At the southwest corner of Charlotte 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. Visitors can launch a kayak and paddle around the two islands just east of the park's land base. While at the park, visitors might see West Indian manatees, gopher tortoises, snowy egrets, least terns, and magnificent frigate birds. Ranger-led nature hikes are available in the winter.
At the southwest corner of Charlotte County, there is a mile of beach where seashells and shark teeth wash up, and anglers fish the surf for prize catches.
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.
Visitors can launch a kayak and paddle around the two islands just east of the park's land base. While at the park, visitors might see West Indian manatees, gopher tortoises, snowy egrets, least terns and magnificent frigate birds. Ranger-led nature hikes are available in the winter.
Experiences
Boat Ramp
Boat launching sites are located within five miles of Stump Pass and the nearby islands. The park offers a place for kayakers, canoers, and stand up paddle boarders alike to launch in a quiet area with quick access to the Gulf through Stump Pass.
Fishing
Fishing is popular around Stump Pass and on the nearby grass flats. Catches can yield flounder, snook, trout, redfish, snapper, whiting, sheepshead and tarpon.
All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season. A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.
Hiking Nature Trail
Take a quiet stroll along the 1.3-mile hiking trail that stretches to the southern end of the park and through the park’s five distinct natural communities. Along this trail you may see a variety of wildlife such as a ospreys, southern bald eagles, fiddler crabs and wading birds; and plants such as prickly pear cactus, indigo berry, bay cedar, and coontie.
Picnicking
The park has six covered picnic tables. One is located near the restroom facility and the other five are located along the hiking trail.
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving can be done off of the beaches.
Snorkeling
Snorkel in the pristine, blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. You must provide your own equipment. A diver-down flag must be displayed.
Tours
Park rangers offer programs that cover a wide variety of topics, including the history of the island and interpretation of the natural resources found on the island. Check the events tab for a list of scheduled programs.
Wildlife Viewing
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 frigate bird.
Amenities
Beach
From the north end of Stump Pass Beach located near Englewood Beach, to the southern tip by Stump Pass, this beach on the Gulf of Mexico is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, fishing and sunbathing. During the winter months, shelling and bird watching are very popular. Visitors are reminded that the taking of live shells is prohibited.
Pets
Pets are allowed in this park, however, not on the beaches. They must be well-behaved and kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash at all times. Pets must not be left unattended, nor taken into restroom facilities or onto playground equipment. Service animals are welcome in all areas and buildings of the park, as required by law.
Picnic Pavilion
Six covered pavilions are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please call the park for more information.
Restroom Facilities
Bathroom facilities are available and ADA accessible.
Shower Station
Outdoor fresh water showers/rinses are available for rinsing off after a day at the beach/park.
