Pretty little Manasota Key, located midway between the larger cities of Sarasota and Fort Myers on Florida’s Gulf Coast, boasts some of Florida’s least crowded beaches. Fewer than 1,500 people live on this 2.7 square mile barrier island. There are no high rises and no stop lights. Even the two-lane road that winds from end to end is barely wide enough for larger vehicles to pass in places. Yet this tiny spit of sand has four pristine, palm-studded beaches that rival any in the state.

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Just two people to be seen on an endless stretch of sand at Manasota Beach

Manasota Beach, the northernmost of the four, is separated from the road by a wide sea-oats and sea grape studded dune. Beachgoers follow sandy paths through vegetation to the crest, where they are treated to a spectacular view of pristine sands and clear blue water. The few private homes here are tucked well back into the dune and can hardly be seen from the beach. Amenities include rest rooms, large and small picnic shelters, ample free parking, and lifeguards are on duty year round. On the Intracoastal side of the park a boat ramp and docking facilities are available. The 620 foot dock continues as a boardwalk winding through the mangroves that line the shore of Lemon Bay.

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Paths from the parking area wind up the dune through lush vegetation

Two roads lead to Manasota Key. From SR 776, turn west onto either Manasota Beach Road (a drawbridge) or further south, onto Beach Road. Once over the Intracoastal Waterway, turn north to reach Manasota Beach.

Note: this is part one of a four part review of the beaches on Manasota Key, which is located on Florida’s Gulf Coast and shared by Charlotte and Sarasota counties.

Photo credit: Barbara Weibel

Article by Barbara Weibel at Hole In The Donut Travels

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