Discover the Enchantment of Longboat Key: Your Ultimate Florida Travel Guide

As a long-term resident of Tampa, Longboat Key serves as my preferred Gulf Coast beach spot whenever I crave a total escape. Arriving at the northern end of this sand-covered island via the Longboat Pass Bridge — surrounded by the sparkling Gulf of Mexico and bobbing boats — resembles a journey into the Florida Keys. Since a significant portion of Longboat Key is residential, the beaches seldom feel congested. Regardless of where you are staying, simply wander a little north or south, and you may discover yourself in solitude alongside the shorebirds on the sand.

“Longboat Key is predominantly residential with numerous full-time inhabitants. It’s not packed with public beaches, providing a higher degree of privacy,” states Lauren Mincberg of Tampa, who regularly vacations here with her family at Moku, a Polynesian-inspired five-bedroom home they manage as a holiday rental on an island adjacent to Longboat Key.

“Longboat gives the impression that families have gathered there for generations, where you can witness various generations coming together,” Mincberg remarks.

The most noteworthy development recently on this barrier island, located just minutes west of downtown Sarasota, is the anticipated fall 2024 inauguration of the ultra-luxurious St. Regis Resort Longboat Key, situated roughly in the middle of Longboat Key. Overlooking a stunning stretch of white sand and boasting remarkable facilities like a waterfront tiki bar, the Monkey Bar, it’s already set to become one of Florida’s most sought-after beachfront resorts.

“Longboat Key encapsulates tranquility and natural beauty, coupled with the sophistication of St. Armands Circle and Sarasota just nearby,” shares the hotel’s general manager, Winfred van Workum. “The limitation on high-rise buildings preserves its beach-like essence. Visitors often comment that it resembles the Caribbean or South Pacific.”

Continue reading for my essential advice for visiting Longboat Key.

Best Hotels & Resorts

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort

Established in the fall of 2024 as Longboat Key’s first substantial new resort development in over fifty years, The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort sprawls over acres fronting the shimmering Gulf of Mexico, marking the beginning of a new era of luxury for the island’s visitors. Rooms and suites boast a yacht-like allure, with expansive Gulf of Mexico vistas through floor-to-ceiling windows emitting a silvery radiance. Amenities include a 500,000-gallon saltwater lagoon where guests can snorkel with (de-barbed) southern stingrays and thousands of tropical fish; a 20,000-square-foot spa featuring a sauna, cold plunge, steam room, and private pool with beachfront views; a winding river; and separate pools for families and adults only, overlooking the gulf. The resort’s stunning lobby bar has swiftly gained popularity among discerning locals. Dining options on-site include the outstanding Riva for coastal Italian cuisine, Nikkei-style Oshen (an amazing outdoor spot for sunset and sushi), and CW Prime, where steaks and seafood are grilled on the Josper grill.

Zota Beach Resort

Enjoy a swim in the infinity pool with views of the Gulf of Mexico, relax on your oceanfront balcony, or unwind with a mai tai and mahi mahi tacos at the pool bar. A beach getaway at the 187-room Zota Beach Resort perfectly merges the comforts of a luxury resort in a modern atmosphere, featuring rooms and one-bedroom suites (the latter equipped with kitchenettes) adorned with contemporary decor and vibrant artwork. On a warm Florida evening, nothing surpasses sipping from the extensive wine list at Viento Kitchen+Bar, accompanied by a menu inspired by Caribbean and Florida cuisine and a glass wall of doors that opens to welcome the gentle breeze inside.

The Resort at Longboat Key Club

If you desire a beach getaway with the Gulf of Mexico at your doorstep, along with an abundance of tennis and pickleball courts ready for action, The Resort at Longboat Key Club is an exceptional choice for an adventurous retreat. As a member of Opal Collection, this all-inclusive property stretches over 410 acres, featuring 226 guestrooms and suites, two coastal golf courses, a deep-water marina, a comprehensive spa, and five dining options, including the farm-to-table Tavern & Whiskey Bar.

SeaHorse Beach Resort

Situated approximately in the center of Longboat Key, this relaxed condo-style establishment features independently owned units right on the shoreline. Select from studios, one-, or two-bedroom lodgings at SeaHorse Beach Resort, each equipped with complete kitchens, balconies, or patios that overlook the pool and Gulf of Mexico, barbecue grills, and laundry facilities on-site. The SeaHorse is favored for prolonged visits and by travelers seeking a homely atmosphere, drawing particular interest from families on vacation.

Sand Cay Beach Resort

This is another excellent option for a condo-style experience, featuring units located right on a stunning stretch of Gulf of Mexico shoreline. While the pool at Sand Cay Beach Resort may lack gulf views, the beach is merely a stone’s throw away, and there exists a waterfront communal outdoor barbecue area situated just back from the dunes, where you can grill dinner while admiring the sparkling waters. Each condo is independently owned and decorated, boasting full kitchens and balconies or patios for leisurely view enjoyment.

Top Activities

Embark on a sunset cruise.

You’ll be collected approximately an hour and a half prior to sunset to enjoy a sailing experience with Four Keys Charters on a stunning aquatic journey through Sarasota Bay and the Intracoastal. A complimentary bottle of bubbly will be opened as you search for dolphins and manatees while anticipating the climax—watching the sun dip below the Gulf of Mexico and paint the sky with delightful shades of pink and orange.

Discover Sarasota.

The vibrant and artistic downtown Sarasota is merely a short drive from Longboat Key. Be sure to include a trip to the magnificent Ringling museum along with its beautifully landscaped grounds in your plans, as well as some time spent enjoying the fresh air and scenic views among the banyan and mangrove trees of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, which has recently expanded to include more gardens, a welcome center, and a delightful little restaurant, The Green Orchid. St. Armands Circle is filled with sidewalk cafes and shopping venues.

Discover sea turtle information.

From May through October, seven species of sea turtles—such as loggerhead, green, and hawksbill turtles—nest and hatch on the powdery sands of Longboat Key. You might be fortunate and observe hatchlings making their way to the ocean during an early morning stroll or see a mother sea turtle ambling ashore after sunset. In June and July, on Saturdays, you can head to the beach for complimentary sea turtle walks after dark with Longboat Key Turtle Watch to learn more about these unique creatures from those dedicated to their conservation.

Look for manatees and dolphins during a guided kayaking adventure.

The renowned flora and fauna of Florida envelop you on Longboat Key, and the most splendid method to immerse yourself in it closely is by venturing onto the water quietly during guided kayaking excursions with Happy Paddler, which set off from the island’s picturesque beaches into Sarasota Bay. Families with small children adore the Coastal Island Tour, which leads them between Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key where they may glimpse dolphins and manatees. Be vigilant for the elusive green flash when the sun dips below the horizon during sunset kayaking excursions.

Enjoy pickleball or shuffleboard at Bayfront Park.

This dog-friendly county park on the bay side of the island is owned by the town of Longboat Key and is a beloved off-the-beach location for watching the sunset. Bayfront Park’s numerous amenities feature dedicated pickleball courts, tennis courts, a playground, and a kayak launch.

Top Dining Establishments

Whitney’s

Residents of Longboat Key and Sarasota appreciate this diner for its relaxed vibe and frosé served all day during Saturday and Sunday, when the brunch crowd arrives on beach cruisers and golf carts for breakfast burritos and biscuits with gravy. Whitney’s cinnamon and sugar ricotta donut holes are immensely popular, and make sure to sample the key lime pie before you leave.

Euphemia Haye

With only 28 seats, Euphemia Haye may be the most intimate fine dining experience on Longboat Key, offering a true local treasure. Menu highlights include Italian shrimp dishes, cannelloni, roasted duck, and Grecian lamb shank. Following dinner, small groups (no more than six individuals) can ascend to the Haye Loft for drinks on the lounge terrace or indulgent desserts crafted by the restaurant’s pastry chef in the Dessert Room.

Sips & Gelato

Hidden in Whitney Plaza at the northern end of Longboat Key, Sips & Gelato specializes in cold-pressed juices, exceptional espresso beverages, and gelato. Operating from early until around 2 p.m., it’s a preferred spot for breakfast and brunch, offering pastries, smoothies, bagel sandwiches, avocado toast, and more, all in an ambiance filled with art and tropical foliage.

Shore

Water enthusiasts enjoy arriving at the dockside Shore, located just south of Longboat Pass and west of Jewfish Key (but rest assured — it’s accessible by land as well). Shrimp ceviche and guacamole pair beautifully with a chilled margarita, and you can’t go wrong with something caught fresh, like the pan-seared snapper dressed in citrus butter or miso-marinated black grouper. Additionally, many tables offer views overlooking the water.

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill

A favorite waterfront spot boasting ample outdoor seating on a dockside patio, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is adored by boaters as well. Known for its delicious grouper sandwiches, lobster tacos, and exquisite key lime pie, the panoramic views of Sarasota Bay serve as the perfect finishing touch.

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant

Dining options set on the sand beneath blooming trees with views of Sarasota Bay make Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant a prime selection, whether you’re commemorating a special event or seeking a laid-back atmosphere with a genuine sense of place. Indulge in beer-battered hogfish and chips or Southern-inspired dishes like shrimp po boys, crab cake sandwiches, or corn and jalapeno hush puppies.

Optimal Time to Visit

Longboat Key and adjacent regions in Sarasota County bask in 255 days of sunlight annually, as stated by the county’s Economic Development Corporation. Therefore, it is simple to spend the majority of your time outdoors soaking up all that vitamin D. Winters may become a tad brisk when cold fronts sweep the coast, but spring and autumn are consistently mild. Be aware that Florida’s hurricane season spans from June 1 to the end of November.

How to Arrive

Getting to Longboat Key is straightforward, thanks to the expansion of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport and airlines such as American and Allegiant Air introducing routes to this area. You will have additional options for arrival when you land at Tampa International Airport, about 58 miles (under 1.5 hours by automobile) to the north, or St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, only 50 miles to the north (approximately one hour away).

How to Navigate

Bicycles: Longboat Key is ideal for discovery on two wheels, featuring a pedestrian-free bike path that stretches the entire length of the barrier island, providing access to beaches and eateries. Ride & Paddle offers rental options for beach cruisers, geared bicycles, children’s bikes, and bicycles equipped with trailers and kiddie seats.

Carpooling and public transportation: The Breeze Transit system provides bus and trolley services throughout Sarasota County, along with a curb-to-curb rideshare program using minivans and SUVs, Breeze OnDemand, which you can request via an app or phone call for a maximum of four passengers.