Top 12 Attractions to Explore in Longboat Key, Florida
Chill Coastally in Longboat Key, Florida
Looking to escape the grind without leaving the nation? Cross over Longboat Pass Bridge and prepare to drift away on a tropical island getaway. This barrier island connects Longboat Key with Sarasota and Florida's mainland, acting as your gateway to paradise. Welcome to the land where your troubles seem to vanish like waves against the beach. Marinate in the breathtaking, aquamarine waters that stretch as far as the eye can see. The residential area is inhabited by approximately 7,500 sun-soaked souls, ensuring you'll never be overwhelmed by tourist throngs. But fear not, there's plenty to keep outside visitors entertained, including remarkable restaurants, a brand-spankin'-new luxury resort, and public beaches primed to put you on island time in a blink. Here are the 12 finest activities to partake in on Longboat Key, Florida.
Longboat Key's Must-Do List
1. Beach Bonding
The Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay provide a treasure trove of shores for sun-seekers yearning for a bit of sand in their toes. With 12 accessible public beach access points dispersed along Gulf of Mexico Drive, you'll find the perfect sunsoaked spot. Keep in mind that lifeguards don't patrol these beaches, so always swim at your own risk and observe the rules, such as no camping, fires, or pets.
longboatkey.org/visitors/beaches
2. Kayak Adventures
Head to Bayfront Park to partake in a kayak or paddleboard excursion courtesy of Happy Paddler. Rent a vessel and set sail (or paddle) through the mangrove islands or partake in a guided tour for a chance to spot more wildlife.
happypaddler.com; 522 Cedar Street, Longboat Key, FL 34228; 941-773-1920
3. Eco-Excursions
Bask in the natural beauty of Longboat Key at two captivating public parks. John M. Durante Park, a 32-acre site on Sarasota Bay, boasts a beach, hiking trails, picnic facilities, and a fishing pier. Quick Point Nature Preserve showcases an extensive network of wetlands, mangroves, lagoons, and boardwalks.
4. Par for the Course
Avid golfers can't resist the allure of Longboat Key's championship courses. Ranked among the top golf courses in the U.S. by Golf Digest, the Resort at Longboat Key Club's Harbourside Golf Course and Links on Longboat Golf Course promise to leave a lasting impression. Out-of-towners, unpack your golf bags and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime golfing odyssey.
3000 Harbourside Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228; 941-387-1631
5. Sea Sojourn
Embrace your love for all things aquatic at the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort's Under-the-Sea Lagoon Experiences. Guided by expert marine aquarists, immerse yourself in the vibrant world beneath the waves and encounter tropical fish, sting rays, and coral reefs. The excursion is suitable for adventurers aged eight and up. For a more terrestrial adventure, meet the tortoises Jack and Rose during the resort's on-land program.
1601 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228; 941-231-1000
Longboat Key's Tasty Treats
1. Whitney's
This laid-back, all-day eatery is the ultimate hangout for beachgoers. Open every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Whitney's serves up palate-pleasing dishes—from a Florida Citrus Salad at lunch to Red Curry Snapper for dinner and Brioche French Toast with crispy bananas and miso butter for breakfast. Pair your meal with classic tiki and beach-inspired cocktails.
whitneylbk.com; 6990 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228; 941-383-4606
2. Waterfront Dining
Savor the flavor of the sea as you dine with a view at Dry Dock Waterfront Grill or Shore. Located on Sarasota Bay, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill serves up delectable locally-caught fish and seafood specials. Shore, a mid-century-themed eatery perched on the bay, offers bright takes on classic beach grub, such as shrimp ceviche. Both restaurants provide the ideal setting for a sunset meal.
drydockwaterfrontgrill.com; 412 Gulf Of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228; 941-383-0102
3. Euphemia Haye
Savor a unique dining experience at this legendary restaurant that's been part of Longboat Key's community since 1980. Executive Chef Lynne Clark draws inspiration from a variety of global cuisines for a vibrant, globally-inflected menu featuring crispy duck, Grecian-style lamb shank, and fried green tomatoes. Don't skip the intimate, upstairs Haye Loft for a more relaxed dining experience.
euphemiahaye.com; 5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228; 941-383-3633
4. The Monkey Bar
Discover the essence of island living at Monkey Bar, the St. Regis Longboat Key's coastal watering hole. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., this is the spot to unwind with a classic pina colada and soak up the ocean view.
1601 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228
Longboat Key's High-End Hideaways
1. Luxury Retreats
Embark on a luxurious escape at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, a recently opened gem that redefines opulence. The resort boasts a lazy river, separate family and adult pools, multiple dining options, private cabanas, and a 500,000-gallon saltwater tank where you can snorkel with fish.
1601 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228; 941-231-1000
2. Oceanfront Oasis
Experience the charm of the Opal Collection's The Resort at Longboat Key Club. The resort provides oceanfront rooms and suites with stunning views of the water. The property offers numerous amenities, including tennis and pickleball courts, five dining options, multiple pools, a spa, and a private marina.
220 Sands Point Rd, Longboat Key, FL 34228; 941-383-8821
3. Modern Retreats
For a more discreet and modern hideaway, opt for the Opal Collection's Zota Beach Resort. The hotel's 187 rooms front the Gulf and offer a zero-entry pool, private beach, and a 24-7 fitness center. Dog-lovers will be thrilled to know the hotel is pet-friendly!
941-383-8838; 800 Broadway St., Longboat Key, FL 34228
Embrace the island lifestyle and create unforgettable memories in Longboat Key, Florida. From sandy shores to delectable dining experiences, this tropical paradise offers countless opportunities for relaxation and adventure.
- After a day of beach bonding at Longboat Key's public beaches, consider renting a kayak or paddleboard from Happy Paddler, located at 522 Cedar Street, Longboat Key, FL 34228, for an exploration of the mangrove islands or a guided tour.
- For a unique dining experience, visit Euphemia Haye, situated at 5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228, a Longboat Key institution since 1980. The restaurant offers a captivating, globally-inflected menu, including Grecian-style lamb shank and crispy duck.
- As you make your way along Gulf of Mexico Drive, stop by the Monkey Bar, the coastal watering hole at the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort (1601 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228). It's the perfect spot to unwind with a classic pina colada and enjoy the ocean view.
- To fully immerse yourself in opulence, book a stay at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort (1601 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228). With a lazy river, separate family and adult pools, multiple dining options, private cabanas, and a 500,000-gallon saltwater tank where you can snorkel with fish, this luxurious escape offers a once-in-a-lifetime island getaway.
