Things to Do in Longboat Key
A quiet resort island with long beaches, bayside parks and few crowds.
See top-rated activities »About Longboat Key
Longboat Key is a narrow island about ten miles long between Lido Key and Anna Maria Island. It is split between two counties: the southern part, nearest St. Armands Circle, is in Sarasota County, while the northern end, including the older fishing village area, is in Manatee County. The whole island is governed as one town, and it has a very different pace from Siesta Key. There is no commercial beach strip; instead, resorts, condominiums and homes line Gulf of Mexico Drive, and the beaches behind them are long, wide and lightly used.
Public beach access is through small paths between properties, many with only a few parking spaces, so the best way to see the island is often by bicycle. A paved path follows Gulf of Mexico Drive for much of its length. At the south tip, facing New Pass and the bridge to Lido Key, Quick Point Nature Preserve has boardwalks and short trails through mangroves and along the bay, with good bird watching at low tide. Joan M. Durante Park, on the bay side, has lawns, picnic shelters and boardwalks along the water.
Longboat Key has a few restaurants of its own, including waterfront spots on the bay, but most visitors drive the five minutes to St. Armands Circle or 15 minutes to downtown Sarasota for dinner. Because the island is mostly residential and resort property, it suits travelers who want a quiet week on the beach and do not mind a short drive for nightlife and attractions.
Sea turtles nest on the island’s beaches from May through October, and the town enforces lighting rules to protect the hatchlings, so beachfront renters are asked to keep lights low and blinds closed after dark. After winter cold fronts the beaches are good for shelling, and anglers work the passes at both ends of the island, New Pass to the south and Longboat Pass to the north, for snook and redfish.
Don’t Miss
Boardwalks and trails through mangroves at the island’s south tip, with views of New Pass and Sarasota Bay. Storm repairs were finishing in 2026.
A bayside park with walking paths, boardwalks and picnic shelters.
Long, quiet beaches reached through small public access points along Gulf of Mexico Drive.
The town site lists beach access points, parks and seasonal rules such as sea turtle nesting lighting.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Longboat Key
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Get free trip quotes »Longboat Key — FAQ
Is Longboat Key in Sarasota County or Manatee County?
Both. The southern part of the island is in Sarasota County and the northern end is in Manatee County, though the whole island is one town, the Town of Longboat Key.
Is Longboat Key a good choice for nightlife?
Not really. The island is quiet in the evening. St. Armands Circle, just over the New Pass bridge, is the closest place for a busy dinner and shopping scene.
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