Stump Pass Beach State Park in Englewood occupies the southern peninsula of Manasota Key and includes Whidden and Peterson Key to the east. It preserves a stretch of Gulf Coast shoreline valued for both beach access and quiet natural areas. Formerly known as Port Charlotte Beach State Recreation Area, the site was transferred from Charlotte County to the state of Florida on May 10, 1970, and opened to the public in 1971 without services. Visitor amenities were added in 2000, including picnic pavilions, a boardwalk, outdoor showers, and restrooms. Today it offers a 1.3-mile land trail and supports activities such as fishing, swimming, paddling, snorkeling, and shark-tooth hunting.