The Sunshine State at its most sublime
Straddling the sun-kissed counties of Charlotte and Sarasota, Englewood is a gem of Florida's gleaming Gulf Coast. First settled in the late 19th century, this compact town has retained a laid-back, old world vibe. There's no better place to soak this up than the quaint historic district of Dearborn Street, with its quirky, treasure-filled boutiques, museums, and bustling open-air restaurants. Of course, the star attraction for many is the picture-postcard coast, replete with gently swaying palm trees, powder-soft sands, and dazzling turquoise water. Englewood vacation rentals run the gamut from condos ideal for a couple, to sprawling family houses where you could host a big family get-together.
History brought to life in Englewood
You'll find an array of attractions virtually on the doorstep of your Englewood vacation rental. The Dearborn Street area is dotted with independent galleries, where you can peruse locally-produced art works and meet their creators. For a thorough primer in the region's culture, be sure to swing by the Englewood Area Historical Museum. Here you can learn all about the diverse communities that have shaped this corner of Florida, through beautifully preserved everyday artifacts, local treasures, and vintage photos. In neighboring Venice, a 20-minute drive away, the Clyde Butcher Gallery celebrates the acclaimed photographer, best known for his large format pictures of the Florida wilderness.
Lazy days on Englewood's blissful beaches
However you like to spend your down time, there's a stretch of coast near Englewood just for you. Englewood Beach is great for a hassle-free family day out, with shaded picnic tables, a colorful kids' play area, and gentle waters ideal for swimming. Nearby, Stump Pass Beach State Park is an appealingly undeveloped spot for a tranquil hike. A little further afield, Blind Pass Beach is a shelling hotspot, whilst Manasota Beach is where to head for spectacular snorkeling. Wherever you choose to hang out, water sports like paddle boarding, kayaking, and jet skiing are perennially popular pastimes.
A vacation destination for all seasons
Englewood is blessed with an enviable subtropical climate, ensuring that you can head down to the beach at most times of year. Winter is one of the most popular times to visit, with vacationers fleeing chillier regions to soak up some much-needed Florida sunshine. With Englewood vacation rentals in high demand, it's advisable to book well in advance of your trip. Spring and fall offer a winning combination of more dependable heat and thinner crowds. Summers can get extremely hot, with tropical storms a fairly common occurrence.
Exploring the beaches and other natural features in Englewood
Whether you're looking for adventure or just want to take in the scenery, you'll be sure to find the perfect setting for your vacation in Englewood. These are a few of the area's most eye-catching sights, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Venice Beach (10.9 mi / 17.6 km)
- Blind Pass Beach (1.5 mi / 2.4 km)
- Englewood Beach (3 mi / 4.9 km)
- Stump Pass Beach State Park (4.2 mi / 6.8 km)
- Caspersen Beach (7.5 mi / 12.1 km)
- Legacy Trail (7.6 mi / 12.2 km)
Traveling to and around Englewood
The nearest airport is in Sarasota-Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ), located 31.7 mi (51 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you can also fly into Charlotte County Airport (PGD), which is 22.6 mi (36.4 km) away.