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Nature trails traverse 11 habitats within Don Pedro Island
State Park. The barrier island is home to an array of Florida
flora and fauna, including giant leather ferns, West Indian
manatees, gopher tortoises, American oystercatchers and
bald eagles. Shelling enthusiasts will delight in the island’s
bounty, as will fisher folk, who can reel in tarpon and snook.
Known for its plethora of fossilized shark’s teeth, Stump
Pass Beach State Park also caters to environmentally minded
beach-goers with its well-marked trail through five distinct
habitats. Interpretive signs along the path define the pristine
park’s native plants, such as indigo berry and bay cedar, and
wildlife like snowy egret and gopher tortoise. During the
summer, you can enjoy ranger-led turtle walks and beach
nature hikes.
The dune wildflowers decorating Blind Pass Beach are
just the beginning of its natural attractions. If you visit
between May and October, you may see sea turtles nesting
or their eggs hatching, releasing babies who waddle their
way to the water to begin their lives. Throughout the year,
you can meander the trails that weave through the beach’s
acres.
Secluded Beaches
If a private island defines your dream beach experience,
you can almost achieve it at Don Pedro Island State Park
and Blind Pass Beach.
Don Pedro Island State Park, located on a barrier island,
is accessible only by private boat or public ferry service
provided by Placida’s Grande Tours. Fronting the Gulf of
Mexico, its one-mile beach is perfect for sunbathing, fossil
hunting, swimming and just getting away from civilization.
You’ll find all the creature comforts, from restrooms and
outdoor showers to a picnic pavilion and barbecue grills.
On Manasota Key, Blind Pass Beach covers 66 acres of
sand dunes, nature trails and shorelines on the Gulf of
Mexico and Lemon Bay. Beach Road offers a direct route
to the strand, where wildflowers and sea turtles often
outnumber people. Picnic shelters, restrooms and a
playground make Blind Pass Beach an ideal retreat for
families, couples or anyone looking for a stretch of sand
all their own.
The beaches of Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands
invite you to seek solace, refreshment, action and
recreation on and along their silky sands. Spend a
day at your favorite or a week exploring every shore.
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