Stump Pass Beach State Park

At the southwest corner of Sarasota County there is a mile of beach where seashells and shark teeth wash up, and anglers fish the surf for prize catches. Visitors can enjoy an excellent view of the Gulf of Mexico, as well as a stretch of undeveloped Florida coastline. Visitors come to this secluded beach to enjoy the year-round swimming and sunbathing; shelling is best during the winter months. A hiking trail passes through five distinct natural communities that provide homes for many species of wildlife; covered picnic tables are located along the trail. While at the park, visitors might see West Indian manatees, gopher tortoises, snowy egrets, least terns, and magnificent frigatebirds. Ranger-led turtle walks and beach nature walks are available in the summer.

Attractions - Pristine beach on the Gulf of Mexico. This beach is perfect for shelling, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and sunbathing.

The park has six covered picnic tables. One is located near the restroom facility and the other five are located along the hiking trail.

Some of the protected animal species that visitors might see at Stump Pass Beach are the West Indian manatee, gopher tortoise, snowy egret, osprey, black skimmer, least tern and magnificent frigatebird.

Recreation - Take a quiet stoll along a hiking trail that stretches to the southern end of the park, through the park’s five distinct natural communities. Protected plants that can been observed in the park are beach creeper, twistpine prickly pear cactus, indigo berry, necklace pod, bay cedar, and coontie.

Snorkel in the pristine, blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. You must provide your own equipment.

Swimming and sunbathing are popular activities on the beautiful beaches located on the gulf side of the island.

The protected waters of the bay are ideal for small boat cruising, sailing and water skiing.

Climate - Florida's weather is dominated by the water that surrounds it. The Atlantic Ocean in the east and the Gulf of Mexico in the west provide a stabilizing force that maintains the mild climate. Northern Florida is considered sub tropical, although it does receive some snow. This area is drier than the rest of the state. Southern areas of the state, definitely the Keys, lie within a tropical climate. Humidity is high, a characteristic of the climate, although the temperatures usually don't extend past 90 degrees F.

On the average the state receives 50 to 65 inches of rain. Summer is the rainy season, which extends into October in the south. Hurricane season begins in late August. Some hurricanes can bring up to 25 inches of rain. An average of two hurricanes per season reach the Florida peninsula. Most often these storms reach the Atlantic Coast rather than the Gulf Coast.

Location - Located at the south end of Manasota Key off I-75, exit 191.