TOP 15 THINGS TO DO IN ENGLEWOOD, FLORIDA 2026
There is no excuse for boredom in Englewood, Florida unless you are into that sort of thing. There are plenty of top things to do here, so now its up to you to go out and do them.
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From parasailing and jet skiing, to a round of golf and catching a fish, you'll find what suits your mood.
Grab a bite to eat, listen to some live music, get a sun tan, get you fun on in Englewood.
LIST OF TOP THINGS TO DO IN ENGLEWOOD, FL
#1 Go to the beaches
#2 Take a bay tour by boat
#3 Cruise around on a bike
#4 Rent a boat
#5 Hire a captain and go fishing
#6 Kayaking
#7 Paddle boarding
#8 Parasailing
#9 Rent a Sea Doo
#10 Play a round of golf
#11 Go for a hike
#12 Go party at Stump Pass Sandbar
#1 GO TO ENGLEWOOD'S BEACHES
Englewood has 5 beaches to Choose from
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Only accessible by boat or kayak since it is on an island
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Located on the southern tip of Manasota Key​
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The busiest beach and located near restaurants and the first beach as you go over the causeway.​
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More of a local beach in the "Middle" of Manasota Key, so its also known as "Middle Beach."​
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Just over the Manasota Beach Road causeway, is Manasota Beach in Sarasota County.​
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Each beach is unique and offers a different vibe. One beach is actually on an island, but definitely worth the trip. Get some fun in the sun and enjoy Englewood's beaches and warm waters.
#2 TAKE A TOUR OF LEMON BAY BY BOAT
Taking a tour of Lemon Bay in Englewood, Florida offers a peaceful escape into one of the Gulf Coast’s most beautiful natural settings.
As you glide across the calm, shallow waters, you’re surrounded by mangroves, seagrass flats, and wide-open views that stretch toward the Intracoastal Waterway. The bay is teeming with wildlife—dolphins often surface nearby, pelicans dive dramatically for fish, and herons wade gracefully along the shoreline. The gentle sea breeze and warm Florida sunshine make the experience both relaxing and refreshing, whether you’re exploring by boat, kayak, or paddleboard.
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Beyond its scenic beauty, Lemon Bay also carries a quiet charm that reflects Old Florida at its best. Waterfront homes and small docks dot the shoreline, while unspoiled islands and sandbars invite visitors to stop and explore. Fishing enthusiasts appreciate the abundance of snook, redfish, and trout, while nature lovers enjoy the serenity that feels worlds away from busy tourist areas. A tour of Lemon Bay isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about slowing down, connecting with nature, and appreciating the tranquil coastal lifestyle that makes Englewood so special.
#3 CRUISE AROUND ENGLEWOOD ON A BIKE
Taking a bike ride is a great way to explore Englewood
You can miss a lot of Englewood's beauty when driving in a car. There are several companies in Englewood that offer bike rentals so you don't miss out.
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Stroll over the causeway and into Manasota Key. Enjoy a day at the beach without worrying about parking and make a few pitstops at a fun restaurant on the beach like Sandbar Tiki Bar, Lock N' Key, The Waverly, Beach Comber Trading Post, White Elephant, Magnolias and Manasota Key Resort.
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There are several parks that allow bikes in Englewood (some not E-bikes).
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Nearby there is the Legacy Trail which is an 18.5 mile paved trail.​
#4 RENT YOUR OWN BOAT AND BE THE CAPTAIN
No Parking at the beach? No Problem when you are on a boat!
There are probably more water than land in Englewood. So if you want to see it all, go rent a boat and cruise its waterways. You can see all the hard to reach places that aren't crowded like the beaches. Find your own beach on Don Pedro Island or Stump Pass.
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Rent a pontoon for a party day or get a center console and haul in some fish. The choice is yours and there are plenty of businesses and boats to choose from.
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See Manatees, Dolphins, Gators and More on a boat!
#5 HIRE A CAPTAIN AND GO FISHING
Fishing can be tough, but an experienced captain can help.
Englewood may be known for its beaches, but most fishermen know about its top notch fishing. Catch some Snook, Redfish, Trout, Mangrove Snapper inshore or go offshore for Grouper and Snapper. Maybe you get lucky and get a Tarpon or Cobia.
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Hire a local knowledgeable captain and target your choice of fish. Off shore or inshore, its up to you. The Caps will put you on the fish, whatever you choose.
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You can choose which captains to hire here.
#6 KAYAK THE COASTAL WATERWAYS
You can really feel the nature vibe when you get on a kayak.
Go explore the bay, the cuts, the creeks and the canals of Englewood.​ Get up close and personal with the bird and marine life, while working your way through the mangroves. Find out all of what Englewood has to offer while kayaking its waterways.
Kayaking in Englewood, Florida is a peaceful and scenic way to experience the area’s natural beauty up close. Paddling through the calm waters of Lemon Bay or along the winding mangrove trails, you’ll often spot dolphins swimming nearby, manatees gliding beneath the surface, and a variety of coastal birds nesting along the shoreline.
The clear, shallow waters make it easy for beginners to feel comfortable, while more experienced kayakers can explore hidden coves and quiet backwaters.
#7 RENT A STAND UP PADDLE BOARD
Paddle Boarding lets you see things you couldn't in a kayak.
If you have done paddle boarding before, then you know that you'll want to do it here in Englewood. And if you haven't its something you should try.
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There are plenty of waterways that offer calm waters so you can glide through the water and there are plenty of places here you can rent from too. You can start off the beach or one of the launch spots throughout Englewood. Need to rent one? find rentals here.
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Make sure you watch the winds and tides because fighting a current on the way back is no fun.
#8 GO PARASAILING
There are two top notch parasailing companies in Englewood that can take you to new heights.
Glide through the air and see Englewood from a pelican's eye.​ From kids to seniors, these parasailing tours go you covered. Try something new, your family will thank you.
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Parasailing in Englewood, Florida is an unforgettable way to experience the Gulf Coast from a whole new perspective. As you lift off from the boat and rise high above the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the panoramic views stretch for miles—turquoise water below, white sandy beaches along the shore, and the lush coastline of Manasota Key in the distance.
The ride is both thrilling and surprisingly peaceful, with the wind gently carrying you as you soar through the sky. Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply want a breathtaking view of Englewood’s beautiful shoreline, parasailing delivers an exhilarating experience you won’t soon forget.
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#9 RENT A SEA DOO (PERSONAL WATER CRAFT)
Sea Doo's are a blast.
You will have so much fun cruising the bay or heading out to the gulf on these powerful fun machines.
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Take turns at the helm or rent your own individual ski. Its more fun on the water in Englewood and renting a PWC is the ticket to fun.
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Jet Ski & PWC Rentals in Englewood
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Beach Road Watersports – Offers jet ski (Sea-Doo) rentals by the hour on Lemon Bay and the Gulf, plus boats, kayaks, and water tours.
Island Jet Ski Tours & Rentals – A long-time local favorite for PWC rentals, dolphin jet ski tours, and other watersport rentals right on Beach Road.
Allure Boat Rentals – Offers Yamaha jet ski rentals along with boats, kayaks, and other watercraft from Manasota Key.
#10 PLAY A ROUND OF GOLF
There are plenty of golf courses to choose from in Englewood.
From "ritzy" private clubs to your average joe public course, you are sure to find one that you'll enjoy.​Play a round of golf in Englewood, day or night (yep they have a night course too). So break par or break a hundred anytime you want.
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Lemon Bay Golf Club – A highly rated 18-hole course set among natural Florida scenery, offering a challenging yet enjoyable round for golfers of many skill levels.
Oyster Creek Golf Club – A fun 18-hole public course with a mix of par-3 and par-4 holes and a friendly community atmosphere, great for both visitors and locals.
Myakka Pines Golf Club – Features multiple nine-hole layouts that can be combined for a varied 18- or 27-hole experience amidst native Florida surroundings.
Clubhouse at Boca Royale Golf & Country Club – An 18-hole championship course in a semi-private setting with lush fairways and full club amenities.
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If you’re willing to drive a short distance, there are additional courses such as:
• The Hills Course and Pinemoor Golf Club in Rotonda West, or The Cove of Rotonda Golf Center.
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#11 GO FOR A NATURE HIKE/WALK
You could spend your vacation hiking and exploring Englewood's parks and nature trails.
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Florida Pines, scrubs, marshes, creeks, rivers, estuaries, ponds, swamps, and plenty of wildlife make up Englewood's parks.​ Unlike some other coastal cities, Englewood still has many untouched areas filled with native life.
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Lemon Bay Park & Environmental Center – Trails through coastal habitats (pine flatwoods, mangroves) with picnic areas and kayak access into Lemon Bay.
Cedar Point Environmental Park – Protected nature park with trails, mangroves, and creeks — great for birding and walking.
Oyster Creek Environmental Park – Over 2 miles of trails through pine flatwoods and along mangrove-lined Oyster Creek. Kayak and bike access too.
Manasota Scrub Preserve – Nature preserve with upland scrub trails, boardwalks, and wildlife viewing.
Myakka State Forest – Larger forest area with extensive hiking, biking, wildlife, wetlands, and creek views.
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Bill Coy Preserve – Smaller preserve along Buck Creek with peaceful natural surroundings.
#12 GO PARTY AT STUMP PASS SANDBAR
Stump Pass Sandbar is the party place during the day.
Many boaters beach their boats or moor on the sand bar and crack open a few cold ones. Nowadays you can even hangout at Milton's Pass which was created during Hurricane Milton. the Pass made most of Stump Pass State Park an island and not accessible by land anymore.
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The waters are warm and beautiful, a perfect place to hangout. You can get there by walking or kayaking, but boat is the way to go.
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There is also Ski Alley which is a cut between Stump Pass and a smaller key. Here you can go water skiing, wakeboarding or inner tubbing. Just be mindful of your fellow boaters
#13 FOOD AND DRINKS
Englewood, Florida boasts a lively and friendly bars and restaurant scene that reflects its laid-back Gulf Coast vibe and love of great food and waterfront views.
Along the beach and throughout town you’ll find casual spots like SandBar Tiki & Grille and Lighthouse Grill and Tiki Bar, where fresh seafood, tiki-style drinks, and sunset views make dining an experience, while classic pubs and local bars like Neighbar's Beer and Wine and Sportsman's Pub offer laid-back places to grab a beer and hang out with friends.
For more substantial meals, cozy eateries and pubs such as Placida Roadhouse Pub and Pizza, Steamer’s Oyster Bar, and the historic White Elephant Pub serve hearty food alongside drinks, while Englewoods On Dearborn Restaurant & Bar combines live music with dinner and drinks in a lively downtown setting.
For a special evening out, Magnolias on the Bay offers fine dining with panoramic water views and refined cuisine. For the fancy steak lovers, Chophouse 285 will deliver excellence. Altogether, Englewood’s mix of waterfront eateries, casual bars, and neighborhood hangouts ensures there’s something tasty and fun for every mood and occasion.
#14 FARMERS MARKET
Englewood’s farmers market scene is a vibrant and community-centered part of local life, especially along West Dearborn Street in the historic Olde Englewood Village. Every Thursday from about 9 AM to 1 PM during the October through May season, Pioneer Plaza hosts the Englewood Farmers Market, where local growers, food artisans, and fishermen set up stalls offering fresh Florida produce, wild-caught seafood, honey, salsas, herbs, plants, baked goods, and more, all in a lively open-air setting with music and friendly interactions with neighbors and visitors.
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In addition to the main market at Pioneer Plaza, there are several other markets and vendors along Dearborn Street on Thursdays — including The Market on Dearborn, the Dearborn Street Farmers Market, and small markets near Sea Star Cove — each with its own selection of goods and local flavor.
Visiting the farmers markets is not just about shopping; it’s a weekly social event where people gather to support local producers, enjoy the community atmosphere, and experience a taste of Southwest Florida’s fresh, locally made foods and crafts.
#15 SPECIAL EVENTS
Englewood, Florida hosts a lively calendar of community events and festivals throughout the year that celebrate local culture, food, music, and art.
Annual highlights include the Fly-In and Classic Cars event in March, the Small Town Boots & Brews Country Music Festival, a Fine Art Festival turning Dearborn Street into a pedestrian art village, Burgerfest in Paradise, and the Woodstock Benefit Concert in April. Seasonal favorites like the Englewood Seafood & Music Festival, monthly Crusin’ on Dearborn car shows, and a weekly Farmers Market on Thursdays showcase local food, music, and small businesses.
Beyond big festivals, Englewood’s event scene also features live music, family gatherings, races, beach yoga sessions, markets, and other community activities that bring residents and visitors together year-round.
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For a list of upcoming events in Englewood, click here.
ENGLEWOOD, FLORIDA TOP THINGS TO DO
FIND OUT THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN ENGLEWOOD, FLORIDA
Englewood, Florida, is truly a hidden gem that boasts a variety of activities and attractions to enjoy! One of the highlights is the beautiful Englewood Beach, where you can relax on the sandy shores, soak up the sun, and take a refreshing swim in the clear waters. Another must-visit spot is Blind Pass Beach, known for its serene atmosphere and stunning views. For those who love nature, Lemon Bay Park offers picturesque trails perfect for hiking and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Additionally, take some time to explore the charming historic district, where you’ll find delightful shops and a range of local restaurants to savor delicious cuisine. Englewood has something for everyone!
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