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.
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.
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.
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 and sunbathing are popular activities on the beautiful beaches located on the gulf side of the island.
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.
Pristine beach on the Gulf of Mexico. This beach is perfect for shelling, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and sunbathing.
Snorkel in the pristine, blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. You must provide your own equipment.
Scuba diving can be done off of the beaches.
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.
We visited the beach 3 times the second week of April and found hundreds of shark teeth! The view and serenity were great. Found some good shells too. Walking the beach to the point was cool! Take water shoes or sandals tho as some places are more shells than sand and tough on feet.
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