Stump Pass Beach State Park Manasota Key Florida $3 to get in small parking lot well secluded and so many shells...well worth it! Definitely do-able again and again!! If I lived here I would come here 3-4 times a week! The water was gorgeous and we saw some dolphins playing in the water! There might have been 40 people spread out here at this beach...so gorgeous w my cousin Shari

Awesome spot! There was a huge amount of shells from the recent storm. It was like 3 feet deep. There's shark teeth all over but you gotta figure out what to look for or you'll miss them. We saw a dolphin here and lots of birds. My son found a ton of sea slugs and baby fish. Very family friendly and peaceful. I'd recommend this spot!!

Beautiful area. Heard they are planning to fill in an area caused by hurricane Milton making access to tip of Stump Pass. Let nature be natural I say!

The staff was amazing 😍! Beautiful State Park, get there early and get in line for parking. Remember parking is limited and a privilege. Show courtesy and patience; some of us save up all year to take our family 20 minutes away.. We know it's not far. We live here year round and love our visitors; love us back ❤️. Thank you 😊

It's the most beatific beach in Florida! The sand and water were perfect. Great spot for shells.

Stump Pass is a nice beach. The parking area is small so if you don't get there early you might not be able to park. However, it also means it's not very crowded. The beach is on a sandbar area and on one side there were jellies swimming about. The staff there are super friendly and helpful and we found some really nice shells.

One of the best kept not so secret beaches in the area. After the hurricane milton they had to move a lot of sand before they opened again, now its open and beautiful. Still under development in some parts but overall a great beach spot.

Nice wide walking paths. Cleared 5-6 ft on both sides. If you’re afraid of the creepy crawlies this is the path for you. You’ll be able to spot everything in advance. Saw some gopher turtles and an armadillo. There are apparently some bald eagles here but didn’t see them this time

Great place for a short hike or walk. A quiet, serene atmosphere with great views. Cleanup is still going on from the hurricanes so the docks and some paths are closed but overall a great place to visit!

Very nice low key (mid week) place to see a bit of real Florida nature. Surprising amount of trails through pine barren woodland. One area was closed for nesting Bald Eagles! We saw a large turtle near the main building. There are several nice shady benches near the water and small Environmental information center. Small openings along the water allow access for fishing through the Mangroves. Would visit again, especially early in the day if hiking as there may be 5 miles of easy trails here! Worth a visit if in the area!

Nice trails to wander. Easy parking. Restrooms. Views of the water and lots of birds. Benches to rest on on some trails. Covered picnic areas.

A great place to hike along the bay. Nice boardwalks and bridges. Trails are very well maintained and mostly wooded. Spotted tortoise, iguana and eagles. This is a bird nesting area so some trails are closed seasonally. Take only pictures and leave only footprints.

🦅 Lemon Bay Environmental Park: Real FLORIDA WILDLIFE Awaits! As a local bird enthusiast, I can confidently say this is one of the best birdwatching hideaways in all of Southwest Florida! If you want to see Real FLORIDA WILDLIFE, you MUST visit this park. I've had phenomenal luck here, spotting everything from majestic Eagles soaring overhead to elegant Herons and, yes, it truly is a Scrub Jay Haven! The sheer variety of species is astounding—all the local SWFL staples are here, plus countless beautiful songbirds. Why it's a 5-star spot: Incredible biodiversity, peaceful trails, and guaranteed sightings of real Florida wildlife. Pro Tip for the Trails: If you plan on going deep on the trails, bring plenty of water and a hiking stick! The tranquility of this park combined with the constant aerial show makes it a perfect escape. Don't just drive by—come see why this is a local treasure! If you're looking for your next great birding adventure, hit the 'like' button and tell me what you hope to spot here! 👇

Thanks to ifas University of Florida extension services for offering free Eco walks! These are guided scheduled walks with an environmental educator about the flora and fauna and conditions of public spaces within Sarasota County. I've gone on a few and all of my guys have been extremely friendly well-organized and enthusiastic about imparting all of their knowledge. The park itself has been kept clean it's fairly well-managed but it's been limited by recent hurricane disaster and some areas are closed in order to be able to allow the landscape to recover. I went through the predominantly Mangrove dominated areas but if you go to the northern part of the park on the other Trails that I didn't visit this trip I'm sure are equally as well cared for. I am proud of our Sarasota residents for maintaining a fairly clean Park or preserve along with the beaches and everything . It is quite refreshing being a transplant from another state to see everything kept relatively clean - you don't see a lot of litter you don't see a lot of destruction like initials carved into trees or graffiti which is really really nice. I appreciate the people respect the nice things that we have here and allow other people to enjoy them similarly. Definitely worth investigating, I'll be back for the north part of the trails!

One of my favorite walking parks in the area. Charlotte County does an excellent job maintaining their nature preserves. The primary trail (Keep Trail) is pretty much a straight shot back to the Marianne and Phil Owen Pavilion. It's wide and usually dry, but doesn't have a very nice opening out to the water. There are a few paths you can take from the end to approach and look out onto the intercoastal, but not much else. The best trail is the Big Pine trail. This one loops back into the Jeep Trail in a couple spots but in the middle, it continues onto a sandy beach/dune you can walk onto for a much nicer view of the water. Fortunately, it's still around, even after all of the recent hurricanes. The trail system north of Jeep trail is worth skipping. It backs up to a residential area and there's not much to see. You end up hearing road noise in sections, unlike the other trails. Like others have said, bring insect repellent and wear shoes you don't mind getting dirty; there are several muddy spots, depending on recent rain. Parking can be difficult to find depending on the day and time. Arrive early for the best spot. Also nice, this park has a standard restroom with running water. Cell coverage (T-Mobile) is excellent here, despite a review from a few years ago mentioning otherwise. If you're up for a long day of hiking, the trail system connects all the way to Ann & Chuck Dever Park through a walking path that goes under Placida Road and through Oyster Creek Park. You can also pack a lunch and eat at one of several picnic tables throughout the trail system. Great park worth visiting at least once. Look up and you might even spot a Bald Eagle!

It’s nice that the trails go all the way to the water. Unlike across the street at Oyster Creek, I didn’t have cell coverage in here but the trails have good signage and I don’t think it would be possible to get lost. The trail names are different than how Google maps labeled them with colors. There is also an area where you can view a bald Eagle nesting site from a distance. Lastly, there isn’t much parking (which is free) so many people just park on the side of the road.

Just discovered this nature park and I absolutely love it! Well maintained, lots of trails, many of which go by the water. Great little environmental center.

We went and hiked here for our first time. The volunteer staff were very friendly and they provided information about the cookie house as well as the nature center and the trails! They also provide a trail map. Pretty awesome park but wear your boots. Some trails are a little muddy but still accessible.

What a great walking path in Englewood, Florida! We loved looking for wildlife! We got to see many birds, a black snake, a crab and a lizard eating a snack!

There are many trails to choose from as to which some lead to the water and a small shoreline, with lots of shells. There is Plenty of shade as well as sun throughout the trails. Public restrooms are available if needed near the parking and building. (which were clean 👍) Excellent place for a family day.

What a nice park. Very clean and well maintained. They have a kids play ground, several walking trails, and walking access to the intercoastal waterway. This would be a nice place for a picnic. There are a couple of different picnic areas where the picnic tables are shaded. They have restrooms next to the visitor center.

Loved this beach! Not crowded. I found a Sharks tooth & I wasn't even looking for one. I found a stone that looks just like a piece of wood. Google says it's an Indian artifact. Idk, but it's cool!

Nice beach. Never crowded. Plenty of parking. Safe. Clean and lots of landscaping. If you are looking for a beach that let's you have some space and is slow paced, you'll enjoy this beach. Water was crystal clear.

If you’re looking for a peaceful, natural beach experience, Blind Pass Beach is it. The water is crystal clear (usually), perfect for swimming or just soaking up the view. It’s also a hot spot for finding shark teeth. I found a bunch of small ones without even trying too hard. There’s plenty of space to spread out, and it never feels overcrowded. Bring a sifter and a keen eye, and you’ll leave with some great little treasures! P.s. I recommend wearing water shoes. There’s a shelly area when you enter the water and can hurt your feet.

Beautiful beach. The water was perfect for kids and adults to swim. Lots of turtle nests. I kind of hope they don’t rebuild the road. The second picture are the trails a turtle left coming up the beach to nest and back down to the water.

Such a beautiful beach. I got slammed really hard during hurricane season 2024 but they are working on it. Eventually restrooms and showers will be fixed soon (April 2025). Portable Restrooms are available. Plenty of parking available. Notice you’ll have to drive from the south (Englewood) since the street coming down north (Sarasota) is washed out. It’s still one of the most beautiful places around for shelling and shark tooth hunting. You’ll also find kayak launches and fishing piers there.

our favorite beach with little kids, usually the waves are small and kids enjoy swimming in the shallow waters. you can find many beautiful shells and shark teeth here! plenty of parking and showers available

Lots of storm damage. Bathroom not open. Now using out house. Parking lot is free but lots of standing water . water is nice and shallow

The park is nice except for all the homeless people that come around sunset and sleep on the picnic tables and bathrooms. It's out of control. I feel bad for them but some of the things we saw were unsanitary and a risk to others. Always a nice breeze there.

It's an ok little park. I probably wouldn't recommend it for swimming as there are lots of shells and rocks on the shoreline. Great for shell hunting though. It's still fairly worn from the storms almost a year ago.

A small town park with restrooms, boat access, a small community sailing program. Nice information on an ancient native burial site. Worth a quick stop if in the area.

It’s a beautiful place that took a beating from the hurricanes in 2024. Still worth a visit. Especially for the drum circle on sundays or to watch the sunset. There’s plenty of parking, a boat ramp and a fishing pier. Restrooms are also available.

Another beautiful local park with history. There is a boat ramp here and lots of parking for boat trailers and regular parking for cars. There is a beautiful open area off the parking lot with benches looking out onto the bay. Breathtaking. There are several covered picnic areas with grills. There was only 1 in use, so most likely, there is usually one available. Behind the picnic tables is the burial grounds. There are trails into the grounds. It's beautiful. I really enjoyed the quiet, peaceful seat on the bench watching the water, birds, boats, and the beautiful surroundings. The breeze was amazing, and I am sure at sunset, this would be a great spot. I am sure I will be back to see. It's definitely a nice quiet spot to visit, and I am sure I will be back.

There’s a very nice public boat ramp here. The park is small, but has a nice view. There are a few covered picnic areas and some benches to enjoy the view. The point can be very, very windy. On the day I visited, there was someone flying a kite and a windsurfer - which would be great for that here. This might be a nice place to bring the kids because there is a tiny trail area they can explore and not get lost. The educational part about the local Native American tribe that lived here thousands of years ago is also a nice aspect. There is tons of free parking for both cars and boat trailers.

Great well maintained boat ramp with ample parking. Two slips allowing four boats access at a time. Many different places to launch a kayak. Large covered Pavillion with nice public bathrooms. Also has several small covered Pavillions with grill surrounded by large grass area. Great place to fish, sunbath, read a book or watch the sunset. Awesome family park, just make sure to wear something on your feet if swimming or walking in the water.

Love the local fresh fish options that Farlows has to offer. We had the Tuna Nacho to start, good, but I do wish they cut the tuna into smaller pieces instead of strips. It made it messy to eat. The Grouper Cheeks were good, but I didn't think they would be deep-fried. Good, but not as expected. The St. Croix items were very good!! Absolutely beautiful atmosphere and popular spot for locals and visitors. Reservations are highly recommended.

Amazing food...fish was very fresh and delicious! I had the Caribbean delight combo, then we had the puff pastry blackened grouper and the golden tile fish! All were excellent! Great atmosphere sitting by the water and live music..truly a great place to eat. 4 stars because it was very expensive.

Our rehearsal dinner was everything we hoped for and more. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and it gave our closest family and friends the perfect chance to relax and connect before the big day. Everything ran so smoothly, and we couldn’t be happier with how the night turned out. A huge thank you to Emma, who went above and beyond to make sure everything was set up beautifully and exactly how we envisioned it. She was so organized, thoughtful, and an absolute joy to work with. We knew we were in great hands from the start. Her attention to detail and calm, professional approach helped make the whole evening stress free and so special. And we can’t forget our amazing waiter she was fantastic! So kind, attentive, and on top of every little thing. She made sure all of our guests were comfortable and well taken care of, and her positive energy added so much to the night. The food was incredible, and we heard so many compliments from our guests. Every detail, from the service to the setup, was handled with care. It was the perfect way to kick off our wedding weekend, and we’ll always remember it with so much love and gratitude. Marissa & William Blair

Went to Farlow’s tonight for dinner and had a wonderful experience. Our server Hannah was excellent and on top of everything. We sat outside and enjoyed the live band. The salad with the house dressing was amazing. Drinks were great and meal was superb. Will definitely be back!

What a lovely spot! We ate outside under the canopy where they had a fellow playing guitar. Golden oldies but it created a nice ambient atmosphere. Our server was lovely despite my English accent asking for a Buddha IPA and of course it sounded like Butter to her! 😁 She was so sweet trying to decipher it!! On to the food, gosh it was lovely! We started with the barbados mussels then I had the scallops. With were delicious but quite rich so come hungry! Or take it home like we did! Dinner sorted for tonight!! 🤣 Highly recommended!

The food was very well prepared and was very tasty. our server was very professional showing us the specials also whatwas popular all around very nice experience good for a special night for us we where doing a us night

Pretty good food and service. The atmosphere could be SO MUCH BETTER! This restaurant is directly on the water but you can’t enjoy it because they have hedges blocking the view…why? Cut those down, or trim them drastically, to allow the view. Also, the wine by the glass list needs to be improved. They have some good wines available but only by the bottle. My wife and I will generally have one glass (I might have two) and buying a bottle is overkill. The band that was playing was pretty good and the volume was perfect as well.

This spot quickly became our favorite place to visit! We walked in as strangers but definitely left feeling part of the family! Amanda and J behind the bar were incredible and the food was absolutely delicious!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ So happy Lock ‘N Key is reopened! The ambience is beautiful, the service was spot-on, and the menu and drinks were full of flavor. I had the tuna poké bowl, which was fresh and delicious. My husband had the Caesar salad (his go-to!) and said it was amazing — the grilled chicken was perfectly cooked. We also tried the buffalo cheese dip, and it was excellent. A great experience all around — we’ll definitely be back!

Incredible joint! Excellent service and scrumptious food. I'd be tempted to travel all the way from TN in the future just to eat the Seafood cakes and Grouper Rockefeller again. Make sure to get there for dinner before Happy Hour ends to get a pull tab at the bar. The Mule was great but the Rum Runner was the hit of the night. 10/10 would recommend!

Cool bar right by the beach with awesome food and drink options. The happy hour pull tab game is a awesome addition to make the experience more fun. We sat at the bar and the staff was right with us even with a bar full of regulars. The drinks and food came out fast and fresh! We got some bomb nachos that were just covered in some fantastic boom boom shrimp. They definitely did not skimp on anything, you get a lot of food at a great value. The prices are extremely fair and great for what you get. This is definitely a place I'd add in my rotation and a great option for any beach day.

After 2 hurricanes within 2 weeks of one another back In September of 24', this place kicks ass. Clean, food is amazing. Drinks are spot on. Must try. Highly recommend

Came in with a group of 7 and we all had a great meal. My favorite highlights were the seafood cake appetizer and the massively huge slice of coconut cream pie. But we tried a little of everything and it was all good. The Cole Slaw was a little bland, it could use a little vinegar or lime juice in it and the coconut martini could use a better garnish than just a cherry. But would definitely come back again. Service from Sydney was great too!

We had a Girls weekend on the key and started out at Lock ‘N Key. WOW it was amazing from start to finish! Absolutely Amazing service, drinks and the Food perfection.

Cute place. Good service. Tortilla soup was great. Buddha bowl and shrimp wrap great as well. Organic and micro greens in their greens is nice. They offer mango tea and an assortment of muffins as well.

We’ve finally made it to Mango Bistro! 🥭 It’s the best place in town especially when you’re on a special diet because they offer tons of vegetarian / vegan options and are also really attentive about other diets or allergies. I felt so appreciated having a separate vegetarian / vegan menu! I had so much fun deciding on what to eat because it finally wasn’t just salad and fries or a simple veggie burger for me. I had the avocado toast with vegan chorizo and it was amazing. The fresh fruits and delicious drinks (iced strawberry matcha) added to the experience. Service was also excellent and prices were reasonable for a really fresh and delicious meal. Atmosphere was great as well. Highly recommend!

I was gladly surprised by trying this restaurant for the first time. If you want healthy food, they got it. They have a separate menu for gluten free choices. The food is freshly made and delicious! The soups are like none I have tasted before. Take some time and try it.

Got the Honolulu melt, and he got the Italiano, the food wasn’t bad but not necessarily what we personally like which isn’t their fault. The staff was very friendly and the coffee was good as well! They have a gluten free and vegan menu available and in general have a great variety of things. I would definitely try it again!

A Gem in Englewood! What a great location right in the heart of Englewood! We truly enjoyed our breakfast here. I had the avocado toast, and my husband went for the spinach-egg wrap👏both were absolutely delicious. The coffee (Café con leche) was perfectly made, smooth and rich in flavor. The service was friendly and welcoming, which added to the great atmosphere of this colorful, vibrant spot. We sat outside and really appreciated the relaxed, tropical vibe. ❤️❤️We’ll definitely be back whenever we travel to this area again. Highly recommended!👍

Place is very cute. Ordered the turkey club sandwich wrap and the green machine smoothie, delicious. Reasonable price. They do have a gluten free menu. Will go again.

I chose Mango Bistro for our monthly group lunch based on the great reviews, and they were spot on! I think all eleven of us ordered something different, and we all enjoyed our meals. Our server, Cheryl, had said that all the items on the menu were equally delicious, and she wasn't wrong! I had the Curry Tuna Sandwich on the pineapple bread with black bean soup and blue chips. It was so good that I ordered a sandwich to take home to my husband, and he loved it! The Mango tea was really good, too, as was the carrot cake. I'm excited to return to try the other menu items, and I think you all will love it as much as I did. In addition to the food being great, the service was fast, our server was friendly, the food came out quickly, the prices were reasonable, and the place was vibing. 🤌🏼 Sorry, I forgot to take photos!

My family & I came here for dinner and we absolutely loved everything about our dining experience! We ordered the sea bass, surf and turf, crab cake and the kids’ butter noodles. Our server, Evan, was extremely prompt and professional. The entire atmosphere was amazing and we loved watching the sunset from our seats. I would definitely recommend the Waverly!

We finally made it to The Waverly and had a truly great dinner. We started with the fried avocado (absolutely delicious) served with tons of tortilla chips—perfect for sharing. The surf and turf was a highlight, and I also had an enormous, super-fresh mountain of salad that hit the spot. Service was top-notch. When our table got a bit cramped with all the dishes, the staff quickly moved us to a more spacious spot right by the window. It made the evening even better, especially with the gorgeous sunset view. Drinks were spot-on, and while it’s definitely the priciest place on the key, it’s totally worth a visit for the atmosphere, service, and food. Highly recommend!

We had a group of 6 and our server Evan was very accommodating and checked on us regularly. The calamari and fish dip were great. People in our party got fish and chips, shrimp scampi and salmon. My husband and I got the summer specials of mahi and linguine & clams which included soup and dessert, we wish they offered something like this year round. The portions were perfect.

Absolutely an amazing experience. We had Krissy a.k.a. Jersey as our server and she exceeded our expectations. Recommended a drink that is truly one that celebrates the autumn spirit it is an autumn. Margarita with fresh pear, and apple cider absolutely delicious and her personality was bubbly and exactly what we needed. I will be coming back and only asking for her!

The Waverly is a dream. I actually had my wedding in their banquet room and it was amazing. The day was perfect and Hunter made all the details so easy. We loved working with him and everyone involved!

The sushi was excellent — fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. However, the overall dining experience left a bit more to be desired. Our server seemed inattentive and unfortunately forgot our drink order twice. We had mentioned it was our first visit, but she didn’t take the time to walk us through any specials or recommendations, which would have been helpful and welcoming. Throughout the meal, we found ourselves needing to flag down the manager to get additional drinks and sides, as our server was not checking in regularly. While the restaurant itself is stunning with a lovely view and ambiance, the lack of attentive service took away from the overall experience. Additionally, the grouper sandwich did not seem fresh and did not taste like genuine grouper, which was disappointing given the otherwise appealing menu. It’s a shame, as the setting and potential are truly great — with some improvement in service consistency and food quality, this could easily become a standout dining destination. We hope this feedback is helpful and taken in the spirit of improvement — we’d love to see the experience elevated to match the beautiful atmosphere you’ve created.

I had the Biratta tomato salad. It was delicious. My husband had the French dip and corn chowder soup equally good. Our German Shepherd dog was welcome and everybody was very friendly. We sat out on the lanai.

Wow! What a gem of a restaurant! Friends gave us a gift card and we had never been before! I am so glad we now know about Magnolias on the Bay! Fabulous menu, incredible service and creative cocktail menu! And the view and atmosphere is perfection! We had a few of the small plates. They were all very yummy! We also had a sushi roll and it was delicious! Hoping to have room for dessert next time!

This place is wonderful! We celebrated my 31st birthday here last night. The food was incredible (as always) the service was 10 stars. Daniel, our server knew every answer to all our questions especially, about the wines. He was attentive, knowledgeable, very nice and did not rush us. The dessert, might’ve been my favorite part of the meal. Blackberry and peach cobbler, DELICIOUS! Beautiful ambiance and even better food. Thank you, Magnolias.

Cute restaurant. We visited for breakfast but will be back for dinner. Not an extensive breakfast menu but good selections. Our food was fresh and tasty. Service was great. I can't say enough about the space. We ate outside and the several fans perched above kept the humidity and bugs away but weren't loud enough to bother our conversation. Service was great. We took a walk to the Bay. The property is large and would make a great place to host a party.

We just had our wedding there and had the most perfect experience. We were originally booked at Waverly but with the hurricane damage, canceled due to being unsure of when repairs would actually be finished. We were going to cancel our wedding completely until my parents had visited to help clean up my grandparent’s place after the hurricane. They had rave reviews about Magnolia’s and the beautiful setting and amazing food. They asked the manager if they hosted weddings, and they said not yet but we’re starting to get into it. We contacted them, decided to take our chances and book with them and it was the best decision we ever could have made. Keith handled everything so well. Everything from the amazing food, to the friendly serving staff, and set up and organization of everything was absolutely perfect. Every guest has complimented how impressed they were with the whole place. We highly recommend Magnolia’s (especially for a wedding venue, though currently they are only available for weddings on Sundays and Mondays). You won’t regret it! And may I say again how amazing the food is?? (Photos by Myra Coxey)

Venture this way due to the food looking like the most outstanding spot on the island and I wasn't disappointed! I'm not always in love with sushi but the recommended roll hit the spot, and the new pork belly dish was phenomenal.. You can tell they put a lot of love and soul into their dishes. But most importantly Heather's warm, friendly personality and hospitality made the visit so much more special! I loved chatting with her, she was so kind and patient with any questions even close to closing time. She would have me coming back to visit and dine again and again. This was my favorite restaurant visit of my trip on the island!

By far the best food available in the area in my opinion. Our food was extremely impressive and while the food was expensive it felt like incredible value compared to other restaurants on the key due simply to the magnitude of the quality. An incredible experience that deserves your attention.

We went here for dinner of 5/5 for our anniversary dinner which is 5/5. Our server Chris was excellent - had a great command of the food and drinks. My wife had a margarita and I had the drink among giants - always leery in Florid of something that's supposed to be " old fashioned" but it was better than average - just a little sweet. Wife had a caesar salad with anchovies on the side. More than she wanted so I got taste - we both thought it was very good. She couldn't finish the little guys. She then had a volcano sushi roll which is Chilean seabass - large serving. I had the roasted duck breast - lots of deliciousness. It's expensive but you usually get what you pay for.