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All About Manasota Key
An 11-mile long peninsula turned into a barrier island, Manasota Key faces the Gulf of Mexico to the West and Lemon Bay to the east. Manasota Key had a population of 1,229 according to the 2010 census and is a popular beach destination in Charlotte County, attracting visitors from nearby towns and cities to its calming shorelines and abundance of wildlife. Visiting Manasota Key can be a great time to connect with nature and explore the joys of beachcombing for shells, shark teeth and more!
Local Destinations
One of the most popular beaches on the key, this pristine beach offers white sand, sparkling Gulf waters, and spectacular sunset views year-round. Amenities include a 900-foot boardwalk with three covered lookouts, accessible parking and restroom facilities, showers, water stations, volleyball courts, basketball court, horseshoe pits, playground area, four small shelters with picnic table and grill, and three large pavilions, all of which contain picnic tables and charcoal grills.
Blind Pass Beach
This beach offers almost 3,000 feet of sandy shores with
great views of the gulf. You will find plenty of opportunities for shelling and shark tooth hunting along this vast stretch of beach.
While amenities are sparse, there is a lot of free parking, a few picnic tables and a beach house with showers and restrooms. There are no lifeguards here, so swimming is at your own risk.
Located on the north end of Manasota Key, Manasota Beach offers lots of beach and recreation area with 14 acres and almost 1,400 feet of beachfront.
This beach is a favorite of many visitors and locals, offering views of the Gulf of Mexico that are expansive, scenic and gorgeous. This beach will also offer many opportunities for shelling and shark tooth hunting. Amenities include free parking, restroom facilities, showers and shelters with picnic tables and grills.
Visitors come to this State Park and secluded beach on the southernmost end of Manasota Key to enjoy the year-round swimming, shelling, and fishing, as well as the 1.3-mile hiking trail. Ranger-led nature hikes are available in the winter.
(Pets are allowed on the trail in this park but not on the beaches. They must be well-behaved and kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash at all times. Pets must not be left unattended, nor taken into restroom facilities or onto playground equipment.)
The trail passes through five distinct natural communities that provide homes for many species of wildlife and features five covered picnic tables along the way. Visitors may see manatees, gopher tortoises, snowy egrets, least terns, and magnificent frigate birds. Other amenities include restrooms and outdoor showers.
Nearby Places To Visit
Little Gasparilla Island
There are 7 miles of beautiful beaches around Little Gasparilla Island. During the summer season, sea turtles nest along the shores. You may also spot other wildlife including bald eagles, herons, pelicans and osprey.
Don Pedro Island
Accessible by private boat or ferry, Don Pedro Island State Park is home to many endangered species of creatures such as manatees, gopher tortoises and bald eagles. There is one mile of sandy beach available to visitors.
Indian Mound Park
This park used to be occupied from approximately 1000 BC to1350 AD by indigenous people. There have been countless artifacts discovered during excavations. Today there is park ground away from the historic areas offering boat access, shorelines and open spaces.
Book Your Stay Today
There are many different places to explore around Manasota Key.
If you are interested in scheduling a vacation rental to begin your adventure, book with us today!