Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Longboat Key, FL

  • Published 2022/09/02

In the center of a wide barrier island situated between the western part of the Mexico Gulf and Sarasota Bay, Longboat Key lies in the eastern mainland.

Longboat Key, which spans the boundary between Manatee and Sarasota Counties, had around 7,500 people at the previous census.

Since its incorporation in the mid-1950s, the town has been a popular destination for sports fishers and environment enthusiasts.

In addition, it’s near enough to many big-city sites to appeal to individuals interested in historical and cultural pursuits.

If you are curious about what’s something within the Longboat Key of Florida that makes it one of the famous tourists destinations, here are the best things to do in this place:

Go on a Picnic at Beer Can Island

Daytime view of Beer Can Island

Mark Winfrey / Shutterstock.com

This beautiful, unspoiled beach, also known as Hooked Spit or Greer Island Park, was formed by oceanic streams and is a National Natural Landmark.

It’s one of the most popular attractions on Longboat Key, and that you should check it out!

Beer Can Island is well situated near the Longboat Pass stairway, on the northernmost tip of Longboat Key, and is accessible only by boat.

Sailboat in Beer Can Island

Mark Winfrey / Shutterstock.com

It is a famous tourist attraction because of its beautiful white sand beach, attracting visitors from close or far.

The beach is bordered by a beautiful environment, including many old fallen trees that have fallen into the water.

This location is perfect for a picnic with your near and dear ones while enjoying a glass of wine together!

Aerial view of Beer Can Island

Suncoast Aerials / Shutterstock.com

Explore the Longboat Key Club Moorings

With just 15 minutes of drive time, you can visit the Longboat Key Club Moorings!

The ideal romantic destination is searching for an exciting experience that you can share with your spouse!

Exciting and romantic are the words that come to mind when thinking about traveling on the Gulf’s beautiful blue waters with your significant other.

Enjoy a romantic holiday by the sea while drinking a bottle of wine and exchanging love tales with your significant other.

Fill your stomach and your eyes with great cuisine, as well as the superb services and facilities that the marina has to offer you.

Take advantage of the opportunity to photograph the breathtaking vistas around the Longboat Key Clubs Moorings by remembering to carry your camera with you!

See the Joan M. Durante Community Park’s Fantastic Scenery

Located on Longboat Key, Florida, Joan M. Durante Park is a residential park with a pond.

You have arrived at the ideal destination if you are searching for a place to go hiking in Longboat.

Park amenities include a vast and well-kept park area with well-kept boardwalks and walkways, as well as well-kept grass and vegetation.

Spending time with your family and friends at the park is made even more enjoyable by the park’s picturesque setting.

Your children will have a great time playing on the beautiful playground with a beautiful water fountain with calm water.

Relaxing paths to walk on while observing the wildlife in its natural environment are available.

Appreciate the Excellent View of Quick Point Nature Preserve

Quick Point Nature Preserve is surrounded by a beautiful and picturesque environment ideal for you and your family to relax and take pleasure in.

On Longboat Key’s southern end, there’s a beautiful 34-acre (13-hectare) natural area that’s excellent for hiking and bird watching.

The natural park is well worth seeing since it has attractive creatures as well as beautiful lagoons along the coast.

It has also contributed to the preservation of the environment, which has been beneficial to the community.

There is a lovely observation platform with excellent views of Sarasota Bay’s lower end, which is open to the public.

Take advantage of the boardwalk, which offers stunning views of New Pass and Sarasota Bay and is well-known for its fishing.

Chill Out at the Turtle Crawl Inn Resort

Turtle Crawl Inn is famous for people who prefer reasonable pricing and easy access to a range of natural features over fancy lodgings.

Like many of the area’s coastal communities, Longboat Key attracts beachgoers, fishers, and nature lovers.

It has a distinctively laid-back vibe that contrasts sharply with many of the state’s more commercialized locations.

The inn’s apartments are modest, but they include private beachfront balconies and small kitchenettes, making them ideal for couples and small families.

The best thing here, aside from spending time with your loved ones together, the sunset is visible to its location.

Don’t miss the chance to see the lovely sunset!

Kayak at the Bayfront Park

Bayfront Park, a public recreation area on Longboat Key, is managed by the city of Longboat Key.

The opportunity to experience the tremendous thrill in the form of water games and activities awaits you if you like them.

Visitors to Bayfront Park from around the area who don’t want to spend hours in the car enjoying excellent outdoor scenery will find the park a popular destination.

An enclosed playground, a dog park, fishing pier, and kayak launch are all available on the property.

Several new pathways, shuffleboard courts, and various sports fields have been recently added to the park, which is available on a “first-come, first-served” basis.

Passing through the mangrove tunnels while kayaking with your significant other over the calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico allows you to take in the lush greenery of the surrounding environment.

Dolphins and manatees, among other beautiful aquatic animals, will be on exhibit during the event.

Take the next step on your trip to the Audubon Sanctuary Islands, where you will be able to view birds and other magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

This is an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with your friends and family members!

Have Fun at Happy Paddler Kayak Tours & EcoVentures

Have you ever wanted to give yoga a try or learn more about it?

Here’s your opportunity to prove yourself!

During your stay on Longboat Key, you will have the best opportunity to learn about yoga and perhaps put it into practice.

You’ll be able to spend time with loved ones and friends while also enjoying a fantastic, deeply fascinating, and unforgettable experience at Happy Paddler.

There are many fun activities that you would be thrilled to participate in; this is an excellent opportunity for you to put your yoga skills to the test.

Relaxing your mind and body is a pleasant sensation that never goes away!

So, while you’re on vacation on Longboat Key, consider joining up for a yoga class.

Compete With Your friends at Longboat Key Tennis Center

Exercising and playing sports are imperative to human nature.

If you are searching for a spot where you may demonstrate your tennis abilities, then ask someone to come and play with you at this location.

Given that tennis is among the most widely practiced sports in Sarasota County, it should come as no surprise that the Longboat Key Tennis Center has some of Florida’s most spectacular tennis courts.

In addition to having the most beautiful tennis court in the region, Longboat Key also has the most frequented tennis court in the whole state.

In case you’re bored and don’t have anything planned, you may go over to the tennis court and have a nice time while playing tennis.

You may also go over there to relax with a drink while watching other people play tennis on the court.

During the event, you’ll also have the opportunity to talk with professional tennis instructors who may help you with individual tennis lessons.

Dine at Dry Dock Waterfront Grill

If you are a seafood lover, then check this out!

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill provides plenty for every seafood enthusiast, from grouper and scallops to crabs and giant gulf shrimp.

As its name indicates, Waterfront Grill also offers spectacular views; while they’re magnificent for everyone, they’re notable for people traveling from far-flung, landlocked areas.

Previous visitors have said that, besides outstanding cuisine and a fantastic setting, the staff was educated and helpful, and everything appeared to work well together.

The restaurant, situated on Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat Key, fills up rapidly around peak hours, so plan.

What’s best about Dock Water Grill is that you can order their unique dishes and their “catch of the day.”

Play Golf at the Longboat Key Golf Club

Longboat Key Golf Club, a beautiful and scenic golf club on Longboat Key, is ideally located along Sands Pointe Road.

The Longboat Key Golf Club, a beautiful and scenic golf club on Longboat Key, is ideally located along Sands Pointe Road.

This club is situated in a tranquil setting on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico.

Beautiful grounds with green grass and a gorgeous coastline replete with authentic historic Florida boardwalks surround the clubhouse.

For many years, it has been recognized as one of the country’s finest golf courses, with many families making the trip to spend quality time together on the course.

Playing a round of golf by the beach while on vacation is the perfect way to unwind and relax.

Taking part in a healthy and pleasant pastime via this approach is very beneficial.

Taste the Classic Whiskeys at the Tavern & Whiskey Bar

Have you had a long and eventful day and are in need of a whiskey to unwind with?

It would be a good idea to go out for the evening, have some dinner, and drink some whiskey.

Get together with friends and family at the Tavern and Whiskey Bar for a fun night on the town. A large meal should be had before beginning to consume alcohol in most situations.

Take advantage of this by tasting some of the Tavern’s delicious traditional American dishes.

Enjoy some of the top-shelf classics on the wine list after you’ve completed your meal by sitting back, relaxing, and indulging in it.

You should include the Tavern & Whiskey Bar on your list of places to visit!

Have Some Delicious Lobsters at the Lazy Lobster Longboat Key

The Lazy Lobster is a great seafood restaurant on Longboat Key, Florida, at the island’s southern end.

If you enjoy seafood, this is a restaurant that will tempt you with its fragrant and delectable cuisine.

You may also dine on the patio while seeing the magnificent environment surrounding you, decorated in a nautical theme.

Their cuisine is made using fresh, locally sourced ingredients that are also sustainable.

Everything from tropical prawns and lobsters escargot to crab pastries and steamed shrimp will be available for you to choose from.

Feel the Tranquil Moment at Longboat Massage LLC

Longboat Therapy is a massage center that provides a wide range of therapy and meditation methods to clients. This location may be located along the Gulf of Mexico Drive.

Longboat Massage has done a fine job of calming your body and mind, whether it’s via oncology massage, Swedish massage, or neuromuscular massage, among other techniques.

They’ve been doing reflexology, as well as prenatal and postpartum massage, for more than two decades now.

You’ll be subjected to a range of soothing and medically beneficial techniques that will keep your physique feeling refreshed and revitalized afterward.

Your body, mind, and soul will all benefit from the therapy, and you will experience rejuvenation once you have finished the session.

Dine at Euphemia Haye Restaurant & The Haye Loft

Looking for the ideal supper with your family or significant other? Look no further.

Are you on vacation in Longboat Key and looking for a fun place to relax or a memorable night out? Look no further.

The Euphemia Haye Restaurant and The Haye Loft is indeed a wonderful dining place where you can spend a pleasant evening with your loved ones and have a delicious meal.

The cafe is beautifully situated in a gorgeous setting filled with palm palms, twinkling lights, and blooming birds of paradise, and it is generally regarded as Sarasota’s most attractive establishment.

The delicious American fare on the menu will have you going back for more time and time again.

With a drink of classic wine, you may relax and unwind.

Catch a Fish at Longboat Key Fishing Charter

If you, your family, and your friends enjoy fishing, this is your most excellent chance to have an exciting fishing trip while on vacation in Longboat Key.

Bring your fishing gear as well as any other items you could need for this trip!

Longboat Key Fishing Charter offers fishing expeditions, environmental tours, family boat rides, and, most significantly, romantic sunset cruises.

You will be able to get to places where the biggest fish are with the help of a well-trained guide.

Around these coastlines, you might be able to catch kingfish, often known as king mackerel.

Have a Relaxing Stay at Zota Beach Resort

Explore Zota Beach Resort to experience everything that Longboat Key has to offer.

The luxury Zota Beach Resort is located on the Gulf of Mexico coast.

This Florida gem, recently redesigned as an exquisite retreat, offers luxury rooms, stylish dining options, and peace by the sea.

The Gulf Coast’s casual elegance is reflected in the spacious guest rooms and suites.

It’s a warm place to spend a trip with friends or family, with wide balconies and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico.

When not at the beach, swim in the zero-entry pool or exercise in the 24-hour fitness facility to restore your energy.

Hone Your Skills at Links on Longboat

Links on Longboat has five sets of tees scattered over 6,748 yards to accommodate players of any skill level.

Take note that precision off the tee is crucial on the Par 71 course.

Most of the courses have little creeks that run down one side of the fairway to make you choose where to lay your ball, supporting the original “watery difficulty” description.

Golfers might have a simple pitch to the hole if they miss the green, thanks to minimal bunkers and more grassy gathering areas.

The better, salt-tolerant Platinum Paspalum grass has been used to re-grass all 18 holes, and each green has undergone a thorough makeover.

Over 5,000 Palm trees and pink and Oleanders flank, in addition to the splendor of the everyday animal sightings.

Check Out the Boats at Cannons Marina

Cannons Marina has been a family-managed boat business for more than 65 years, and it has purposefully remained small so that it can put its clients first.

Their boutique-type business model enables them to create a unique boating service that best reflects each client’s needs, interests, and personal style.

View their carefully chosen collection of secondhand boats, selected by their boating experts.

They have fishing boats, deck boats, touring boats, and luxury yachts in their collection, which are frequently updated.

You’ll discover the region’s most luxurious assortment of boats, engines, and accessories at Cannons Marina.

Enjoy a Lovely Dinner at Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub

Stone crab at Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant

Fred Hsu on en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub is situated in the center of the picturesque Longboat Village on the northern end of Longboat Key.

It is a casual seafood restaurant in a seaside home from the early 1900s with terrace views and an Old Florida feel.

A secluded beach, dining beneath the trees or on the enclosed terrace, a large selection of culinary options, including hamburgers and seafood, a full bar, and a handy package service with beer and wine are all available.

Mar Vista must continue collaborating with regional partners to guarantee the freshest tastes and the most environmentally friendly products.

Stop by Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub for a break, unwind with a drink, a delicious meal, and everything it offers.

Relax and Pamper Yourself at Symphony Massage

Symphony Massage thinks bodywork should be an important component of your overall health.

To ensure that every region of your body receives the precise attention required, they compose a massage utilizing a range of hands-on methods and special instruments for their Symphony Signature Massage.

They provide waxing treatments as well as aesthetic procedures for 60-minute sessions.

Skin care and massage therapists are available at Symphony Massage.

They have invested time in working with the best skincare and wellness partners and the most well-educated therapists.

Final Thoughts

From water activities to cuisine, the city of Longboat Key offers something unique that everyone should experience at least once.

Perfect leisure is determined by how well you could spend time with your loved ones and where you choose to spend your time.

Check out this list of things to do on Longboat Key, Florida, to make the most of your vacation.

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