You recognize you’re in a particular place when a state park takes up your entire southern finish of a barrier island, and two small islands, and you may discover it with out bumping into barely a soul – that’s Stump Cross Seaside State Park for you.
Situated on tiny Manasota Key in Englewood, Florida, this state park is understood for its balmy seashores, various species of wildlife, wonderful fishing, and nature trails.
There are many issues to do in Stumps Cross Seaside State Park which make it a worthy cease on anybody’s Manasota journey, and it’s undoubtedly one of the crucial stunning state parks in Florida I’ve seen thus far.
If you happen to’re considering of visiting Stump Cross State Park and undecided what to do, get there, or the place to remain close by, this information is for you. It should let you know all the things it’s worthwhile to learn about visiting this idyllic slide of paradise within the Sunshine State!
About Stump Cross Seaside State Park
Stump Cross Seaside State Park is situated on the South finish of Manasota Key, within the Southwest nook of Charlotte County.
Manasota Key is likely one of the 4 barrier islands that comprise the Barrier Islands Geopark on this space. The opposite three are Cayo Costa, Don Pedro, Gasparilla.
It encompasses 245 acres, and has entry to pristine seashores on Lemon Bay and the Gulf Coast.
Discover a non-public space of your individual alongside the Lemon Bay aspect or a slice of sand on the ocean aspect with a wonderful view of the Gulf of Mexico.
Many come right here to benefit from the serenity, fishing, wildlife viewing, shell foraging, and shark tooth looking.
Actions in Stump Cross Seaside State Park
Stroll the character path
A 1.3-mile sandy climbing path takes you thru the low-lying forest with pockets within the bushes providing you with glimpses of the wild Gulf Coast on one aspect and the calmer luminescent aqua waters on the opposite.
It’s flat and delicate with solely a handful of individuals passing you by. Canine are allowed on this path, however should be saved on a six-foot hand-held leash and be nicely behaved.
In addition to the seashores, the path has an abundance of flowers, akin to bay cedar, coontie, indigo berry, and prickly pear cactus.
The path ends at Stump Cross, the southern finish of the park the place the Gulf meets the bay.
You’ll be wowed by the view of close by islands and thrilled you might have your individual secluded seashore to get pleasure from.
2. Go sunbathing and swimming at Stump Cross Seaside
As quickly as we obtained to Stump Cross Seaside, the place the white sand met that stunning water, two dolphins rose out of the water, proper close to the sting of the shore.
They swam and chased fish the entire time we stayed there watching or chasing seagulls.
Stump Cross Seaside is nice for year-round swimming, because the waters are subtropical and heat.
If you happen to do go swimming, be aware there are not any lifeguards or rangers so you will have to be assured and preserve and eye in your youngsters.
3. Have interaction in water sports activities
Stumps Cross Seaside can also be an important place to interact in mild watersports, akin to paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking.
There are boat launching websites 5-miles from Stump Cross if you wish to launch your individual kayaks, or you possibly can can rent paddle boards and kayaks from the rental store in the midst of the parking zone.
Leases can be found in two-hour blocks, four-hour blocks, and from sooner or later to a number of day choices out there as nicely.
The preferred route is to kayak alongside the mangrove habitat of Lemon Bay in direction of Stump Cross and out into the Gulf of Mexico.
There are additionally two uninhabited islands simply east of Stump Cross you possibly can paddle round.
It was method too windy after we visited to do this. I hope it’s calm for you as it could be a Florida journey to recollect.
The paddle again to the launch website is supposed to be simpler than the start of the journey with the water currents and wind working in your favor.
Guests can launch a kayak and paddle across the two islands simply east of the park’s land base.
4. Search for wildlife
Stumps Cross Seaside State Park is an efficient spot to spy a West Indian Manatees, gopher tortoises, snowy egrets, ospreys, least terns, and different magnificent frigate birds, in addition to Loggerhead Sea Turtles (one of the crucial concentrated spots for these sightings on the planet).
Extra sea turtles nest in Manasota Key than anyplace else on the Gulf Coast, notably the threatened Loggerhead sea turtle. You’ll be able to be taught extra about these protected animal species at
5. Go fishing
Anglers will love Stumps Cross Seaside State Park as a result of it has all kinds of fish you possibly can catch.
Fishing from the shores right here is likely one of the hottest actions, although a fishing license could also be required.
You additionally want to adapt to the rules regarding measurement, quantity, methodology of seize and season as per the Florida Fish and WildlifeConservation Fee. Extra details about that right here.
Some prize catches you’ll find listed here are black skimmer, flounder, redfish, sheepshead, snapper, snook, tarpon, trout, and whiteing.
6. Go shark enamel looking and search for seashells
This a part of Manasota Secret’s well-known for its shark enamel which wash up on the shore.
Decide any a part of the 1.3 mile of seashore and you can be in a very good likelihood of discovering some!
7. Have a picnic
There are a number of picnic tables and 6 coated picnic pavilions out there all through the park, which can be found on a first-come, first-served foundation.
8. Go tenting
You’ll be able to select between primitive tenting and serviced tenting. There are a number of camp grounds throughout the park, although seashore tenting is prohibited.
Opening hours and entrance charges
Stumps Cross Seaside State Park is open from 8:00am till sundown day-after-day of the 12 months. It prices $3 per automobile, however there are extra charges for tenting and visiting the museum.
FAQs About Visiting Stump Cross Seaside State Park
What facilities are in Stump Cross Seaside State Park?
There’s a restroom facility, coated pavilions for picnics, boat ramp, playground, parking, museum, water fountain, bathe station, and campgrounds at Stump Cross Seaside State Park.
Are you able to dive at Stump Cross Seaside State Park?
You’ll be able to go snorkeling or scuba diving at Stump Cross Seaside State Park, however it’s worthwhile to convey your individual gear.
Are you able to convey pets to Stump Cross Seaside State Park?
You’ll be able to convey pets to designated areas in Stump Cross Seaside State Park however not on the seashore, aside from service animals.
When is the perfect time to go to Stump Cross Seaside State Park?
Stump Cross Seaside State Park is open three hundred and sixty five days a 12 months so any day is an efficient day to go to. Winter months are finest for shelling, wildlife viewing, and fishing.
Tips on how to get to Manasota Key
Manasota Secret’s an 11-mile barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast situated south of its busier neighbors, Sarasota, and Venice. It’s about midway between Tampa and Fort Myers.
Solely a brief bridge separates it from the mainland, giving much more water experiences so that you can get pleasure from with the calmer Lemon Bay.
The closest main airport is an hour’s drive away, Sarasota-Bradenton Worldwide Airport (SRQ), however Southwest Florida Worldwide Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers is one other viable possibility at simply 1 hour 20 minutes drive, if flights are extra handy to there.
Tampa Worldwide Airport (TPA), whereas additional away, can also be a significant airport that’s lower than 2 hour’s drive away.
If you’re driving, you’ll want to get onto the I-75, and take exits towards Venice or Englewood to achieve Manasota Key Street, the principle thoroughfare by way of the important thing.
The place to remain in Manasota Key
There are a couple of lodges, visitors homes and inns in Manasota Key, however you can find extra trip leases and condos for lease, which can be a better option in your trip.
There may be solely a handful of eating places in Manasota Key, so having an area the place you possibly can cook dinner for your self could also be a greater possibility.
Click on the map for costs and availability for trip rental in Manasota Key in Florida!
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