Manasota Key and Beaches in the Englewood & Charlotte County area offer a serene escape with a blend of natural beauty, pristine beaches, and a charming community vibe.
The beaches on Manasota Key are the island’s crown jewels. The sand is a mix of soft white and darker, shelly patches, with the latter being particularly rewarding for those who enjoy beachcombing. The Gulf waters are clear and typically calm, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or walking with your feet in the shallow waters along the shoreline.
One of the areas unique features is its reputation as a fantastic spot for shark tooth hunting. Like Venice Beach to the north, Manasota Key is part of Florida’s “Shark Tooth Coast.” Walking along the shoreline, you’ll often see people with small sifters or even just their hands, searching the sands for these tiny, black fossils. It’s a peaceful, almost meditative activity that’s easy to get lost in.
Manasota Key
Manasota Key is a barrier island that feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of more developed beach towns. As you cross the small bridge onto the island, you’re immediately greeted by lush, tropical vegetation and a sense of tranquility that permeates the entire area. There’s no high-rise development here, just low-key homes, cozy beach cottages, and small, family-owned businesses that add to the island’s charm.
Manasota Key Beach is the northernmost beach on the island, accessible by a small, winding road that sets the tone for a peaceful day by the Gulf. The sand here is a mix of soft white and darker, coarser grains, ideal for beachcombing and, particularly, for hunting shark teeth.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of walking along the shore of Manasota Key Beach is the natural surroundings. The beach is bordered by sand dunes and sea oats, and there are several trails nearby that allow you to explore the coastal environment. The water is usually calm, making it great for swimming, and the beach slopes gently into the Gulf, which is ideal for families with small children.
Blind Pass Beach
Just south of Manasota Key Beach, Blind Pass Beach is named for the pass between Manasota Key and Knight Island, which has largely filled in with sand but still provides a beautiful, narrow strip of land bordered by the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Lemon Bay Intracoastal on the other.
The beach itself is wide and often quiet, with plenty of space to spread out. The water here can be a bit more active than at Manasota Key Beach, which can be fun for body surfing or just enjoying the sound of the waves. Like the rest of the area, Blind Pass is a prime location for finding shark teeth and shells.
Englewood Beach at Chadwick Park
Englewood Beach at Chadwick Park, located toward the southern end of Manasota Key, is the most developed and popular beach on the island. It’s where locals and visitors come to enjoy a more social beach scene, with amenities that make it easy to spend a full day at the beach.
This beach offers everything you’d want for a classic day by the ocean: wide stretches of sand, picnic areas, and gentle waves ideal for families with young children. There’s a small boardwalk where you can take in the views, and the sunsets here are simply stunning, casting a golden glow over the Gulf that makes everything feel magical.
The beach is also popular with shell collectors, and a perfect spot for a morning strolling along the shore.
Stump Pass Beach State Park
At the southern tip of Manasota Key, Stump Pass Beach State Park offers a more natural, untouched experience. This park is a narrow strip of beach and trails that feels wonderfully secluded. Walking the trail through the park, you’re surrounded by mangroves, dunes, and coastal hammocks, all leading to a pristine, quiet beach. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect and immerse yourself in nature.
The beach at Stump Pass is excellent for shelling and shark tooth hunting, and it’s not uncommon to spot dolphins playing just offshore.
Don Pedro Island & State Park
Located off the southwest coast of Florida between Englewood and Boca Grande, Don Pedro Island is only accessible by boat offering a secluded beach experience. Access to Don Pedro Island is part of the adventure. If you don’t have your own boat, you can take a ferry from the mainland at Placida. The ferry is small and can carry only a few vehicles at a time, adding to the island’s secluded feel.
Don Pedro Island is about 7 miles long and 1 mile wide, characterized by its pristine beaches, lush mangroves, and diverse wildlife. The island is split between private residences and the state park, with most of the development focused on the northern end. The southern part of the island, which is part of the state park, remains largely untouched, providing a glimpse into what Florida’s coastlines might have looked like before development.
The beaches on Don Pedro Island are some of the most unspoiled in the region. The soft, white sand is perfect for taking long walks along the shore. The beaches here are also known for being great spots to find shark teeth and unique shells, similar to nearby Manasota Key.
