Parks
Stump Pass State Park Beach 941-964-0375
Combine nature walks with a day at the beach, or bring your kayak to launch into the bay. Parking is limited to 40 spaces and a $2.00 donation is requested as you enter (honor system). Nestled between Lemon Bay and the Gulf of Mexico at 1 foot above sea level, Stump Pass Beach is for those who enjoy no crowds and the clean waters close to an inlet. No lifeguard and swimming is at your own risk – keep an eye out for currents and weather. Enjoy a mile long walk around the bay, past the inlet and back onto the gulf-side. You can enjoy the local plants and trees in a natural setting, and take a dip along the way. No pets, alcohol or picnic area. Please leave only your footprints in this special piece of paradise.
Traveling by car down Placida Road
Don Pedro Island State Recreation Area 941-964-0375
www.floridastateparks.org
The park and beach is located on the barrier island of Don Pedro. By boat you’ll need to travel south of Stump Pass on the I.C.W. just past the “no-wake zone” and make a quick right at the brown State Park sign. About 20 boat slips await you at the docks. A short walk across the island takes you to a huge covered pavilion and several barbecue grills. Restrooms and showers are available. $1.00 donation is requested. For your GPS use Latitude 26.8499 Longitude 82.3048.
(photo from www.floridastateparks.org)
Gasparilla Island State Recreation Area 941-964-0375
www.floridastateparks.org
Minutes from Englewood south of the Cape Haze Peninsula cross the bridge to Gasparilla Island and travel to the southern tip of the island. Located on Boca Grande Pass, where Charlotte Harbor enters the Gulf of Mexico, this park is the home to the Boca Grande Lighthouse built in 1890. Swimming, fishing and picnicking are popular activities. Visit the town of Boca Grande at the same time and you have a superior day trip. A $1.00 donation is requested.
Cayo Costa State Park 941-964-0375 information and camping reservations.
Ferry reservations 239-283-0015
www.floridastateparks.org
This park occupies most of Cayo Costa Island located directly south of Boca Grande. Accessible only by boat, the natural features of the island are stunning. Miles of beaches, acres of pine forests, oak palm hammocks, mangrove swamps and a spectacular display of bird life welcome visitors. Overnight camping and rental cabins are available.
Local Nature Parks in our own back yard!
Lemon Bay Park 570 Bay Park Boulevard, 941-473-3065
www.parksonline.scgov.net to rent facilities, and pavilions
www.scgov.net for general information
Visit the butterfly garden, picnic sites and nature trails at this park located on Lemon Bay, north of Dearborn Street in Olde Englewood. Home to America Bald Eagles and a variety of local birds, this is a marvelous place to take time out of a busy vacation and relax. Classes and guided bird and butterfly walks are available. Nature walk adventures available January-April. Lemon Bay Park has more than 200 acres. A 48-acre parcel of Lemon Bay Park was acquired in 1986 as part of the $20 million county bond referendum. Today the park covers 204 acres of pine and scrubby Flatwoods along the natural bay shoreline.
Indian Mounds Park 210 Winson Avenue
www.scgov.net for general information
Located on Lemon Bay, south of Dearborn Street in Olde Englewood, Indian Mounds offers a public boat ramp with parking facilities. Other amenities include a picnic pavilion, picnic tables, and a historic nature trail. Originally the site was called Paulson’s Point Park. In 1971, the name of the park was changed to Indian Mound Park in accordance with endorsement from clubs and organizations in the Englewood area. When the Intracoastal Waterway came through Lemon Bay in the early 1960’s, dredged soil was placed on the site to create the 10-acre park we know today. In 1973, the Englewood Rotary Club built the large picnic shelter next to the mound and the Lemon Bay Garden Club constructed the Nature trails that wander through the mound.
Cedar Point Environmental Center 2300 Placida Road 941-475-0769
www.checflorida.org
Located on the shores of Lemon Bay on Placida Road, this nature lover’s park has 88 acres with five marked hiking trails through Southwest Florida pine Flatwoods, oak scrub, salt flats, and the mangrove fringe of Lemon Bay. American bald eagles and gopher tortoises, as well as many endangered plants are found here. Purchased in 1992 by Charlotte County thanks to a grant from the Florida Communities Trust. In 1994, the County contracted with CHEC, Inc. to protect and manage natural resources of the land. The park was officially opened to the public in November of 1995 and immediately the guided nature walks began. In the summer of 1997 the environmental visitors’ reception center was opened. It is now the place to find eco-films, hands-on eco-displays, educational lectures, nature programs, informational pamphlets, and knowledgeable staff and volunteer assistance. It’s also a great place to look out over the beautiful forest and spot a gopher tortoise, bald eagle, owl, and bobcat.
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Fiddler’s Green #124, Englewood (Seasonal)
Popular Fiddler's Green Condominium located minutes from Gulf Beaches and Golfing Galore
For Rent $1,700
Fiddler’s Green #163, Englewood (Seasonal)
Popular Fiddler's Green Condominium located minutes from Beautiful Gulf Beaches and Golfing Galore
For Rent $2,500
Fiddler’s Green #253, Englewood (Seasonal)
Popular Fiddler's Green Condominium located minutes from beautiful gulf beaches and golfing galore
For Rent $2,500
