Florida’s Rising Star: This Underrated City Is Ideal for Any Traveler

Englewood, Florida, has been in a state of flux for the past couple of years, but I am willing to bet this sleepy town is going to be the next rising star of the Sunshine State. Known once as a drunk fisherman’s town, I believe this old moniker will give way to phrases like “a quiet beach retreat” or “a cozy coastal town.” I have a lot of love for Venice, Florida, back when I visited, and Englewood is right next door, so I predict a stacking effect on the popularity of this part of Florida once the secret is out. If you want to get in on this up-and-comer of a small town, here is everything you need to make one amazing trip. 

Whenever you spend time near the calming ocean life tends to just slow down a couple of notches. It may be the cadence of the water or the salt in the air, but we all know that sun-kissed feeling. So while exploring Englewood I would suggest taking a couple of days to really soak it in and enjoy it. So for a nice relaxing time, you will need to start with a home base. I would suggest booking a stay at The Lake House.

This Airbnb vacation rental is clean and impressive, with a converted garage and game room. Play some ping pong after a morning walk on the beach, or finish off your day by the lake in the cool of the evening with an ice-cold lemonade. This place embodies some of the relaxing experiences awaiting you in Englewood and is close to just about everything in town you could want, including the beach. 

Speaking of the beach in Englewood, you are in the vicinity of not just one beach but several! Avoid the crowds in this part of town and enjoy a quiet place to lay down your towel and soak up the sun. These sandy shorelines lack the crowds but still have plenty of unique activities. These are great beaches for combing the fine granules of sand in search of shark teeth. Perhaps the best part of the beach, however, is when the baby sea turtles hatch. If you wake up early during turtle season (May through October) you can see these little adorable turtles working their way through the soft sand and into the water. The best time to visit is around 6:30-7 a.m. Look for the Turtle Patrol, and they will point you in the right direction. You can also sit and watch the waves in search of dolphins and manatees.   

For a meal, I would head to Beach Combers. Dine al fresco right next to the water for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Another unique feature about Englewood is the surprising absence of many bigger box stores. When you shop and eat in this beach town, you will be getting true local treatment, so every shop, store, and restaurant will have its native personality. If you plan your trip just right, you can find your way to the Englewood Farmers Market for fresh produce and more local flavors. Need of a little pick-me-up? Pursue town for one of the cute little coffee shops and strike up a conversation with the friendly locals while you are there. 

The real gem of the town is Englewood Beach. I walked this stretch of sand along the cool, foamy water in search of shark teeth. I didn’t find any that day, but watching the little birds run along the sand, avoiding the water, was enough for me for one evening. As the sun see,t I knew that it would only be a matter of time before the secret got out and everyone found out about this hidden sleeper town in Florida. 

If you are in need of a relaxing beach retreat, then skip the crowds and find your way to Englewood, FL. With several miles of white sand to enjoy and a plethora of unique local shops, it is easy to see this town as a rising star in the Sunshine State. 

Still looking for that quiet getaway? Check out these other charming small towns in Florida.