Located at the southern tip of Manasota Key, it offers a perfect blend of pristine beaches, clear waters, and abundant wildlife.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities like hiking, swimming, and kayaking.
Whether you are a nature lover or just seeking a peaceful retreat, Stump Pass Beach State Park has something for everyone.
Overview of Stump Pass Beach State Park
Stump Pass Beach State Park is a hidden gem on the southwest Florida coast.
It features pristine sands and a tranquil atmosphere, making it ideal for a relaxing Florida beach getaway.
The park offers a wonderful day trip for those living nearby.
At Stump Pass, you’ll find secluded beaches with beautiful water, nature trails, and a diverse range of wildlife.
The marine wildlife includes dolphins and manatees. The park also offers breathtaking sunsets and a peaceful, picturesque setting.
It’s perfect for avid nature enthusiasts or anyone needing a peaceful retreat.
Location and Access
Stump Pass Beach State Park is located in Englewood, Florida, just south of Venice and Sarasota.
The park spans the very southern tip of Manasota Key.
This barrier island connects Lemon Bay and other smaller waterways with the Gulf of Mexico.
To reach the park from Englewood, you must take the bridge to Manasota Key.
You’ll first arrive at the popular Englewood Beach area.
From there, turn south and follow the road until it ends at the parking lot for Stump Pass State Park.
Parking at Stump Pass State Park
Parking at Stump Pass State Park is limited. The parking area is small, and the road dead-ends at the park.
If the parking lot is full, you’ll have to turn around and find parking elsewhere.
Arriving early is crucial. On a recent visit, arriving at 9:00 a.m. on a Monday morning, there were only a couple of spots left.
It’s best to get there early to secure a parking spot.
Beach Activities
Stump Pass State Park is home to some of Florida’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches.
Beach access is near the parking lot, so you don’t have to walk far.
If you’re up for it, you can walk over a mile down the beach, exploring along the way or finding a quiet spot to relax.
The park is surrounded on three sides by water.
You can choose an interior waterway beach for a quieter setting among the trees, away from the Gulf of Mexico’s waves.
The water is clear and warm, perfect for swimming.
Whether you swim near the parking lot or farther down the beach, you’ll enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Boating and Kayaking
Boating and kayaking enthusiasts will find paradise at Stump Pass State Park.
The park’s calm waterways and mangrove tunnels offer excellent kayaking opportunities.
Kayak rentals are available nearby if you don’t have your own equipment.
If you do, there is a convenient kayak launch at the parking lot.
Many visitors arrive by boat, pulling up onto the sand to relax for the day.
Exploring the waterways by kayak or boat allows you to fully experience the park’s natural beauty.
Shelling and Shark Tooth Hunting
The Gulf side of Stump Pass is perfect for shelling and shark tooth hunting.
The beach is known for its abundance of shells and shark teeth, making it a favorite spot for collectors.
The farther you walk from the parking lot, the more secluded the beach becomes.
This allows for a peaceful shelling experience.
Even on calm days, you can find plenty of shells and shark teeth along the shore.
Hiking Trails
Stump Pass Beach State Park features over a mile of trails that lead through different natural habitats, including coastal hammocks and beach dune areas.
The trails are well-marked and flat, but walking in soft sand can be challenging.
Visitors should bring a hat, water, and sunblock.
The trails are very sandy, so walking barefoot might be more comfortable.
Dogs are allowed on the nature trails but must be leashed.
On the trails, you might see various plants and wildlife, including birds and gopher tortoises.
From May through October, the beaches are full of protected sea turtle nests.
Wildlife Watching
Stump Pass State Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
The clear waters offer great opportunities to spot marine wildlife, including fish, manatees, and dolphins.
Keep your eyes open while walking along the beach or kayaking in the waterways.
The park’s diverse ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife, making it a fascinating place for nature lovers.
Fishing
Anglers will love Stump Pass State Park. It offers excellent fishing spots year-round.
You can fish from the Gulf, the intracoastal waterway, or the pass.
Whether fishing from the shore or venturing into the waters, you’re likely to catch a variety of fish.
The park’s diverse marine environment makes it a great location for fishing enthusiasts.
Facilities
Stump Pass Beach State Park has facilities to make your visit enjoyable.
There are picnic areas with shelters, grills, showers to rinse off, and restrooms.
However, these facilities are only available near the entrance and parking lot.
If you hike further south to the more remote areas of the park, keep in mind that you won’t find these amenities there.
Fees and Hours of Operation
Stump Pass Beach State Park is open year-round from 8:00 a.m. until sunset.
During peak seasons and holidays, the park can get very crowded, so arriving early is recommended.
The entrance fee is $3 per vehicle with up to eight people. You can also arrive on foot or by bike for a $2 fee.
The annual Florida State Park Pass is also accepted here, making it a great option for frequent visitors.
For more information about Stump Pass State Park, visit our website and check out our complete blog post and visitor guide.
We have lots of details and links to other activities in the nearby area.
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