Between Fort Myers And St. Petersburg Lies One Of Florida's Overlooked Beach Destinations

If you're looking for a beach vacation, one of the best states to visit in America is Florida. The Sunshine State has no shortage of sandy beaches, scenic greenery, and crystal-blue waters. With destinations ranging from Grayton Beach State Park, which boasts pristine water and sugar-white sand to more laid-back Gulf Coast beaches, the only challenge is deciding where to go. For those who want a quieter, more relaxed experience free from throngs of tourists, one great option is Manasota Key, a barrier island near Englewood on Florida's Gulf Coast, between Fort Myers and St. Petersburg.

Manasota Key offers an "Old Florida" vibe without the massive high-rise resorts in other, trendier spots. This is a great place to visit if your idea of a beach vacation is spending all day next to the water, then heading to a local watering hole to grab a drink, some seafood, and listen to live music. 

Plus, the shoreline at Manasota Key is great for beachcombing, as shells and fossilized shark teeth regularly wash up in the sand. So, let's put on our beach attire and check out this overlooked Gulf Coast gem. 

Because we're talking about an overlooked beach destination, let's break down the four beaches you can explore when visiting Manasota Key, starting from north to south. First, Manasota Beach is ideal for a laid-back day of sitting on the sand and staring out at the Gulf. There are also amenities like restrooms, picnic shelters, and a boat ramp, with lifeguards on duty. Next, there's Blind Pass Beach, aka Middle Beach, which is about 8 minutes south of Manasota Beach and relatively wild and undeveloped. There's the beach on one side and a mangrove-flanked lagoon on the other, complete with a boat dock and fishing pier. Since this area is so natural, it's a great spot for finding shells, fossils, and shark teeth, and it's rarely crowded. 

Drive about 7 minutes down Manasota Key Road, and you'll run into Englewood Beach, which is the most developed of the four. This beach offers amenities such as restrooms, showers, picnic tables, playgrounds, and even volleyball courts. Plus, it's the closest option to downtown Englewood, making it one of the most convenient, depending on where you stay during your vacation. Finally, if you loved the unspoiled nature of Blind Pass Beach but want more to explore, Stump Pass Beach State Park is a fantastic choice. 

Part of the excitement of Stump Pass Beach is that you can venture out on a kayak to explore two smaller islands within the park, as well as the rest of Lemon Bay. Since the park is home to protected species like manatees, tortoises, and various birds, you might even spot some wildlife along the way. Or, if you prefer to go beneath the waves, the park is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. Finally, you can discover plenty of shells washed up on the sand, making it a great spot for beachcombing. Just remember that collecting live shells is prohibited.

Since Manasota Key is about equidistant from St. Petersburg and Fort Myers, you can take your pick of which city to fly into. Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is about an hour and 20 minutes south, while the Tampa International Airport (TPA) is about 90 minutes north. That said, Tampa Airport is number one for food and travel, so that may influence your decision. If you have the time, you may want to add other Florida islands to your trip, such as Sanibel Island, the "seashell capital of the world," only two hours south. 

When it comes to accommodations, the island has a variety of hotels and vacation rentals, or you can stay on the mainland in Englewood. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that there are only two main routes onto the island, and traffic can get pretty congested during peak travel seasons. Also, there aren't many stores on the island, so you'll likely have to venture in and out of Englewood for supplies and essentials. 

When it comes to restaurants, there are a few options on the island, so you don't always have to go into the city to eat. Magnolias on the Bay offers dishes like wagyu sirloin and swordfish, but it also has a happy hour menu if you're looking for something lighter. For waterfront dining, the Beachcomber Trading Post overlooks Lemon Bay and has a casual menu of burgers and sandwiches, making it an ideal spot for lunch. Similarly, the Sandbar Tiki & Grille is a great hangout joint with live music, tasty cocktails, and a menu that blends juicy barbecue with fresh seafood.