Stay, Dine & Explore - Englewood and Manasota Key

These laid-back locales are home to mom-and-pop businesses and all kinds of ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Englewood was originally planned as a “grove town” for growing lemons, but back-to-back freezes canceled that vision. Soon after, town founders began promoting it for what continues to draws folks today — fishing and other water activities, waterfront dining and the arts.

Where to Stay

Manasota Key Inn

Escape the ordinary at Manasota Key Inn, a peaceful beachside retreat with a true home-away-from-home vibe just steps from stunning Gulf waters and the calm Intracoastal. This boutique-style inn offers humble, cozy, well-equipped units—complete with private balconies or porches—that deliver old-Florida charm in an unhurried, low-rise setting. During your stay, you can: 

• Stroll along 11 miles of pristine shoreline collecting shells and signature shark teeth 
• Enjoy dolphin and pelican sightings from the comfort of your porch or spend the day in-shore fishing
• Easily walk or hop on "Stumpy's free ride shuttle" to nearby casual restaurants and live-music venues

Manasota Key Resort

For a more upscale stay and experience, check in to Manasota Key Resort, a lakeside‑meets‑beachside oasis nestled between the sparkling Gulf of Mexico and serene Lemon Bay. Spread across three private natural acres, the resort offers guests warm service and a variety of charming accommodations—from one‑ and two‑bedroom bungalows to spacious family bunks—many of which boast private porches and stunning water views. During your stay, you can:

• Enjoy access to a private Gulf beach and a tranquil bay-side dock—perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding or dolphin and manatee spotting.
• Dive into the pool, fire up the outdoor BBQ area or relax by the fire pit after a day in the sun. 
• Take advantage of free gear rentals such as beach toys, bikes, kayaks and SUP.

Manasota Beach Club

Not to be confused with the resort, Manasota Beach Club is a private retreat which has welcomed guests for over 65 years to its historic Old Florida cottages nestled amid an oak hammock just steps from the Gulf of Mexico. The 25-acre property includes private docks and a treasure trove of natural amenities perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and relaxation-seekers alike. During your stay, you can: 

• Fish off the docks, look for shorebirds or launch complimentary kayaks and paddleboards
• Enjoy the heated swimming pool, boccee ball, croquet, pickleball and tennis courts
• Find your next beach read at the Club's library
• Search for fossilized sharks teeth or snorkel off its private beaches with complimentary snorkel gear

*Manasota Beach Club is temporarily closed due to recent storms and is currently rebuilding to reopen in the near future.

Landmarks

Blind Pass Beach Park

Blind Pass Beach Park (also known as Middle Beach) is a Gulf-to-bay gem that offers nearly 3,000 feet of pristine shoreline. Whether you're scouting for seashells and shark teeth, sunbathing, casting a line off its docks, picnicking on the grills by the pavilion or birdwatching in a spectacular coastal setting, this park delivers nonstop nature and outdoor fun.

Lemon Bay Park & Environmental Center

Lemon Bay Park sits at the heart of the Englewood community. The long and narrow aquatic preserve features a network of mangroves, marsh grasses and seagrass meadows that are home to more than 150 species of birds and 200 species of fish. It’s a great spot for fishing, kayaking, boating and birding, and to explore by foot. 

Dearborn Street

Dearborn Street serves as the main drag of Olde Englewood Village, the historic downtown area. It’s home to art galleries such as the Arts Alliance of Lemon Bay, treasure-filled antiques shops and restaurants offering everything from wine and tapas to Mexican cuisine. From October through May, the popular Englewood Farmer’s Market draws people downtown on Thursdays for fresh produce, gourmet goodies and live music.

Lemon Bay Playhouse 

Lemon Bay Playhouse is Englewood’s cherished community theatre and nonprofit cultural hub which brings a number of diverse shows and productions to life each season, ranging from comedies and dramas to mysteries and showcases. With volunteer-driven programming and educational initiatives—from youth camps to actor workshops—the Playhouse fosters local talent worth grabbing tickets to support. 

Hermitage Artist Retreat

The Hermitage Artist Retreat is a sanctuary where creativity meets tranquility. Nestled amidst lush maritime hammocks and mangrove-fringed waterways, this 12-acre retreat hosts award-winning artists, writers and performers from around the world—offering a rare opportunity for visitors to connect with evolving works in an intimate, natural setting. Check its calendar of events for upcoming workshops, literary talks, outdoor performances, art presentations and more. 

Where to Dine

From upscale waterfront dining to fun tiki bars right on the beach, Englewood and neighboring Manasota Key offer an eclectic mix of coastal flavors and local charm.

Farlow’s on the Water 

A local island-themed favorite offering Caribbean-Southern fare in a lush, the tiki-lined waterfront setting of Farlow's on the Water serves favorites like coconut shrimp and crab cakes, live music and tropical cocktails served on a shaded patio overlooking scenic Ainger Creek. 

Landy's Restaurant

Nestled within a scenic cove, Landy’s Restaurant is a Florida classic that’s been happily serving a menu of fresh seafood, handbutchered meats and flavorful pastas. Diners can relax on the covered deck, soaking up breezy water views and handcrafted cocktails.  

Lock ’N Key Restaurant & Pub 

Just steps from the Gulf, this family-run gem serves prime beef, fresh seafood and beachy American classics. Its bright outdoor patio is a breezy spot for a casual lunch or dinner, complemented by daily happy hour specials and friendly service .

SandBar Tiki & Grille 

True beach-bar vibes await at SandBar, located directly across from Englewood Beach. Featuring daily live music, authentic BBQ and seafood, family-friendly beach games, drink pitchers and a popular dance floor—it’s all about laid-back fun right on the sand!

Lighthouse Grill & Tiki Bar 

Tucked at Channel Marker 17A, Lighthouse Grill & Tiki Bar is a lively waterfront hangout that celebrates Englewood’s fishing village roots. Set under a colorful thatched tiki hut overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, it offers a wide variety of items from smoked wings, soups, sandwiches, salads and gulf-caught grouper. 
 

Englewood Events

Aside from its weekly farmers market and occassional arts and holiday events, Englewood plays host to some pretty exciting festivals worth planning your trip around: 

Englewood Firecracker Festival

Each July 4, the Lemon Bay Sunrise Rotary hosts the annual Englewood Firecracker Festival and Block Party. Attendees can enjoy all-American food from local restaurants and vendors, plenty of cold beverages and live entertainment. The event’s signature combination of chickens and bingo puts a whole new spin on the game, and the event finishes up with a fireworks display over Lemon Bay.

Englewood Beach Waterfest

During October and November, look for events related to the Englewood Beach Waterfest. A family-friendly fishing tournament offers prizes for catching Spanish mackerel, and educational programs help show how to preserve and protect the area’s waterways. Stand up paddleboard races feature contests for kids, amateurs and elite competitors, while offshore powerboat races roar out in the Gulf of Mexico off of Manasota Beach, with drivers reaching speeds of more than 200 miles per hour.