Local Beaches
Englewood Beach
Englewood Beach, in Charlotte County, also offers a wide expanse of beachfront, plus recreation areas, a boardwalk, picnic tables, a concession area and paved parking. This beach is also close to several restaurants, shops and nightclubs.
Port Charlotte Beach State Park
Just south of Englewood Beach is the Port Charlotte Beach State Park, a wide expanse of Gulf-front, sandy beach, where walking along the coastline is a favourite pas time of many. It is accessible by boat, Jet Ski or walking from Englewood Beach.
Manasota Beach and Blind Pass Beach
Manasota Beach and Blind Pass Beach, both on the Sarasota side of Manasota Key, offer beachgoers a variety of amenities. Manasota Beach boasts 14 acres of Gulf-front beach and sand dunes, with special areas set aside for sheltered tables, barbecue pits, boardwalks and bathhouse facilities. Lifeguards are on duty all year round.
Blind Pass Beach
With more than 60 acres, Blind Pass Beach is ideal for swimming and fishing and now sports a nature trail. Recently, the historic "Hermitage House," one of the first beach homes to be built on Manasota Key, was revitalized. Sarasota County also provides a docking area for boats on the Intracoastal Waterway side of Manasota Key.