Sunset over Lemon Bay at Indian Mound Park. Photo by Tom Newton.
Insider tip: Follow the parking lot away from
the beach and you’ll find a kayak launch, a
nature trail and a playground.
ENGLEWOOD BEACH/CHADWICK PARK
2100 N. Beach Road
941-681-3742 (for reservations)
Charlottecountyfl.gov
This is where the action is. Families, high
school students, retirees, locals and visitors
flock to this beach and the surrounding
restaurants and shops. There is plenty
to do besides worship the sun, including
horseshoes, volleyball, basketball and a
playground. Beach yoga and the Sunday
sunset drum circle are open to all and can
attract more than 100 people in season. The
beach is especially popular at sunset.
Insider Tip: There is a parking fee here and
payment is enforced. The pavilions are very
popular so reserve as far in advance as possible
(rental is $10 - $20 an hour).
STUMP PASS BEACH STATE PARK
South end of Manasota Key
900 Gulf Boulevard, Englewood
941-964-0375
www.floridastateparks.org/parks-andtrails/
stump-pass-beach-state-park
If you prefer peace and quiet to hustle and
bustle, this is the beach for you, but get there
early as there are only 40 parking spaces ($3
vehicle fee) at this mile-long beach tucked
in between Lemon Bay and the Gulf of
Mexico. There are nature trails where you
might see gopher tortoises and shore birds.
Oh, and unlike other area beaches, this park
The Sunday sunset drum circle on Englewood Beach draws a crowd every week. Photo by Paula Kaye.
2020 19
/Charlottecountyfl.gov
/stump-pass-beach-state-park