Celebrating 65 Seasons
A NEW BEGINNING • ROOTED IN TRADITIONWELCOME
Celebrating 65 seasons strong, Manasota Beach Club continues its journey of restoration following the storms of 2024. While recovery efforts are still underway, we’re thrilled to have begun welcoming guests back to the property with a limited number of cottages available. Please note that the Clubhouse remains closed until further notice, but many of our beloved member activities have resumed, and the spirit of MBC is very much alive. Each day brings new progress, and we look forward to reopening additional cottages soon. Thank you for your support as we work to restore the timeless charm and natural beauty that have made Manasota Beach Club a treasured retreat for generations.
After a historic year of storms, we are diligently working every day to restore Manasota Beach Club to its beautiful natural state. Our team is committed to revitalizing the beachfront, ensuring it reflects the charm of Old Florida.
Restoration efforts involve careful assessment and clean-up processes to repair any damage caused by the storms. We are focused on enhancing the natural landscape, nurturing native flora, and rebuilding pathways that lead to picturesque views of the ocean.
Each step we take is aimed at preserving the unique character of our property, creating a serene retreat for our members and guests. While the journey may be gradual, we are confident in our ability to bring back the beauty and tranquility that defines Manasota Beach Club. Your support during this process is greatly appreciated as we move forward together, slowly but surely.
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Long-Standing Tradition
The archeological record shows that Manasota Key has been a draw for at least 8,000 years when the Gulf was 30 feet lower than it is today. Indigenous peoples sourced shells from the area to make beads, an ancient form of currency, and active archaeological sites are located just offshore. The key remained undeveloped until the early 1900s, when Palm Ridge Lodge, a “room and board” nudist colony, was built. By the 1950s, the nudist fad had lost its luster. The Buffum family bought the property in 1960 and renamed it Manasota Beach Club; it has been owned and operated by the Buffums ever since.
The Buffums felt that Manasota Key was more than just a winter retreat; it was a sanctuary for the soul, and the Manasota Beach Club legacy expanded with each succeeding generation. The strong connection and sense of stewardship that the family has for the property is palpable; they are committed to its preservation and continuation. Both the Clubhouse and the land are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Please note that due to damage sustained in Hurricanes Helene & Milton, the Clubhouse remains closed until further notice.
Please note that due to damage sustained in Hurricanes Helene & Milton, the Clubhouse remains closed until further notice.
Gull
1 Bedroom 1 Bath Gulf View
The Gull cottage holds four roomy accommodations, each a large one-bedroom, one-bath suite with an open living area and daybed. Large, original wood-paneled walk-in closets offer ample space to unpack. Gull 1 and 2 have beautiful Gulf views. Gull 3 and 4 open to a large shared deck, as well as the shuffleboard and tennis courts. This cottage is one of the original buildings on the property.
Pelican
1 Bedroom 1 Bath Forest View
Pelican is a fetching 1940s stand-alone cottage set back under the spreading live oaks. Like all Manasota Beach Club cottages, it is mere steps from the beach and the Clubhouse. A cathedral ceiling rises over a spacious bedroom and living area. The sunroom, aproned with windows, provides an ideal location to sit back with your favorite book or take in the views of the timeless flora and fauna.
A little something for everyone
Tennis
Bocce Ball
Heated Pool
Pickleball
Basketball
Birding
Kayaks
SUP
Snorkeling
Beachcombing
Croquet
Library
Beach
Manasota Key is renowned for its fabulous shells and abundant fossilized shark teeth. This private Gulf escape is located steps from your bedroom door when you stay with us.
We are pleased to offer a variety of membership options that may include year-round access to Club amenities, including our beautiful beach, athletic programs, heated pool, membership events, engaging lectures, festive holiday celebrations, entertainment, and the vibrant MBC community.
Tailor your membership experience by choosing between single or family memberships, and select a membership level that aligns with your preferences, whether it's focused on sports, beach access, or all of the above.
We're here to ensure your Manasota Beach Club experience is perfect for you.
Eleven-mile-long Manasota Key is a beautiful barrier island in Southwest Florida known as “the gem of the Suncoast,” about halfway between Tampa and Fort Myers. The Gulf Coast in general is considered the quiet coast, away from the hubbub of other Florida regions, yet rich in charm, culture, history, and spectacular natural beauty. A short bridge over Lemon Bay connects Manasota Key to the restaurants, shops and galleries of Englewood, yet the Key itself is pristine and nearly entirely residential, with a peaceful, unhurried mood. The southern end of the island is a mile-long state park, with walking trails, empty beaches, and abundant native flora and fauna.
The Key is easily accessible, with four airports in the region:
Sarasota/Bradenton Airport (SRQ): 38 miles (45 min)
Punta Gorda Airport (PGD): 43 miles (50 min)
Fort Myers International Airport (RSW): (78 miles, 1.25 hours)
Tampa International Airport (TPA): 86 miles (1.5 hours
