The Getaway
15 Activities to Enjoy Your Stay on Manasota Key

Manasota Key has numerous islands that allow you to relax and have fun in the sandy waters. Tourists can enjoy the cool sounds of the Gulf waves on a quiet but busy beach. History indicates that Manasota Key has been an attraction for over eight decades since the Gulf was lower than it is presently. The natives got shells from this key that they used to create beads and former currency. Visitors can access the prehistoric sites at the offshores and shop for their favorite items. For your next visit to Manasota Key, here are things to do:

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01 Spend the day relaxing at Englewood Beach

Englewood Beach is a charming scenery that offers white sand and pure waters. You can enjoy the breathtaking sunset sights all year round. The beach is an ideal place to find shark teeth and shells as you get deeper in the waters. You can do a lot of things around the shops located at the offshores, such as fueling up if you have a car, taking snacks, and eating out. The scenic waterfront offers a wide parking area and playground for kids.

Other facilities around the beach include volleyball and basketball fields. Enjoy the numerous water stations and restroom amenities where you can cool off the heat. If you have a family retreat or birthday, utilize the shelters that offer retreat tables and grills.

02 Hike the trails at Stump Pass Beach State Park

Take a noiseless hike along the 1.3-mile hiking trail along the southern edge of the park and walk through the overlooked Indigenous communities. This trail offers you an opportunity to see wildlife such as osprey, fiddler crabs, and birds. You also get an opportunity to see plants such as prickly cactus and indigo berry. The state park offers well-covered picnic tables, which are located along the hiking trail and the other around the bathroom facility. Tourists can view the protected wildlife species at Stump Pass Beach, such as the West Indian manatee, black skimmer, snowy egret, and osprey. Enjoy the swimming and snorkeling activities for bird-watching and shelling.

03 Try your luck with fishing charters

Engage in an exciting adventure of fishing in the Gulf and get away with the fish you desire fish. The deep-sea fishing adventure is guided by knowledgeable captains who will help you catch the greatest snook and tarpon, also known as silver king. If you are planning for an inshore fishing charter, the local charter captains will put you on the fish at Englewood while prioritizing your safety.

If you enjoy dolphin tours, engage in an unmatched experience enhanced by the luxurious seating that warrants an easy catch with a guided tour. Exploring the local waters through boat charters is an experience you won't want to miss. With a variety of options available, such as Raised Here Charters, Nauti Dawg Charters, and Kokomo Charters, you can have an unforgettable experience.

04 Kayak or paddleboard through Lemon Bay

Enjoy the beautiful views of Lemon Bay on a paddleboard tour. The guided tour allows you an opportunity to see wildlife creatures like dolphins, manatees, and seabirds. You can also touch the seagrass plants in the calm waters of the Gulf for a full adventure. You can rent kayaks for a trip to and from the deep waters of the Gulf. Kayaking and paddleboard enthusiasts can experience the sport by themselves or choose a guided tour through the Lemon Bay.

The guides offer life jackets and training before starting the sport at the secret lagoon, which usually doesn't take long to reach the crossing end. The kayaking experience becomes more adventurous by watching the wildlife in the silent mangroves.

05 Unwind with a sunset view at Englewood Beach

You can set your beach seat and relax while sunbathing in the Florida sunshine. Being at an Englewood rental that is located near the beach allows you to have a scenic view of the sunset. For an unforgettable experience, spend time on the beach during sunset. To witness the beautiful sunset, you can also spread your napkin on the shores and dip your legs in the water. Ensure you have a nightcap and curl up on your porch to relax as the sunset unfolds.

Find uncrowded spots that can allow you the best viewing spot. For a perfect dining experience, The Waverly Restaurant & Bar offers an unbeatable location just steps away from Englewood Beach. With stunning views that provide a front-row seat, you can watch the sunset here.

06 Discover the charm of Blind Pass Beach

Blind Pass Beach is among the calmest waterfronts of Manasota, which is also known as the Middle Beach. The beach offers free parking along the shores in a clean and uncrowded environment. The currents are moderate in size, making it enjoyable if you bring kids along. The waters of this beach are welcoming, and the heat makes the adventures worthwhile. If you enjoy picnics and walks, the Blind Pass Beach offers picnic tables, a pavilion, and a playground.

Enjoy activities like swimming and shelling to identify shells like lightning whelks and cockles. If you are an expert in swimming, get on with your safety pack, as there are no lifeguards. The beach offers a vibrant variety of marine life, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can often spot dolphins, manatees, and manta rays swimming close to the shore, while sea turtles may emerge on the dunes during their nesting season.

07 Take an eco-tour to explore the Mangrove Tunnels

Discover this appeal of the beauty of the Mangrove Forest using the Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Ecotour. The eco kayak tour guides help you unleash the breathtaking natural beauty of Sarasota by helping you navigate the charming mangrove tunnels and delta of Sarasota Bay. You can tour the mangrove tunnels and get a close view of local herons, alligators, and ducks. This tour is guided to allow you to learn kayaking methods and enjoy the adventure in these overlooked wetlands.

This tour allows you to learn about its ecosystem from the tour guide. If you are a beginner in kayaking, a few lessons and equipment will help you get started. This scenery is ideal for photo lovers, and you can enjoy the calm creeks while taking memory photos with you.

08 Dine at The Waverly

This spacious and air-conditioned restaurant offers free internet around the property. You can enjoy scenic views of the calming waters from the balcony. Take your breakfast on a floating tray in the pool with an aerial view of the sea's great waters. You can enjoy the beautiful sunset view as you relax on the pathway.

The menu boasts a delightful selection of fresh seafood, complemented by an array of dishes designed to satisfy every tastebud. They offer an enticing sushi menu for seafood lovers. The hotel is tropical and superb, offering diners a chance to relax under palm trees outside while they enjoy their tasty salmon and other seafood.

09 Visit Lock ‘N Key for casual beachside dining

Get a special treatment and enjoy seafood and steak in a beachfront setting as you make a stop at the Lock ‘N Key restaurant. The spacious outdoor space offers you an opportunity to view the beach, socialize, socialize and enjoy the stunning views. The restaurant has mouthwatering foods prepared by knowledgeable chefs to give you a memorable experience. If your adventure revolves around indulging in the freshest local seafood, you're in for a treat.

Experience the delectable lobster and juicy mahi, which are the hotel's specialties. For a memorable experience in Manasota Key, it is a must to taste the fresh hogfish, oysters, tuna, tilapia, salmon, and steaks. Don't forget to try the variety of cocktails.

10 Join a shelling excursion for fossil hunting

The enthralling tooth-hunting and seashell collection adventure is a must-do thing when you visit Manasota Beach. Enjoy activities such as beach combing through the sandy grounds to discover the ancient gems. The adventure offers a unique and engaging activity to get closer to sharks and their fossilized teeth. Companies such as Sharkier make the experience enjoyable through a guided tour that teaches you about the history of the coastline and the collection of shells.

Join the tour guides for a unique immersion in the organic attraction and adventure that awaits you.

11 Enjoy live entertainment at The Sandbar Tiki & Grille

Indulge in the cozy atmosphere, good food, and cool people at the Sandbar Tiki & Grille. If you are a lover of music, enjoy the live sessions while dining and drinking in the air-conditioned dining spaces. The dock's outdoor area offers an ideal view of the waters and the quiet beach. Get a memorable beach dining experience by engaging in numerous family-friendly games and dances. This is an enjoyable experience for evening visitors who wish to make the most of their beach stay.

12 Parasail over the Gulf for stunning aerial views

Surf the skies as you indulge in higher parasailing levels. Engage with experienced surfing guides to help you soar over the sparkling waters and pristine beachline as you watch the attractive water animals. The parasailing experience is ideal and safe for your whole family to locate the best aerial views. The guided tours provide all the necessary equipment and training for your parasailing experience, allowing you to explore the charming Gulf Coast. Book a kayaking or beach parasailing rental with a local company for affordable costs and quality rental staff.

13 Explore the Englewood Farmers Market for local flavors

The Englewood Farmers Market has excellent selections of quality food and beverages. You can shop for your favorite products as you watch live music performances. The vendors sell foods like pretzels and ceviche. The market is under tree shade to allow you to shop for your favorite foods and seafood. You can also purchase clothes, décor, art, and treasures from these offshore shops, which are located either in the main stores or in the smaller farmer's market.

Track for events where you can buy agricultural produce and select baked goods from the best vendors who are willing to answer your questions about farm products. The market usually operates on Thursdays in Englewood.

Take a boat tour to spot dolphins and other marine life

Engage in an adventure that includes viewing various wildlife, animals, and marine activities at Manasota Key. Choose from the various guided dolphin boat trips and book the most affordable one. Be sure to spot marine wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, and seabirds. Enjoy the pleasant bird-seeing using a pair of binoculars to spot them easily. This tour is an absolute gem for families, friends, and nature enthusiasts.

15 Plan a visit to the Lighthouse Grill for waterfront dining

If you want to watch over the beach, the Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant is ideal. The hotel offers a calm atmosphere for your desired tasty foods and drinks. If you are a seafood lover, Lighthouse Restaurant provides special chef-made seafood to tantalize your taste buds. They have the freshest fish and seafood, but don't overlook their pride and joy: the "Signature Smokehouse." This top-notch wood-fired BBQ smoker is the secret behind the restaurant's mouthwatering meats that will leave your taste buds satisfied.

The outdoor seating area provides a view of the beach and surrounding wildlife. Enjoy a perfectly crafted beer or a refreshing tropical drink while soaking in the scenery.

When you visit Manasota Key, Florida, you will want to explore all the beaches and islands around. The attractions compel travel enthusiasts to explore the different things they can do on these beaches. These beaches offer ideal spots for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling activities for individuals and families. Plan a visit to Manasota Key today.

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