Guide To Visiting Stump Pass Beach State Park, Manasota Key, Fl

You know you’re in a special place when a state park takes up the entire southern end of a barrier island, and two small islands, and you can explore it without bumping into barely a soul – that’s Stump Pass Beach State Park for you.

Located on tiny Manasota Key in Englewood, Florida, this state park is known for its balmy beaches, diverse species of wildlife, excellent fishing, and nature trails.

There are plenty of things to do in Stumps Pass Beach State Park which make it a worthy stop on anyone’s Manasota trip, and it’s definitely one of the most beautiful state parks in Florida I have seen so far.

A beach with a palm tree Beautiful Florida tropical island

If you’re thinking of visiting Stump Pass State Park and not sure what to do, how to get there, or where to stay nearby, this guide is for you. It will tell you everything you need to know about visiting this idyllic slide of paradise in the Sunshine State!

About Stump Pass Beach State Park

Stump Pass Beach State Park is located on the South end of Manasota Key, in the Southwest corner of Charlotte County.

Manasota Key is one of the four barrier islands that comprise the Barrier Islands Geopark in this area. The other three are Cayo Costa, Don Pedro, Gasparilla.

It encompasses 245 acres, and has access to pristine beaches on Lemon Bay and the Gulf Coast.

two girls on boardwalk at stumps pass beach

Find a private area of your own along the Lemon Bay side or a slice of sand on the ocean side with an excellent view of the Gulf of Mexico.

beach surrounded by trees people sitting in chairs on the sand

Many come here to enjoy the serenity, fishing, wildlife viewing, shell foraging, and shark tooth hunting.

Activities in Stump Pass Beach State Park

Walk the nature trail

A 1.3-mile sandy hiking trail takes you through the low-lying forest with pockets in the trees giving you glimpses of the wild Gulf Coast on one side and the calmer luminescent aqua waters on the other.

It’s flat and gentle with only a handful of people passing you by. Dogs are allowed on this trail, but must be kept on a six-foot hand-held leash and be well behaved.

hiking stumps pass Lots of viewpoints along the trail beach at stumps pass on lemon tree bay The trail takes you on the Lemon Bay beaches

As well as the beaches, the trail has an abundance of plant life, such as bay cedar, coontie, indigo berry, and prickly pear cactus.

The trail ends at Stump Pass, the southern end of the park where the Gulf meets the bay.

You will be wowed by the view of nearby islands and thrilled you have your own secluded beach to enjoy.

2. Go sunbathing and swimming at Stump Pass Beach

people sitting on the beach at stumps pass Amazing view

As soon as we got to Stump Pass Beach, where the white sand met that beautiful water, two dolphins rose out of the water, right near the edge of the shore.

They swam and chased fish the whole time we stayed there watching or chasing seagulls.

flock of birds on beach

Stump Pass Beach is great for year-round swimming, as the waters are subtropical and warm.

If you do go swimming, note there are no lifeguards or rangers so you will need to be confident and keep and eye on your kids.

3. Engage in water sports

person stand up paddle boarding on the water Great spot for paddle boarding

Stumps Pass Beach is also a great place to engage in gentle watersports, such as paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking.

There are boat launching sites 5-miles from Stump Pass if you want to launch your own kayaks, or you can can hire paddle boards and kayaks from the rental shop in the middle of the parking lot.

Rentals are available in two-hour blocks, four-hour blocks, and from one day to multiple day options available as well.

The most popular route is to kayak along the mangrove habitat of Lemon Bay towards Stump Pass and out into the Gulf of Mexico.

There are also two uninhabited islands just east of Stump Pass you can paddle around.

Paddle boarders, Stumps Pass Beach State Park, Florida Paddle boarders

It was way too windy when we visited to do that. I hope it’s calm for you as it would be a Florida adventure to remember.

The paddle back to the launch site is meant to be easier than the beginning of the trip with the water currents and wind working in your favor.

Visitors can launch a kayak and paddle around the two islands just east of the park’s land base.

4. Look for wildlife

Stumps Pass Beach State Park is a good spot to spy a West Indian Manatees, gopher tortoises, snowy egrets, ospreys, least terns, and other magnificent frigate birds, as well as Loggerhead Sea Turtles (one of the most concentrated spots for these sightings in the world).

More sea turtles nest in Manasota Key than anywhere else on the Gulf Coast, particularly the threatened Loggerhead sea turtle. You can learn more about these protected animal species at

5. Go fishing

Anglers will love Stumps Pass Beach State Park because it has a wide variety of fish you can catch.

Fishing from the shores here is one of the most popular activities, though a fishing license may be required.

You also need to conform to the regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season as per the Florida Fish and WildlifeConservation Commission. More information about that here.

Some prize catches you can find here are black skimmer, flounder, redfish, sheepshead, snapper, snook, tarpon, trout, and whiteing.

6. Go shark teeth hunting and look for seashells

girl holding shark tooth in hand

This part of Manasota Key is well known for its shark teeth which wash up on the shore.

Pick any part of the 1.3 mile of beach and you will be in a good chance of finding some!

7. Have a picnic

There are several picnic tables and six covered picnic pavilions available throughout the park, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

8. Go camping

You can choose between primitive camping and serviced camping. There are several camp grounds within the park, though beach camping is prohibited.

Opening hours and entrance fees

Stumps Pass Beach State Park is open from 8:00am until sunset every day of the year. It costs $3 per vehicle, but there are additional fees for camping and visiting the museum.

FAQs About Visiting Stump Pass Beach State Park

What amenities are in Stump Pass Beach State Park?

There is a restroom facility, covered pavilions for picnics, boat ramp, playground, parking, museum, water fountain, shower station, and campgrounds at Stump Pass Beach State Park.

Can you dive at Stump Pass Beach State Park?

You can go snorkeling or scuba diving at Stump Pass Beach State Park, but you need to bring your own equipment.

Can you bring pets to Stump Pass Beach State Park?

You can bring pets to designated areas in Stump Pass Beach State Park but not on the beach, except for service animals.

When is the best time to visit Stump Pass Beach State Park?

Stump Pass Beach State Park is open 365 days a year so any day is a good day to visit. Winter months are best for shelling, wildlife viewing, and fishing.

How to get to Manasota Key

aerial of Manasota Key, Florida Manasota Key

Manasota Key is an 11-mile barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast located south of its busier neighbors, Sarasota, and Venice. It’s about halfway between Tampa and Fort Myers.

Only a short bridge separates it from the mainland, giving even more water experiences for you to enjoy with the calmer Lemon Bay.

The closest major airport is an hour’s drive away, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), but Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers is another viable option at just 1 hour 20 minutes drive, if flights are more convenient to there.

Tampa International Airport (TPA), while further away, is also a major airport that is less than 2 hour’s drive away.

If you are driving, you will want to get onto the I-75, and take exits toward Venice or Englewood to reach Manasota Key Road, the main thoroughfare through the key.

Where to stay in Manasota Key

living room of Manasota Key vacation rental Our vacation rental

There are a few hotels, guests houses and inns in Manasota Key, but you will find more vacation rentals and condos for rent, which may be a better choice for your vacation.

There is only a handful of restaurants in Manasota Key, so having a space where you can cook for yourself may be a better option.

Click the map for prices and availability for vacation rental in Manasota Key in Florida!