STUMP PASS BEACH STATE PARK
At the southwest corner of Charlotte County there is a mile of beach where seashells and shark teeth wash up, and anglers fish the surf for prize catches. Visitors can enjoy an excellent view of the Gulf of Mexico, as well as a stretch of undeveloped Florida coastline. Visitors come to this secluded beach to enjoy the year-round swimming and sunbathing; shelling is best during the winter months. A hiking trail passes through five distinct natural communities that provide homes for many species of wildlife; covered picnic tables are located along the trail. While at the park, visitors might see West Indian manatees, gopher tortoises, snowy egrets, least terns, and magnificent frigatebirds. Ranger-led turtle walks and beach nature walks are available in the summer. Located at the south end of Manasota Key off I-75, exit 191.
NATURE OF THE AREA
Some of the protected animal species that visitors might see at Stump Pass Beach are the West Indian manatee, gopher tortoise, snowy egret, osprey, black skimmer, least tern and magnificent frigatebird.
HISTORY OF THE AREA
Stump Pass Beach State Park has been a state property since the initial purchase in 1971. It was open (unofficially) in 1971 to the public. At that time there were only 4 parking spaces and no amenities. The park, as it is today, was opened August 2000. Forty car parking lot, restroom facilities, rinse off showers, picnic pavilion and boardwalks.
VISITORS CENTER
Interpretive Exhibit: These programs, given by our rangers, cover a wide variety of topics including the history of the island and interpretation of the natural resources found on the island.
SWIMMING
Swimming and sunbathing are popular activities on the beautiful beaches located on the gulf side of the island.
SCUBA DIVING
Scuba diving can be done off of the beaches.
BOATING
The protected waters of the bay are ideal for small boat cruising, sailing and water skiing.
Boat launching sites are located within one mile of Stump Pass and the nearby islands.
FISHING
Fishing is popular around Stump Pass and on the nearby grass flats. Catches can yield catches of flounder, snook, trout, redfish, snapper, whiting, sheepshead and tarpon.
BEACHES
Pristine beach on the Gulf of Mexico. This beach is perfect for shelling, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and sunbathing.
SNORKELING
Snorkel in the pristine, blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. You must provide your own equipment.
PICNICKING
The park has six covered picnic tables. One is located near the restroom facility and the other five are located along the hiking trail.
DAY USE AREA
Outdoor fresh water showers/rinses are available for rinsing off after a day at the beach/park.
TRAILS
Take a quiet stoll along a hiking trail that stretches to the southern end of the park, through the park?s five distinct natural communities. Protected plants that can been observed in the park are beach creeper, twistpine prickly pear cactus, indigo berry, necklace pod, bay cedar, and coontie.
AREA ATTRACTIONS
Shelling is best during the winter months, but visitors are reminded that the taking of live shells (hermit crabs, sand dollars, etc.) is prohibited.
PETS
Pets are allowed in this park, however, not on the beaches. They must be well-behaved and kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash at all times. Pets must not be left unattended, nor taken into restroom facilities or onto playground equipment. Service animals are welcome in all areas and buildings of the park, as required by law.
DIRECTIONS
Stump Pass Beach State Park is located at the south end of Manasota Key in the town of Englewood, Florida. The 245 acre park consists of three islands and the protected channels between them.From the north: Take the I-75 south to Exit 191 (River Road). Take River Road to Pine Street(Second traffic light after you cross US 41). Turn left on Pine Street. Take Pine Street to CR 776 (McCall Road) and turn right. Stay on McCall Road for approximately ? mile. Turn left on Beach Road. Stay on Beach Road onto Manasota Key. When the road splits, keep to your left. This will become Gulf Blvd. Stay on Gulf Blvd till the road ends, you will be right in front of the park entrance.From the south: take I-75 north to Exit 170 (Kings Hwy). Exit I-75 and turn left on Kings Hwy. After you pass under I-75 turn right onto Veterans Blvd (CR 776). Stay on Veterans Blvd approx 16 miles through Murdock, El Jobean and into Englewood (It becomes El Jobean Road when it crosses US 41). Look for McDonalds on the left side of the road. Just past McDonalds you will turn left on Beach Road. Stay on Beach Road onto Manasota Key. When the road splits, keep to your left. This will become Gulf Blvd. Stay on Gulf Blvd till the road ends, you will be right in front of the park entrance.
