No Snow Winter Vacations: Stump Pass Beach

Stump Pass Beach State Park is made up of three barrier islands on the east coast of Florida. Water, wind and currents all have their effect on this ever changing island. Early maps show different location of the islands as well as shapes that the islands once held that have long since vanished. The islands are filled with salt tolerant plants, especially the seagrape trees. Wildlife abounds in the trees and dunes on these rare undeveloped islands.

Miles of white sandy beaches await those who come to Stump Pass Beach State Park. Picking a secluded spot is easy for guests who visit the beach. Open water to the Gulf of Mexico provides swimming on the beach in clear blue waters. Shells are abundant on the shore, especially in the winter months to the delight of all beachcombers. Scuba diving is permitted and snorkeling the coastline is the perfect way to spot the best shells and possibly the occasional curious dolphin.

Known by locals as "Ski Alley", the long stretch of open waters behind the main island is home to some great waterskiing. Since the beach is very flat and the waters remain calm, skiers come flying onto the shore, spraying up sand and water on unsuspecting onlookers. Jetskis and other small motorized watercraft ply these waters heavily in the summer months.

Kayaking and canoeing is also another popular water sport and is best done during the winter and fall months of the year. Dolphins, schools of mullet and manatees all frequent this area during the cooler months. Kayaking among the islands channels and mangrove swamps proves to be an outdoor adventure like no other.

Fishing from your boat in and around the pass and grass flats are a great place to land some good fish. Snook, flounder, sea trout, snapper, redfish, whiting, sheepshead and tarpon can all be found in and around Stump Pass and the barrier islands. Fishing from the beach proves to be good as well as evidenced by the many shore anglers who visit the park year round.

Once you and your family have worked up an appetite doing all the fun outdoor activities at Stump Pass Beach State Park, visit one of the picnic pavilions and eat lunch at one of the many picnic tables. One picnic table is located near the restroom facilities while the remaining five are along the nature trail that winds its way throughout the park.

For information on directions to the park, hours of operations and entrance fees, visit the official Florida state park website here.