Explore Manasota Key

WHY WE LOVE MANASOTA KEY

Manasota Key has the relaxed charm of an Old Florida beach town—a place where flip-flops are appropriate almost everywhere, sunsets are a nightly event and the Gulf is never far away.

The island’s easygoing atmosphere is one of the things we love most. You can spend the morning searching for shells and shark teeth, enjoy lunch overlooking the water, head out for a dolphin or sunset cruise and finish the day with dinner and live music—all without traveling far from Villa 61.

BEACHES & NATURAL TREASURES

ENGLEWOOD BEACH

Located just a 4-minute walk from Villa 61, Englewood Beach makes beach days wonderfully easy. Pack the beach wagon with the chairs, cabana shade and cooler provided at the villa and spend the day swimming, relaxing, searching for shark teeth, playing volleyball or watching one of Manasota Key’s spectacular Gulf sunsets.

STUMP PASS BEACH STATE PARK

At the southern end of Manasota Key, Stump Pass Beach State Park offers a more natural and secluded beach experience. Walk the shoreline, search for shells and fossilized shark teeth, fish from the beach or launch a kayak to explore the surrounding waterways. Wildlife sightings may include dolphins, manatees, shorebirds and gopher tortoises.

BLIND PASS BEACH

Also known locally as Middle Beach, Blind Pass offers both Gulf and Lemon Bay access with a slightly quieter, more natural atmosphere. In addition to its wide beach and excellent shelling and shark-tooth hunting, you’ll find a bayside nature trail through the mangroves, picnic areas, a fishing dock and canoe and kayak access.  

MANASOTA BEACH

Located near the northern end of the island, Manasota Beach is another beautiful place to swim, beachcomb, picnic and enjoy the sunset. It’s also well known as an excellent spot for searching for fossilized shark teeth.

Please check current parking fees, operating hours and conditions before visiting area beaches and parks.

BEACH TIPS & ISLAND COURTESY

• Beach parking can fill quickly during holidays, weekends and peak season, so an early start is helpful.
• Watch posted beach flags and changing water conditions before swimming.
• Bring water, sunscreen, sandals and a mesh bag for collecting shells and shark teeth.
• Sea-turtle nesting season generally runs from May through October. Keep the beach dark at night, never disturb marked nests and fill in holes before leaving.
• Help protect the Key by packing out your trash and leaving glass containers at home.

THINGS TO DO ON AND AROUND THE KEY

There is plenty to enjoy beyond the beach:

• Search the shoreline for shells and fossilized shark teeth
• Book a dolphin-watching or sunset cruise
• Explore Lemon Bay by kayak or paddleboard
• Charter a fishing trip or rent a boat
• Walk the nature trails at Stump Pass or Blind Pass
• Watch for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles and coastal birds
• Browse nearby island shops
• Enjoy live music and waterfront dining
• Play shuffleboard or relax beside the heated community pool at Englewood Beach Villas

Native Charter Company, located near Englewood Beach Villas, offers dolphin and sunset cruises. Several nearby marinas also provide fishing charters, boat rentals and access to the waters surrounding Manasota Key. Availability can change with weather and the season, so reservations are recommended.

EAT & DRINK

One of the best parts of staying at Villa 61 is having so many island favorites within walking distance or a short shuttle ride.

LOCK ’N KEY RESTAURANT

Located across from Englewood Beach, Lock ’N Key serves steaks, seafood, sandwiches and other island favorites in a casual beach atmosphere. Happy hour pull tabs are an island favorite!

SANDBAR TIKI & GRILLE

Enjoy casual food, drinks and live music in a lively waterfront setting. SandBar is directly across Beach Road from the entrance to Englewood Beach Villas.

THE WAVERLY

The Waverly offers cocktails and dining with elevated views overlooking Englewood Beach and the Gulf and is just a short walk from Villa 61.

MAGNOLIAS ON THE BAY

Magnolias offers waterfront dining overlooking beautiful Lemon Bay, with dinner, sushi, cocktails and a relaxed but slightly more upscale atmosphere.

WHITE ELEPHANT PUB

A longtime local favorite near the beach for casual pub food, drinks, waterfront views, live entertainment and scheduled karaoke.

BEACHCOMBER TRADING POST

A laid-back bayside restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s also a convenient stop for coffee, a casual meal or something sweet.

GERALDI’S ITALIAN EATING PLACE

A wonderfully unfussy local favorite for takeout pizza, subs and salads—perfect for an easy dinner back at the villa.

CALICO JACK’S

Calico Jack’s is the island’s no-frills neighborhood bar and pool-hall kind of place. Stop in for a cold drink, a game of pool and a little local flavor. Nothing fancy—and that is exactly the point!

Because restaurant schedules and entertainment calendars can change seasonally, we recommend confirming current hours before heading out.

SHOPS & EVERYDAY CONVENIENCES

BEACH COMPANY (BEACH CO)

Beach Co is a little surf and beach shop tucked beside Lock ’N Key. It’s easy to overlook but worth a stop for quality beachwear, clothing and island finds.

BAREFOOT TRADER

 Barefoot Trader is a fun nearby stop for beachwear, souvenirs and island finds.

CIRCLE K

Circle K is located across Beach Road for quick convenience-store necessities. Like the rest of Manasota Key, it does not have gas pumps, so fill your tank before settling into island time.

Additional groceries, pharmacies, restaurants and shopping are available just across the bridge in Englewood.

LEAVE THE CAR PARKED

Manasota Key is wonderfully walkable from Villa 61—but when you don’t feel like walking, let Stumpy do the driving!

Stumpy’s Free Ride provides complimentary electric-shuttle transportation around its Manasota Key service area, including beaches, restaurants and shops. Drivers work for tips, and hours may vary by season, weather and special events.

Call Stumpy’s at (941) 822-1444 to request a ride.

NEARBY ADVENTURES

If you feel like exploring beyond the island, several easy day trips await:

BOCA GRANDE

Visit the historic village, browse its shops, enjoy lunch and explore the beaches and unmistakable Old Florida atmosphere of Gasparilla Island.

VENICE

Downtown Venice offers shopping, restaurants, parks and beautiful Gulf beaches. The area is also famous for fossilized shark teeth.

SARASOTA

Spend the day exploring Sarasota’s museums, gardens, shops, restaurants and cultural attractions.

DEARBORN STREET

Historic Dearborn Street in Englewood offers locally owned shops, restaurants, live entertainment and seasonal events, including the popular farmers market.

MAKE IT YOUR OWN

Fill your days with beach walks, boating, fishing and island adventures—or do absolutely nothing at all. That’s allowed here too.

However you spend your time, we hope you discover the easygoing beauty and wonderfully local character that made us fall in love with Manasota Key.

Welcome to island time!