelling is very popular along this stretch of the beach. You may even find shark teeth and prehistoric fossils, a special bonus of this area.
Bring your mask and fins for snorkeling. The beach and park have sea grapes, mangroves, and bay cedars. This creates an even more authentic Florida experience.
The scenic beach, waterways, and fun things to do make this park a special “find” … Enjoy!
TIPS:
- You will find limited parking at this location. It is important to get there early.
- Purchase a one-day pass online here.
- The hours are from 8 a.m. until sundown. They are open 365 days a year.
- The fee is $3 per vehicle.
- Ranger-led nature hikes are available in the winter.
- All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.
- You may need a fishing license to fish here. More information is available at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website: Fishing in Florida.
- You must display a diver-down flag when you are snorkeling.
- You must provide your own equipment for scuba diving off of the beaches.
Location of Stump Pass State Park: 900 Gulf Blvd., Englewood, FL 34233 (The south end of Manasota Key)
Stump Pass Historical Facts:
- The park was known as Port Charlotte Beach State Recreation Area (before 1971).
- Stump Pass Beach State Park was acquired by the state of Florida on May 10, 1970, from Charlotte County.
- The property was transferred to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on May 4, 1971.
- The park opened in 1971 to the public. The park offered no amenities and only had four parking spaces.
- After years of the park offering no other services, it was reopened in August of 2000, offering a parking lot for 40 vehicles, restroom facilities, outdoor showers, picnic pavilions, and a boardwalk.
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