Slow down in Manasota Key, Florida’s underrated hideaway

on Nov 03, 2025, Updated Dec 05, 2025

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Step out of the Manasota Key resort and take a left to follow the shoreline. There, at the end of a small strip of land that makes up Stump Pass Beach State Park, a strange tree adorned with seashells appears. Locals call this the “shell tree” or “lucky tree.”

Legend says you’re destined to return if you make a wish and place a shell on its branches.

A weathered, leafless tree stands on a sandy Manasota Key beach near a body of water, with a green treeline visible across the water under a clear blue sky.

It’s a peaceful vibe with a time machine effect. Suddenly, I’m seven again, a Florida native with bare feet in the white sand, chasing birds and watching the waves of the Gulf wash over my toes. I could stay here forever.

Reality reminds me that I am forty years older now, with my own son on this journey as guests of the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau. He’s fourteen, and I hope I can impart Florida’s magic on him one more time in a place devoid of theme park fireworks and movie soundtracks.

Kayaking adventures that define coastal Florida

Our Saturday morning adventure takes us to Don Pedro Island State Park, home to SUP Englewood, a paddleboard and kayak rental company. After a quick educational walk through the mangroves followed by a short safety demonstration, we loaded into our kayaks and started paddling.

A person looks toward a dolphin's dorsal fin emerging from the water off Manasota Key, with coastal houses and palm trees in the background.

It wasn’t long before we spotted several dolphins feeding and playing near the seawall. We slowed our kayaks so we could take photos. Calvin has really taken an interest in photography this year, so it was fun to see him snapping away, taking selfies, and asking to use my “big camera,” as we call it. We passed it back and forth all day, trying to get the best shots.

A woman and a boy wearing sunglasses pose for a selfie outside a blue building with a sign reading "Englewood" near Manasota Key. Both are holding up peace signs.

A person in a life jacket and cap sits in a yellow kayak at Manasota Key, capturing photos of trees near the water under a cloudy sky.

We also received many photos and videos from our guide, Danny, which was such a pleasant surprise! I love that SUP Englewood includes this perk because, as moms know, we don’t often get to be in the photos.

Two people in a tandem kayak paddle near a "Caution Manatee Area" sign, surrounded by water and greenery on Manasota Key. — Photo Credit: Danny – SUP Englewood

The weather was incredible, and we had the best time out on the water. It was the perfect kickoff to the weekend.

Our villa at Manasota Key Resort welcomed us home for a relaxing evening with waves as our soundtrack.

Englewood Beach Waterfest is the highlight of fall

In the Punta Gorda area, one annual event that draws crowds from all over is the Englewood Beach Waterfest. This offshore boat racing event takes over the island and is a non-stop party.

The weekend starts Friday night with a block party. Speedboats line the streets, and there is live music, food trucks, and shopping. We had a great time walking around and enjoying the evening before the sunset.

A large powerboat on a trailer is displayed on a street in Manasota Key during an outdoor event, with many people gathered and buildings in the background at sunset.

Powerboat racing takes place on Saturday and Sunday, and the weekend ends with an awards ceremony.

Five speedboats race across the turquoise waters off Manasota Key under a cloudy sky, leaving white trails behind them.

October is the perfect time for an event like this. Sitting on the beach with a drink in one hand and a camera in the other, enjoying the gentle breeze, was pure Florida heaven. The races were fun to watch, and the lively crowds made it feel like a family event.

A boy in a gray shirt looks through binoculars at the ocean while standing on Manasota Key beach near a colorful umbrella on a sunny day.

A bright green speedboat labeled "Raymarine" races across the water near Manasota Key, creating a large spray under a blue sky with clouds.

Local businesses also showed up with souvenirs, food, and information about local attractions. We even met an otter!

A food lover’s guide to Manasota Key

There are plenty of chain restaurants on the mainland if that’s your thing, but one aspect of this area that really impressed me is the variety of locally owned restaurants. We ate very well all weekend long.

If you’re looking for places to eat in the Manasota Key/Englewood Beach area, you have no shortage of great options.

Breakfast

Mango Bistro is a delightful space offering crepes, pastries, eggs, smoothies, and various coffees.

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A small, colorful café with outdoor seating and a yellow-and-white umbrella, surrounded by greenery under a cloudy sky—a hidden gem on Manasota Key.

The Beachcomber Trading Post is so pleasant. It has waterside seating and delicious food. I recommend the avocado toast and chocolate donuts.

Outdoor bar and dining area on Manasota Key with yellow stools, palm trees, people sitting at tables, and a canal under a clear blue sky.

Lunch

Lock’n’Key Restaurant – Great options right across the road from the beach. I loved the tuna nachos here.

A rectangular plate on a wooden table in Manasota Key features wonton chips topped with seared tuna slices, seaweed salad, pickled ginger, creamy sauce, and a lemon wedge.

SandBar Tiki & Grille has a lovely open-air dining atmosphere. My son loved his basket of ribs and fries.

A plate with a rack of barbecued ribs, French fries, coleslaw in a cup, barbecue sauce, and a wet wipe packet on a blue dish—perfect for enjoying classic flavors on Manasota Key.

Dinner

Farlow’s on the Water is a fine dining establishment if you want to get a little fancy. It offers delicious seafood and a lively atmosphere with live music in the evening.

A plate inspired by Manasota Key with baked cheesy seafood casserole, creamy rice, and sautéed green beans with red onions and sliced peppers.

Englewood’s on Dearborn was a lot of fun. It was bustling as we dined during the Waterfest block party. The band kept everyone dancing, and my Ahi Tuna salad hit the spot.

People are dancing and socializing in front of a live band performing on stage at Englewoods on Dearborn restaurant and bar, a lively spot just a short drive from Manasota Key. — Live Music

A plate of mixed greens topped with seared ahi tuna slices, avocado, pineapple chunks, and drizzled with a brown sauce—perfect for savoring a taste of Manasota Key. — Live Music

Cyprus, gators, and old Florida magic at Babcock Ranch

As if we needed more amazing scenery, our trip ended with a tour of Babcock Ranch, a historic property dedicated to appreciating and preserving the area’s “water resources, habitats, and scenic landscapes.”

A person stands at the open door of a large, green camouflage-patterned bus parked on a dirt road surrounded by trees, reminiscent of an offbeat adventure near Manasota Key.

We took the Swamp Buggy Eco Tour of the property in an open-air school bus equipped to drive over all kinds of terrain, including shallow swamps. I was impressed with how they care for the ranch and the animals who call it home. Conservation is their priority, and it shows.

We loved seeing the local alligators, many species of birds, deer, cattle, pigs, and even a raccoon during our tour. We also got to pet a baby alligator, which was a really fun surprise.

A person holds a small alligator while a boy in a "Coco Loco" t-shirt looks on with curiosity inside a vehicle near Manasota Key.

Florida’s best-kept secret

Florida’s endless beauty is hiding in plain sight. With so many attractions in the state, it can be easy to overlook the lesser-known areas, but that is a mistake. Punta Gorda and its beaches, like Englewood and Manasota Key, hold the secret to the Florida I remember. As I placed my shell on the lucky tree, I didn’t make a wish. I made a promise that we would return, and I can’t wait.