Beaches

One of Southwest Florida's main attractions has to be the beautiful beaches. Charlotte County and the surrounding areas have a wonderful selection of beach locations for you to choose from, the quiet and remote island retreats, the activity beaches where water sports are on offer, or the popular swimming beaches along Manasota Key. Here are a few of our favorites; there are many more within a ½ hour drive from "Turtle Crossing" Villa.

Englewood Beach

Englewood Beach is the closest beach to Rotonda and is situated on Manasota Key, a 7-mile long Barrier Island stretching all the way up to Venice. The Gulf side of the Island is voted one of the best beaches in the area. Shops, restaurants and barbecue facilities are close by. For those who want seclusion a walk along the nature trail from Stump Pass Beach car park takes you to the end of the Island overlooking the pass.

Manasota Beach is a great place to relax. It offers free parking, picnic tables, showers and restrooms. This beach is on the northern end of the key and is great for collecting sharks teeth and shells, or for watching the dolphins early in the morning.

On the Intracoastal side of the park a boat ramp and docking facilities are available. The 620 foot dock continues as a boardwalk winding through the mangroves.

Blind Pass Beach

Pass Beach is often called Middle Beach by the locals, it has no lifeguards but there is free parking with picnic tables, showers & restrooms. This is the most isolated beach on the key. There's also a nature trail with dunes and wildflowers. Another great beach for sharks teeth but has a sharp incline into the water.

Stump Pass Beach

Stump Pass Beach is on the southern end of Manasota key with parking at $2.00 per day and is our favourite. It is a great place to visit to get a feel of what Florida was like many years ago. It is not crowded and if feeling energetic you can walk along the beach to the inlet and witness some of the most spectacular sunsets. It is a great beach for sharks teeth and spotting dolphins and has a shallow decline into the water.

Gasparilla Island

South of Boca Grande on Gulf Boulevard you will come to the wonderful beach areas, Sand Spur Beach, Sea Grape Beach, South Beach and Lighthouse Beach, named after the historic wooden lighthouse, which is now a museum and well worth a visit.
There is a restaurant at South Beach overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. This is a great spot for lunch or an evening meal.

Don Pedro Island State Park

Don Pedro Island is an un-bridged Island to the north of Gasparilla Island. Access is by boat only, making this a fantastic location if you really want a peaceful day. Rest room, shower and barbeque facilities are laid on for your convenience.
The beach is pure white sand and is an excellent place for beachcombing. Fossil Sharks Teeth and unusual shells are a common find.