Last Updated December 27, 2025
Tucked into the southernmost stretch of Sarasota County sits one of the Gulf Coast’s most charming coastal towns. Englewood is known for its Old Florida feel, uncrowded beaches, and peaceful pace of life which offers a refreshing break from busier Florida destinations. In this guide to Englewood Florida attractions, we’re sharing the best things to do in and around Englewood, from beaches and boating to dining, fishing, nature, and easy day trips.
Where Is Englewood & Why It’s So Special
Englewood sits between Sarasota and Punta Gorda along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, offering small-town charm with big-nature vibes. Just minutes from Manasota Key, the area is surrounded by protected coastline, quiet waterways, and plenty of space to slow down. Once rooted in commercial fishing, Englewood has grown into a warm, welcoming community known for world-class fishing, local arts, friendly neighborhoods, and accessible Florida golf courses.
Its biggest draw is the water, with four protected beaches, excellent shelling, regular dolphin sightings, and some of the prettiest Gulf sunsets you’ll ever see. Add in scenic parks, kayak trails, and the charming Englewood downtown, and it’s easy to understand why so many people fall in love with this laid-back coastal town.
So, let’s get into it — here are the top Englewood things to do that deserve a spot on your must-see list.
Prefer to watch instead? We put together a quick video walking you through all our favorite Englewood Florida attractions. Click below to watch our Englewood highlights on YouTube and get a feel for the area before you dive into the full guide.
Beaches & Coastal Parks (Englewood, Florida Attractions)
There’s no question that Englewood’s biggest draw is its pristine coastline. Manasota Key is home to four state-protected beaches, all accessible by just two bridges and carefully preserved year-round.
Stump Pass Beach State Park
Located at the southern tip of Manasota Key, Stump Pass Beach State Park is one of Englewood’s most scenic natural areas. The shoreline is largely undeveloped, giving it a peaceful, Old Florida feel, and the park also features nature trails that wind through mangroves and coastal hammock.
While the tourists haven’t yet caught on to this stunning piece of paradise, the locals love Stump Pass for the quiet beaches, excellent shelling and shark tooth hunting, and especially the sunsets. It’s one of Florida’s most beautiful state parks and is known as one of the best fishing spots in Charlotte County.
The park sits at 900 Gulf Boulevard on Manasota Key and stretches along three islands on the county’s shoreline. There is a small entry fee (typically $3–$6 per vehicle), and is open daily from 8:00 am until sunset.
If you’re more of a “show me” person, we’ve got you. We made an Ultimate Guide video to Stump Pass Beach that walks you through the whole place. Tap to watch and see why it’s one of our favorite Englewood spots.
Englewood Beach
Englewood Beach is the area’s main public beach and one of the most recognizable Englewood, Florida, attractions. It’s a popular gathering spot in town, thanks to its calm waters, soft sand, picnic areas, playparks, and beachfront dining that make it easy to spend the whole day here. Many people enjoy spending the day on the sand and then walking straight to dinner or sunset drinks at the range of Tiki bars or restaurants nearby.
Englewood Beach is located at the south end of Manasota Key. Beach access is free, with paid parking nearby, and it’s open from sunrise to sunset.
Blind Pass Beach
Blind Pass Beach offers a quieter alternative to some of the busier shoreline areas on Manasota Key. At just over an acre in size, this park is small but mighty – serving up some stunning nature and an authentic island experience.
The area has extreme tides, which make for great shelling, but swimming is at your own risk because there are no lifeguards here. The beach is free to access from sunrise to sunset, but the limited parking spaces do cost $5 per hour, and trucks and RVs are not permitted. We love that even though it’s a small park, it is ADA accessible and has restrooms available. If you’re interested in things to do near Englewood, FL, that feel uniquely local, this is a great spot to explore.
Along this stretch, you can also spot the historic Hermitage Artist Retreat, a cluster of Old Florida cottages that host visiting artists and musicians for creative residencies. While not open to the public, it adds character to the shoreline, reflects the area’s innovative spirit, and serves as a nice symbol of the local ecological work the project supports.
Manasota Beach
Just north of Englewood, Manasota Beach is another favorite for those looking for broad sandy areas and fewer crowds. Manasota Beach is located at 8570 Manasota Key Road, approximately 20 20-minute drive from Venice, with excellent signage so you can easily find your way there from any direction.
The beach is free to visit and offers parking, restrooms, showers, picnic areas, grills, boat ramps, and lifeguards on duty during peak times.
We put together a great video guide to Manasota Beach if you want to see the area before you go. It walks you through the shoreline, amenities, and everything you’ll want to know for your first visit.
Water Adventures & Englewood Fishing
With beaches this beautiful, it’s no surprise that many of Englewood’s favorite activities take place just beyond the shoreline. Life in Englewood is deeply tied to the water, making boating and fishing everyday activities rather than occasional splurges.
Boating & Boat Rentals
Exploring the Gulf is easy thanks to the multiple marinas in Englewood, Florida, that offer boat rentals. Whether you’re renting a pontoon for the afternoon or heading out with friends, boating is one of the most popular Englewood attractions. Rentals are available at various locations around Englewood, with pricing dependent on boat type and rental length.
Watersports
If boating isn’t your thing, perhaps you’d prefer to try out some of the watersports available in the area? Bring your own gear or rent equipment from local outlets to enjoy paddleboarding in calm bay waters, kayaking through mangroves, or even tearing up some waves on fun jet skis.
Boat Tours & Dolphin Cruises
Several local operators offer dolphin and sunset tours departing from area marinas. These relaxed cruises showcase the waterways without the responsibility of navigating yourself, so you can kick back and enjoy the dolphins, manatees, and stunning views. It’s yet another great option when searching for things to do near Englewood, FL.
Fishing
If you love spending time on the water, Englewood fishing is truly hard to beat. The area sits right between the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway, giving anglers access to everything from quiet backwater flats to deeper offshore waters all within a few minutes of each other.
Manasota Key Marina is right at the heart of some of the best Englewood fishing spots, making it an easy launch point whether you’re heading into Lemon Bay, cruising the Intracoastal, or chasing big game out in the Gulf. Fishing piers and public boat ramps sprinkled throughout Englewood make it accessible to everyone, even if you don’t own a boat.
For those who want the full experience without the planning, guided fishing tours are widely available. Local captains know exactly where the fish are biting, depending on the season, tides, and weather, making charters a great way to get the most out of your day on the water.
Shark Tooth Hunting
Englewood and the surrounding beaches are well-known for shark tooth hunting, a fun and free activity that appeals to all ages. Many beaches in and around Englewood offer good opportunities to find fossilized shark teeth, especially after storms or at low tide, so it’s one of the most popular Englewood attractions.
Nature, Parks & Outdoor Adventure
Beyond the beaches, Englewood is surrounded by protected outdoor spaces that showcase Florida’s natural beauty and offer a fantastic day out.
Lemon Bay Park & Environmental Center
Located between Englewood and Manasota Key, Lemon Bay Park spans over 200 acres of preserved nature, offering a completely different outdoor experience. Here, you’ll find shoreline trails, boardwalks, pine flatwoods with well-maintained walking trails, scrub habitats, butterfly gardens, and educational exhibits at the nature center. As part of the Florida Birding Trail, it’s a favorite spot for birdwatching, and bald eagles are regularly seen there.
The park, located at 570 Bay Park Boulevard in Englewood, is free to visit and open daily from 6:00 am until sunset. Oh, and dogs are permitted here as long as they are leashed.
Cedar Point Environmental Park
This coastal preserve is a 115-acre park offering boardwalk trails through mangroves and salt marshes, with views of Lemon Bay. It’s peaceful, scenic, and ideal for slowing down, making it one of the quieter things to do near Englewood, FL, and, unsurprisingly, renowned as Charlotte County’s flagship environmental park.
The park’s sweeping views of Lemon Bay truly are an Englewood attraction worth visiting. You can access for free, but leave both your dog and your bicycle at home as neither is permitted. However, it is a great place to bring the kids for a hike, and there are restroom facilities at the nature center for convenience. Just remember to be cautious of alligators when approaching shorelines!
Manasota Scrub Preserve
For a more rugged hiking experience, Manasota Scrub Preserve provides quiet trails through native scrub habitat. The preserve spans around 50 acres and is home to some of Florida’s most unique wildlife, including the rare Florida Jay Scrub and the Gopher Tortoise. It’s a great way to experience Old Florida landscapes without crowds and appreciate how we can live alongside conservation efforts.
This dog-friendly park is ideal for hiking, spotting native wildlife, or just hanging out on the benches and enjoying a slower pace surrounded by nature. It’s located at 2695 Manasota Beach Road. There is no admission fee, and it offers limited but free parking.
Englewood Golf Courses
Outdoor enthusiasts will be happy to hear that there are plenty of ways to enjoy the scenic spots in Englewood, not least the impressive number of lush green golf courses in the area. The area is home to more than ten public and semi-private courses that remain playable year-round.
Boca Royale Golf & Country Club is one of the best-known, offering golf alongside tennis, pickleball, croquet, and dining, all set within a lush, Old Florida landscape. For many residents, golf is a key part of what makes Englewood such a relaxed, active lifestyle.
Englewood, Florida, Downtown & Local Culture
And while the beaches get most of the attention, Englewood has a wonderfully down-to-earth community vibe tucked just inland. If you wander over to the historic heart of town, you’ll find Englewood’s downtown and local culture on full display. This is where the town’s personality really shines.
Dearborn Street (Olde Englewood Village)
Englewood, Florida, downtown revolves around historic Dearborn Street, where local shops, galleries, coffee spots, and restaurants create a walkable, community-focused atmosphere. Live music can be found most nights of the week, small events throughout the year, and seasonal events like Cruisin’ on Dearborn bring classic cars, crowds, and energy to the streets.
This area is rich in history and art, and captures Englewood’s personality better than anywhere else. We love visiting here, and we’re sure you will, too.
Englewood Farmers Market
Held weekly from October through May, the Englewood Farmers Market takes place right in Englewood, Florida downtown, on the 300 Block of West Dearborn St. It’s an incredibly lively market that showcases local produce such as fruits and vegetables, baked goods, herbs, and even jerky, as well as artisans and creative stalls, every Thursday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. It’s free to attend, and it has such a great vibe that it made it onto our list of top farmers’ markets in the Sarasota and Venice areas.
Lemon Bay Playhouse
Also located downtown, Lemon Bay Playhouse is a local community theater that offers live performances year-round, as well as drama classes and summer camps. It’s a fairly intimate setting, and the reasonable ticket prices make it a popular option for local entertainment and an enticing Englewood attraction. Showtimes and ticket prices vary by production, and tickets can be purchased in person or online.
Dining: Best Restaurants in Englewood, Florida
Englewood’s dining scene is precisely what you’d expect from a relaxed Gulf Coast town: friendly, flavorful, and perfect for breezy, beachy evenings out. When people talk about the best restaurants in Englewood, Florida, a few local favorites always come up.
On Manasota Key, SandBar Tiki & Grille is the go-to for live music, open-air seating, and that laid-back tiki vibe that makes you want to stay. It’s steps from Englewood Beach, so it’s a natural stop after a day in the sun.
For an upscale-but-still-relaxed experience, Farlow’s on the Water is one of our personal favorite restaurants in Englewood. Sitting slightly inland along a quiet canal, Farlow’s blends Southern comfort with Caribbean inspiration, creating a menu that feels both vibrant and comforting. It’s an excellent pick for date nights or any time you want something a little special.
Back on the Gulf side, The Waverly offers beautiful décor and sunset views, while Lock ’N Key delivers classic coastal dishes and a friendly, come-as-you-are atmosphere. Both make excellent choices for casual dinners, family outings, or brunch with a view.
Mango Bistro, just off Dearborn Street, is a long-time favorite for its eclectic menu and welcoming atmosphere. It has a French flair and a mouth-watering smoothie bar.
Visit Wellen Park
Just a few minutes’ drive from Englewood, Wellen Park has quickly become one of Southwest Florida’s most exciting lifestyle destinations. Even though the Wellen Park neighborhoods are gated, Downtown Wellen Park is entirely open to the public. That means anyone can enjoy its shopping, dining, beautiful outdoor spaces, and year-round calendar of events and festivals. It’s a fun contrast to Englewood’s quieter vibe, giving residents easy access to a vibrant, activity-filled hub whenever they want a change of pace.
You can stroll the scenic waterfront downtown area, grab a bite at one of the many restaurants (we rounded up our favorites in our guide to the best restaurants in Wellen Park), or explore the growing list of activities in Wellen Park. The community also hosts everything from weekly live music to seasonal markets and large-scale festivals. Plus, it’s home to Atlanta Braves Spring Training at CoolToday Park, which is always a big draw.
For Englewood residents, Wellen Park makes an effortless day trip whenever you’re craving more options, so it pairs perfectly with Englewood’s relaxed coastal lifestyle. Check out the video below to catch a snippet of the fun available in downtown Wellen.
Explore Historic Venice
Head north to Venice, Florida, to explore historic downtown streets known for Italian-inspired architecture and beautifully landscaped boulevards. It’s a lovely change of pace and a favorite outing for Englewood locals looking for a little extra shopping, dining, or people-watching.
Downtown Venice is filled with boutiques, cafés, bookstores, and outdoor patios, all arranged along a thoughtfully designed grid that invites you to stroll. The city hosts frequent events, festivals, and art fairs throughout the year, and it’s easy to combine a downtown adventure with a stop at one of Venice’s nearby beaches, where you can discover why it’s known as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World.
Sharky’s on the Pier and the Venice Fishing Pier are two of the most recognizable landmarks on the Gulf Coast. Sharky’s offers beachfront dining, tropical drinks, and some of the best sunset views in the region, all right next to the long, scenic pier that stretches out over the water. It’s a classic Venice experience that never gets old, and, while it’s not technically in Englewood, we still think it makes the cut as one of the top Englewood, Florida, attractions.
We actually filmed a 30 Things to Do in Venice video that covers beaches, parks, restaurants, and little hidden gems all around the city. Having so many easy day trips sitting just minutes away really is one of the best parts of Englewood living. Check it out below.
Easy Day Trips Near Englewood
One of Englewood’s biggest advantages is its proximity to other Gulf Coast destinations. The beauty of living here is that you get the quiet coastal lifestyle and quick access to some of Southwest Florida’s most loved towns and parks. From island escapes to lively city centers, there are so many easy day trips when you’re ready to venture a little farther afield. Some of our top picks are below.
Just north, Sarasota offers a vibrant mix of museums, arts, shopping districts, and cultural attractions. It’s a great place to spend the afternoon browsing galleries, enjoying lunch downtown, or catching a performance.
Nature lovers will enjoy a short inland drive to Myakka River State Park, one of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks. Enjoy an airboat tour and wildlife viewing, canopy walks, and sweeping prairies, in this taste of “wild Florida” that feels worlds away from the coast.
Just south of Englewood, Punta Gorda sits along the Gasparilla Sound and Charlotte Harbor, offering a peaceful coastal setting that’s perfect for nature lovers. The Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center features free educational tours and miles of hiking trails. At the same time, wildlife fans can visit the Peace River Wildlife Center, Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary, or explore the habitats of Babcock Ranch Preserve. There is also a fun mix of unique local attractions, including Fisherman’s Village, an open-air waterfront shopping and dining hub, and Alligator Bay Distillers, a must-stop for rum enthusiasts.
For island charm, Gasparilla Island and Boca Grande make perfect beach-focused getaways. Think pastel cottages, bike-friendly streets, upscale but relaxed dining, and some of the clearest water on the Gulf. Nearby, Placida and Don Pedro Island State Park offer quieter, more natural stretches of shoreline that feel wonderfully untouched.
And of course, you can’t forget Siesta Key with its iconic bright white quartz sand that stays cool underfoot even on hot summer days. It’s an easy, more extended day trip when you’re craving a lively, classic beach-town experience.
Whether you’re in the mood for culture, small-town charm, island exploration, or wild nature, Englewood’s location makes it incredibly easy to enjoy a wide variety of destinations in every direction.
Are Englewood, Florida, Attractions Calling You?
With its protected beaches, vibrant yet unpretentious downtown, accessible Englewood, Florida golf courses, strong fishing culture, and relaxed pace of life, Englewood remains one of Southwest Florida’s best-kept secrets. Whether you’re planning a visit or researching Englewood things to do before a move, this coastal village offers an authentic Florida experience that’s increasingly rare and easy to love.
So, if you’re nodding along thinking “yep, Englewood sounds like the kind of place where I’d feel right at home, we’d love to help you explore it further. Download our Englewood Relocation Guide for tips, neighborhoods, and everything you need to get to know the area.
