Two Coastal Escapes, 20 Minutes Apart: Stump Pass & Don Pedro Island

Charlotte County has two coastal parks that offer an immersive experience that seems miles away from civilization. Stump Pass Beach State Park and Don Pedro Island State Park are ideal destinations if you want to enjoy a coastal environment without being surrounded by buildings. It is possible to enjoy them both in one day as they are an appropriate 20 minute drive from each other.

Stump Pass Beach State Park

Many of Florida’s coastal parks are reminders of just how valuable oceanfront property actually is, as you can often see development right up to the park boundary and then BOOM, suddenly it becomes a coastal oasis. It is also a reminder of how important our conservation lands are. For under five bucks, I have access to this undeveloped beach for an entire day to swim, paddle, view wildlife, fish, or just enjoy the beach.

View of the ocean at Stump Pass Beach

Stump Pass is not only a beach, but it also contains two islands: Peterson Island and Whidden Key. They can only be accessed by watercraft and have no infrastructure such as bathrooms or boardwalks. The park maps provide no indication that any trails or suitable landing areas are available. There is an area to launch kayaks and paddleboards near the parking lot.

View of Peterson Island from Stump Pass Beach

Head south on the beach if you want to see less visitors and more wildlife. Marked sea turtle nests and shore birds were quite common. On the southern end, a significant part of the beach was off limits because it was a nesting area. Royal Terns and Black Skimmers were in high concentrations where there was no foot traffic. It was quite interesting to see them interact with each other. It is obvious how Black Skimmers got their name after seeing them glide gracefully just over the water with their beak skimming the surface. Keep watch around these areas to avoid walking too close to nests or chicks.

Black Skimmers standing motionless

The water was inviting, yet that isn’t the only way to stay cool. The breeze coming in from the gulf made for desirable conditions while looking at the variety of seashells scattered along the beach. Stump Pass offers a variety of recreational opportunities within a mile of the parking area and is worth the visit.

The sun beginning to set following a recent storm

Don Pedro Island State Park

The most important thing to know when visiting Don Pedro is that this park is primarily a paddle destination. There are a couple of trails to check out, including one that leads to the dock. Any further exploration after that has to be conducted via paddlecraft. Kayaks and paddleboards can be rented onsite; tours are offered as well.

Paddle boards and kayaks are available for rent at Don Pedro Island State Park

Mangroves along the intracoastal waterway

After launching at the dock, care should be taken when crossing the intracoastal waterway as there can be significant boat traffic. Part of the channel is a no-wake zone; it is recommended to cross there. There is plenty of opportunity to be immersed in the red mangroves. They are fascinating up close due to the fact that they are teeming with life. Mangrove tree crabs, oysters, various fish, wading birds, and much more can be observed during a slow paddle.

The mangrove tunnel leading to Hidden Lake

Oysters growing on the mangrove roots

The mangrove tunnel was the highlight of the visit. Located across the channel from the dock, slightly to the south, the experience going through it can depend on the tide. It is almost two-tenths of a mile long and is worth enjoying at a leisurely pace. On the other side of the tunnel is Hidden Lake, which is completely surrounded by mangroves; even the mangrove tunnel exit is slightly hidden here. It was the perfect opportunity to put the paddles to the side, relax, and enjoy the cool breeze on a summer day.

The entire time I was there, no one else visited the area. It was a quiet oasis where wading birds searched for their next meal and mullet continuously leaped out of the water in the distance. If solitude is desired, Hidden Lake is worth checking out.

For those comfortable with paddling, Little Gasparilla Sound is another ideal destination that can be accessed by paddling south from the launching area. Don Pedro Island is quite dynamic and accessibility of certain areas may change, check with the vendor before setting out, their maps and advice can also be used to plan a paddle route.

My recommendations for a good time at Stump Pass Beach and Don Pedro Island are:

• The parking lot at Stump Pass is limited; arrive early to avoid having to wait for a parking spot.
• Don Pedro Island closes earlier than most Florida State Parks, verify hours before visiting.
• Both parks received severe hurricane damage over the last few years. Stump Pass is under construction and has some temporary facilities. The dock and facilities on the island side of Don Pedro are unavailable.
• As always, sunscreen, water, and insect repellent are highly recommended, especially while paddling.
• Take the tides into consideration while on the water, especially at Don Pedro Island State Park.

Ryan Worthington, known as The Florida Excursionist, is a Live Wildly Adventurist. He grew up in Florida State Parks and has spent his life exploring — and championing — the state’s wild places. A Florida Master Naturalist, he documents conservation areas across the state through guided hikes, social media, and his podcast The Florida Madcaps.