Stump Pass Beach | For romantics & peace seekers
Stump Pass Beach in the state park of the same name is a real insider tip on Florida’s Gulf Coast. With pristine beaches, crystal-clear water and numerous shells, it is a paradise for nature lovers. Hiking trails, shark teeth and dolphin watching make this quiet, secluded beach particularly appealing.
If you turn at the traffic circle in front of the Public Englewood Beach you will reach Stump Pass Beach after a few minutes at the southern end of Manasota Key. Here, a beautiful narrow stretch of unspoiled nature awaits romantics. You can reach both the Gulf of Mexico and the bay from this narrow section of the island.
We recommend the small hiking trail to the southern tip of the island, from where you can start a short circular walk along the beach and return. Thanks to the access to the bay, kayaks or other small boats can be launched into the water. Numerous species of fish can be found in the adjacent waters: depending on the season, these include flounder, snook, trout, redfish, merlan, sheepshead and tarpon.
The beach is surrounded by natural dunes and grasses. The small parking lot costs 3 USD (08/15). Picnic areas and toilets are also available.
New breakthrough at Stump Pass Beach State Park
Hurricanes Helene and Milton unfortunately caused massive erosion, destroyed dunes and led to the formation of a new breach, the so-called “Little Milton Pass”, which significantly altered the natural barrier island structure.
The restoration work, including the closure of this new breach, is complex and costly. Charlotte County officials are working on plans to stabilize the shoreline and restore the natural protection systems, but there is currently no official timeline for completion of these measures.
For the latest information and updates on the reopening of the park, we recommend consulting the official Florida State Parks website.
Information Route Planner
| Size | 1.6 km |
| Picnic areas | ✅ |
| Sanitary facilities | ✅ |
| Parking spaces | ✅ 3 $ fee |
| Water sports | ❌ |