Without any doubt, Stump Pass Beach State Park is an unspoiled property on Mother Earth. The thick vegetation is left untouched. A boardwalk leads beach-goers through several types of habitat. Once the boardwalk ends, a one-mile winding path continues down to Stump Pass. Part of the path is in the shade. However, be prepared for stretches under ruthless attack by the sun. In June/July, the sand is so hot that you will "jump like a kangaroo from shade to shade unless you bring some shoes. At least, it feels so good when you cool your feet off in the water. 

The park provides picnic tables - some are in the shade, some are not, restrooms, showers, limited parking ($3 a day - enforced), and a boat launch. Park rangers are around to manage the park, and when the sun sets, they close the park. If you want to watch the sunset and stay a little longer, Englewood Beach, Middle Beach, and Manasota Beach would be the better choice. 

Some of the restaurants offer live music at sunset  (and afterwards) which is always a very welcome feature. Also, Englewood Beach does not only offer Gulf and Lemon Bay access, this little park provides plenty of benches and gazebos from where the beach goers can watch the sun dip into the Gulf of Mexico while having a nice picnic with their friends.   

You can also go on a nice sunset cruise on Lemon Bay. An experienced skipper takes a limited number of guests on board of his pontoon boat and shows them the beautiful sunset from the water.  Dolphin watching included. It really shows! Those guys know when "Flipper" is around. 

Visitors must pay a parking fee, though. Right now the fee is $.75 per hour. There are only a few parking meters where the visitors can get a parking receipt. Be prepared to stay in line when one of the machines is on the blink. Also, arrive early on weekends and holidays. You must secure a space. There is absolutely no street parking. 

Only a few miles further north is the Blind Pass Beach, also known as "Middle Beach".  This beach is more like a park, cut into sections by Manasota Key Road. The smaller part is located west of Manasota Key Road. This harbors the beach and the restrooms. There are also outdoor showers and picnic tables. The beach has shallows and is ideal for swimming, shelling, and boating. 

The 60-acre area continues on the other side of the street and stretches all the way to the Intracoastal Waterway. Only on this side you find ample parking space. There are also hiking trails, board walks, picnic tables, a picnic pavilion, a playground and a boat launch for smaller boats. 

There is no boat launch on the Gulf side. Parking and use of the facilities are free.  Like the other three beaches, don't expect lifeguards watching you. Don't swim out too far if you are not a real experienced swimmer. Don't rely on "Flipper" to save your life. Those dolphin rescue stories are cute, but ...

Think about it. On Manasota Key there should really be a "Manasota Beach" as well, right ?  And yes, the beach is there. Manasota Beach is right at the northern end of the barrier island. This beach is easily accessible because of its location. It is  right where the modern drawbridge connects the island with the mainland. The area consists of 14 acres of dunes and parkland. 

This large beach area is also known as a sea turtle nesting site, however, chances are slim that you will see those baby turtles. You may see their nests because they are marked with stakes and tape. Don't try to dig out the eggs. There is a hefty penalty on that action.

Visitors can swim, snorkel ...or bake in the sun. The restrooms are brand new; picnic pavilions, grills, and outdoor showers are also provided. Parking space is a little limited. But parking is, like on Middle Beach, free of charge. Wonderful.

At this point, all parking in Sarasota County is free, while Charlotte County charges parking fees. So, that indicates that Manasota Key is split in half. The northern section, including Manasota Beach and Middle Beach, is governed by Sarasota County ... and parking is free. The southern part belongs to Charlotte County, therefore, dig into your pockets and try to find some quarters. 

Manasota Beach has a boardwalk through the dunes which makes the beach wheelchair accessible. Manasota Beach is also adjacent to a boat dock and ramp that serves the Intracoastal Waterway. If you are out of luck finding a spot to park your car, try the boat ramp parking on the other side. With a little luck, you'll find a spot there. 

Manasota Beach is the only beach on the Key with year-round lifeguards on duty. The friendly lifeguards love to assist disabled visitors in locating wheelchairs suitable for the beach. They can also warn you when they spot that distinct triangular back fin which is slowly coming closer towards you.  Therefore, when they are waving don't only wave back. Most likely they do not want you to stop by at their observation platform for a hug; more likely they want to tell you that something is brewing in the "murky water."