Longboat Key

Longboat Key, a barrier island west of Sarasota and Bradenton, is known for its 12 miles of white-sand beaches, luxury resorts, waterfront golf, and upscale dining. Split between Sarasota and Manatee counties, the island offers plenty to do for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and retirees.

Play 45 holes of championship golf at The Resort at Longboat Key Club, spend time on the beaches, fish for a wide variety of saltwater species, and visit beautiful and secluded Beer Can Island.

Sample the local cuisine along the waterfront, from casual to sophisticated, and shop at the famous St. Armands Circle, which has more than 100 stores and restaurants. Check out a free water skiing show by the Sarasota Ski-A-Rees water skiing team and watch the St. Armands calendar for events.

Families with children will want to visit the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, where visitors can see the resident manatee as well as other marine animals, including sharks.

Plan your trip at Visit Sarasota and Bradenton Gulf Islands.
 

BEACHES

Put down a blanket on the sugar sand beaches of Longboat Key and splash in the turquoise waters of the gulf.

• Whitney Beach
• Beer Can Island/Greer Island
• Public beach access points

WATERWAYS

Sarasota Bay, the deepest bay between Tampa Bay and Charlotte Harbor, separates Longboat Key from the mainland.

• Sarasota Bay

FAMILY FUN

Area family-friendly attractions include Sarasota Jungle Gardens and a nearby aquarium where visitors can see a resident manatee and other marine animals, including sharks.

• Sarasota Jungle Gardens
• Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

MUSEUMS, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Longboat Key is within a short driving distance of major arts and entertainment attractions on the mainland in Sarasota as well as St. Armands Circle.

• The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art
• St. Armands festivals and events
• St. Armands nightlife
• Longboat Key arts and culture
• Sarasota arts and culture

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Spot dolphins from a kayak, swim in the clear Gulf water, fish for flounder, sheepshead, and snook, dive, or ride the nearly 10-mile bike trail across the island.

• Longboat Key Bike Trail
• Boat rentals and kayak tours
• Outdoor activities

ACCESSIBILITY

Longboat Key and the surrounding areas offer accessible accommodations, restaurants, and attractions.

• Accessible accommodations
• Accessible attractions and tours
• Accessible travel information

DINING

Dock and dine on the shore or go out for an elegant seafood dinner on the Gulf.

• Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub
• Maison Blanche
• Blue Dolphin Cafe
• More places to eat

SHOPPING

Just south of the island is St. Armands Key, home of St. Armands Circle, which has more than 100 places to shop and dine.

• St. Armands Circle stores
• More places to shop

SPAS, MASSAGE

Relax at with a massage or spa treatment.

• The Spa at Longboat Key Club
• Longboat Massage
• Essence of Soliel Massage

SPORTS

Play on some of the most scenic golf courses in Florida.

• Resort at Longboat Key Club
• Longboat Key Tennis Center
• Water skiing shows

PLACES TO STAY

Book a room at a luxury oceanfront resort or Rent a beach condo.

• Zota Beach Resort
• Sand Cay Beach Resort
• Turtle Crawl Inn
• More places to stay