Four of Our Favorite Beaches Near Wellen Park

A huge part of living life the Wellen Way here in our community means taking advantage of the waterside lifestyle that Southwest Florida has to offer. Fortunately, Wellen Park is located within close proximity to numerous places to kayak, fish, and simply enjoy some aquatic fun — and visiting the surrounding area’s white-sand beaches is one of our absolute favorite ways to do it. 

Whether you prefer beaches with ample amenities, a quaint and quiet sanctuary, or a place you can bring your best four-legged friend, there’s a spot for every type of beachgoer just a short drive away from Wellen Park. 

Birds fly off into the sunset over Venice Beach. Photo via Christine Wright.

Venice Beach

Distance From Wellen Park: Approx. 25-Minute Drive

Complete with calm waters and stunning white sand, Venice Beach is a relaxing, must-visit spot year-round. 

As a Certified Blue Wave Beach, Venice Beach’s environment is nationally recognized as clean, healthy, and well maintained. 

When you visit Venice Beach, it’s highly likely that you’ll spot some native Florida wildlife. Pro tip: Keep an eye out for dolphins off the North Jetty, and look out for marine turtle nests in the dunes between May and October. 

Available amenities include free parking, lifeguards on duty, food concessions, shelters and picnic areas, sand volleyball courts, boardwalks, and the Venice Fishing Pier, which is one of our favorite spots in the area to drop a line!

A glowing sunset over Manasota Key Beach. Photo via @poolvillabythebeach (IG).

Manasota Beach

Distance from Wellen Park: Approx. 20-Minute Drive

Manasota Key is home to many beaches, including the aptly named Manasota Beach. Though visitors have access to amenities such as a boat ramp, kayak launch, fishing pier, picnic facilities, restrooms and volleyball courts, this beach is loved for its lack of commercialization. Frequenters of Manasota Beach fondly refer to this area as a “real, old time Florida beach” as the location is slightly off the beaten path, without being too far from home. 

You’ll find the two mile stretch of Stump Pass Beach State Park here as well, where visitors can partake in nature hikes and ranger-guided tours in the winter time. This beach is great for shelling too — you’ll notice the sand isn’t a pure white but rather multi-colored and composed of fragments of colorful shells and fossils. 

Reflections during low tide at Fort DeSoto Beach, north of Venice. Photo via @bepassionatealways (IG)

Englewood Beach

Distance from Wellen Park: 20-Minute Drive

Englewood Beach, another beach on Manasota Key, is also close by and so well loved that it’s shared by two counties: Sarasota and Charlotte.

This is a great beach to consider if you love golf, as you can spend your morning on one of the many nearby courses, then cool off at the beach in the afternoon!

There are lots of other fun recreation options right on the beach, as well. Let out your adventurous side and rent a jet ski, charter a fishing boat, or even try parasailing. You can take a peek at the action wherever you are, by checking out the live Englewood Beach EarthCam. 

A pair of happy Dalmatians at Brohard Beach and Paw Park. Photo via @hbird_thefox (IG).

Brohard Beach and Paw Park

Distance from Wellen Park: 20-Minute Drive

This one’s for the dog lovers! Take a trip to Brohard Beach, the only pet-friendly beach in the area. Supervised dogs are allowed to roam free, though there is a fenced-in doggy play area as well. 

Other amenities at Brohard Beach include picnic tables and benches, showers and restrooms, a fishing pier, and drinking fountains for both humans and their canine companions. 

At Wellen Park, we love a relaxing day at the beach. However, if kayaking and exploring the many rivers and canals right outside our neighborhood is more your style, check out our recent blog: The Ultimate Kayaking Destinations Near Wellen Park. 

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Header image courtesy of Ama Coltan.