Amenities

Beach, lifeguard, boardwalk, fishing, boat ramps, docks, canoe/kayak launch, picnic areas, grills, volleyball court, restrooms, parking

Experiences

This is a wonderful place to spend your leisure time, whether you are interested in swimming, boating, fishing, walking, or collecting shells. Located at the north end of Manasota Key, it is also a quaint place to picnic and relax with a book. The beach is situated between the gulf and the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), with a boat ramp and docking facilities on the ICW allowing access to the bays and Gulf of Mexico. The 620 feet of boat dock serves as a scenic boardwalk meandering through the mangroves.

History

In 1963, Manasota Beach consisted of a small beach (450 feet of Gulf frontage) with four concrete picnic shelters. Spoil from the construction of the ICW was pumped onto the bay side of Manasota Beach in the early 1960's, expanding the park. Additional beach was purchased by the County in the 1970’s with financial assistance from a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant.

Habitats

Open beach, coastal dune, coastal hammock, mangrove swamp, tidal marsh, seagrass beds

Acreage

14 acres from gulf to bay (1,394 linear feet of gulf beach frontage)

Watershed

Lemon Bay

Who Owns and Maintains

Owned and maintained by Sarasota County

Website

www.scgov.net

SCAT Bus stop and route

None