Area Attractions
 
900 Gulf Boulevard,  Englewood   (941) 964-0375
If you like your beach in a natural state then this is the beach for you. No smooth raked powdery sand here, just a beach the way Mother Nature intended it to be and ever-changing too!  Get out and explore, collect some shells and take lots of pictures. There are hiking trails through the center of the Manasota Key through palms and other vegetation. The ground is sand and you can see a variety of little lizards, crabs, and birds. Loggerhead Turtle (an endangered species) nests can be found along the beach as well. There are trails that lead out to Lemon Bay for swimming or fishing and there are trails that lead out to the Gulf of Mexico for swimming, fishing, beach combing, or sun bathing.
 
 
This beach is beautiful and great for families and wonderful for beachcombing for shells and sharks teeth.  This is one beach that has restaurants and a small deli shop close by if you need to grab snacks or lunch. Visitors can enjoy an excellent view of the Gulf of Mexico, as well as a stretch of undeveloped Florida coastline. Visitors come to this secluded beach to enjoy the year-round swimming and sunbathing. A hiking trail passes through five distinct natural communities that provide homes for many species of wildlife; covered picnic tables are located along the trail. While at the park, visitors might see West Indian manatees, gopher tortoises, snowy egrets, least terns, and magnificent frigate birds. Ranger-led turtle walks and beach nature walks are available in the summer.  
 
 
210 Winson Avenue,  Englewood
It is a wonderful spot for quiet moments watching the spectacular sunsets over Lemon Bay. There also is a picnic grove with tables and benches. Early risers will also enjoy the sunrise view from Indian Mound Park. There is a very nice boat ramp for launching your motor boat, canoe, or kayak and public parking all free of charge. However, there are no bathing facilities at Indian Mound Park. The Indian Mound Ruins have been restored and there are some nature trails. A true gem full of history abounds here.
 
 
To add another dimension while renting a boat from Allure Boat Rentals, why not go explore an island while you are boating for the day. The perfect place to choose is Cabbage Key on the Pine Island Sound.  This tropical island is only about 100 acres and only accessible by boat, helicopter or seaplane! There are no paved roads and no automobiles on the island. To get around you will have to use bicycles, golf carts or walk!  There are no grocery stores or shops to browse thru on this island. There is only one Inn on the island and that is The Cabbage Key Inn. The bar and restaurant was made famous in the Jimmy Buffet song "Cheeseburger in Paradise" featuring gourmet burgers they are famous for along with fresh seafood and other meals sure to please!  The bar area is covered with one dollar bills on all the walls and even the ceiling. A very fun place to get a drink and have a nice meal while eating inside or on the patio outside overlooking the water and small marina.
 
524 Paul Morris Drive, Suite B,   Englewood                    
A little out of the way winery in Englewood when at first thought who would think to make wine in Florida?? The owners, an Italian couple John and Margherita from Sicily have the most incredible winery with top quality wines, olive oils and coffee.  They are dedicated to producing fine hand-crafted wines and their small winery is located just a few miles from the Gulf of Mexico in sunny Englewood, Florida. 
 
 
1560 Beach Road,   Englewood   941-921-3022
Parasailing will be the highlight of your trip when you fly over the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico.  Englewood Beach is where the start of your adventure will begin.  Take in breathtaking views of the Florida beaches and soar to heights that will provide a view you will not soon forget.
 
 
2961 Placida Rd. Unit 3    Englewood   941-698-0499 
Provides the finest goods and services for exploring  Davy Jones' Locker.  Stocks a complete line of the best dive equipment, air and nitrox fills from state-of-the-art technology, NAUI instruction and certification, a full line of rental equipment, and exciting trips in local waters. We are also the best local supplier of quality skate boards and accessories.
 
Lemon Bay Playhouse, Englewood, Florida
96 W Dearborn St., Englewood, FL 34223     941-475-6756   
Great way to spend an evening. Fun plays, great musical events. All performed in a charming 99 seat community playhouse. You can't go wrong!  
A small quaint theatre with outstanding productions!
 
2045 N Beach Rd,  Englewood
A favorite among locals and tourists with 2 dining rooms and a large bar area facing the setting sun.  Directly across from Englewood Beach this is a great place to finish off your day with a cold drink, good seafood, and great ambiance.  
 
Mad Sam’s Restaurant
1375 Beach Rd, Englewood  is another favorite of many in the Manasota Keys area but Mad Sam’s is more famous for the great entertainment, good drinks and a nice place to watch the final rays of the sun rather than the food. It is just past Englewood Beach and Lock and Key Pub and is located right on the beach.  
 
Lining both sides of Dearborn street nestled in a quiet neighborhood atmosphere with palm trees lining the streets are a wide array of shops and art galleries with something to please everyone, even the most uninterested shopper! Gift shops, wine and cigar stores, art galleries, cafes and restaurants, antique stores, hardware stores, hair salons, clothing stores and even a few local taverns-there is something appealing to anyone here. The best part of browsing through Dearborn Street is the sneak peeks of Lemon Bay as you walk down the street away from I-75 towards Old Englewood.  
 
 
Take a short 1/2 hour drive to Sarasota!
 
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota, FloridaMarie Selby Botanical Gardens
811 South Palm Avenue, Sarasota    941- 366-5731  
27.83 miles from Englewood city center
Education has never been so relaxing and beautiful.  Wonderful for everyone kids up to the oldest of the elderly.  Selby is punctuated with many surprises tucked amongst the tropical and sub-tropical flora: Indonesian figures, gongs, scores and scores of curious Koi fish dart about the water lilies and even a shy little black snake makes its home there (there is a sign so that you know it's approximate whereabouts). Finish up at the Mansion's ever changing displays of art and a cup of tea at the tea shop. The Gardens reportedly maintain the most diverse collection of bromeliads in the world, and feature over 20,000 plants from some 6000 species in 1200 genera from 214 plant families, including 6,000 live orchids. More than 150 expeditions to the tropics and subtropics have contributed to these collections. For the casual visitor, the Gardens maintain over 20 habitats, with banyans, bamboo, live oaks, palms, mangroves, succulents, wildflowers, cycads, bromeliads, and a koi pond, on a site bordering Sarasota Bay and the Hudson Bayou.
 
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy.  Sarasota   941-388-2451  
29.20 miles from Englewood city center
Located at the Mote Marine Laboratory, this is home to a 135,000 gallon outdoor shark tank and many other marine species. Mote Marine Aquarium is great for all ages. The facility is a research and educational endeavor with marine biologists and staffed by a crew of educated, dedicated informed volunteers. There's something for all ages - hands on for the kids along with educational activities. The large shark tank is full of sharks and compatible fish. There are the two resident manatees and the sea lion show is very entertaining! The fish tanks have fish you've never seen before and the largest deep water preserved squid. The volunteers are there for you - use them to answer any questions - they are well trained. The facility is research oriented and well respected around the world. Lots to see and enjoy!
 
300 Madison Drive   Sarasota   941-388-1554
28.26 miles from Englewood city center
This is an island shopping center removed from the bustle of the mainland by two bridges over magnificent Sarasota Bay. Unique in concept, history, and beauty, St. Armands provides an unforgettable experience for visitors from all over the world. Set amidst a tropical paradise, St. Armands is an enchanting circle of fine shops and gourmet restaurants. Renowned as a market place with a continental flavor, it is a charming and graceful synthesis of past and present. Lush tropical plantings, courtyards and patios, antique statuary and contemporary architectural design skillfully contribute to an international atmosphere of friendly warmth, enduring elegance, and timeless style. Come explore and enjoy a day of European style shopping with a gourmet lunch in a cozy cafe. Smell the flowers, sit in the sun, browse through the stores - you'll want to return to St. Armands year after year.
 
3715 Jaffa Dr    Sarasota  
 941-365-0100
25.56 miles from Englewood city center
Myakka River State Park is one of Florida's oldest and largest state parks. The "Florida Wild and Scenic Myakka River" flows through 57 square miles of wetlands, prairies and woodlands. Myakka is popular for hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife observation.
 
 
16405 Myakka Rd   Sarasota    941-322-1000  
24.37 miles from Englewood city center
Crowley is a hidden jewel near Myakka State Park not far from Sarasota Florida. Walking through the gates you realize you are stepping back in time. You will see replica cracker style homes, a sugar mill next to a corral - probably occupied by a horse or a donkey taking a rest while one of the local cowboys grabs a bite to eat for lunch. There are often many classes offered on the grounds - soapmaking, butter churning, and more. There is an old town store, sawmill and blacksmith shop. They have a Heritage Festival that brings out many locals teaching the "old ways" and civil war reenactments. They also offer a pioneer event and set up a full scale "trapper’s camp" just as you would have seen it in the early 1800's. Their children’s activities are very well put together and the trails and geocaching on the property are fantastic!