Beaches:
Englewood has six lovely beaches from which to choose for sun bathing, searching for sea shells, swimming, picnicking, boating, fishing, and more. The four most popular and accessible beaches are on Manasota Key, which connects to mainland Englewood by bridge at "Beach Road". After you go over the Draw Bridge, you’ll find yourself at one of the nicest sandy beaches on Florida’s West Coast:
Englewood Beach
Englewood Beach has become a "hot-spot", a great place to "hang out" for some sun, swimming, picnicking, and later, dinner across the street. Englewood Beach, in Charlotte County, also offers a wide expanse of beachfront, plus recreation areas, a boardwalk, picnic tables, a concession area and paved parking. This beach is also close to several restaurants, shops and nightclubs.
Manasota Beach
Manasota Beach, on the north end of Manasota Key, boasts 14 acres of Gulf-front beach and sand dunes, with picnic shelters, barbecue pits, volleyball, boardwalks and bathhouse facilities. Lifeguards are on duty year round. A boat ramp and 620 foot dock allow boaters access to the Bays and the Gulf.
Blind Pass Beach
Blind Pass Beach, (also known as Middle Beach because it is in the "middle" of Manasota Key) boasts more than 60 acres of recreational area. It is ideal for swimming and fishing and now sports a nature trail. Recently, the historic "Hermitage House," one of the oldest structures in Englewood, was revitalized. Sarasota County also provides a docking area for boats on the Intracoastal Waterway side of Manasota Key.
Stump Pass Beach/State Park
Stump Pass Beach/State Park, on the south end of the island, a ‘not-as-well-known’ beach with comparable qualities, has become a party area for weekend boaters to gather and watch the dolphin play.
And outside of Manasota Key:
Don Pedro State Park
Don Pedro State Park is accessible only by private boat. Boaters can tie up at the dock on the bay side of the island, which is lined with mangroves. Visitors might see endangered animals such as manatees, gopher tortoises, and bald eagles. With a mile of white sand beach, popular activities on the island's Gulf side include sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and shelling. Boat and surf fishing are also favorite pastimes. For hiking and nature study, trails meander through the island's 11 natural communities. Located off the coast of Cape Haze about nine miles south of Englewood. A favorite destination for local boaters.
Gasparilla State Recreation
Gasparilla State Recreation Area, (by Boca Grande) provides excellent swimming, fishing, shelling and picnicking. There are two picnic areas with covered tables. Shelling is particularly good during the winter months. The Gulf of Mexico beaches provide year-round swimming and excellent saltwater fishing in the waters adjacent to the park and in the deep waters of Boca Grande Pass.
