The Sarasota and Me Guide to Longboat Key

Longboat Key is quiet. And that’s exactly what people love about it.

If you’re looking for the energy and activity of Siesta Key, go to Siesta. If you want a more refined experience—beautiful resorts, exceptional restaurants, peaceful beaches and sunsets without quite as many people—go to Longboat.

The island stretches for approximately 11 miles between Lido Key to the south and Anna Maria Island to the north, with the Gulf on one side and Sarasota Bay on the other. It feels secluded, but it’s surprisingly close to everything. Cross the bridge at the south end of the key and you’re at St. Armands Circle within minutes.

That’s part of what makes Longboat so special. You can enjoy the quiet of the island and still be close to the shopping, restaurants and activity of St. Armands and downtown Sarasota.

Quiet Is the Point

Longboat Key isn’t filled with tourist attractions, and it doesn’t try to be.

People come here for beautiful resorts, golf, tennis, excellent food and time by the water. It’s a wonderful place to walk, ride a bike or simply enjoy how peaceful the island feels.

Many of Longboat Key’s signature experiences are connected to its resorts and private clubs, so where you stay can become a major part of the trip. You might spend the morning on the beach, have lunch by the water, return to the pool and never feel the need to leave the property.

The island does have public beach access points along Gulf of Mexico Drive, but they’re much simpler than the large public beaches elsewhere in the Sarasota area. Parking is limited, and the access points don’t have the restrooms, concessions or lifeguards you’ll find at places like Siesta Beach or Coquina Beach.

Bayfront Park has parking and restrooms, with a public Gulf beach access across the road. As always, be careful where you park. Tickets are a thing throughout Florida, and Longboat Key is no exception.

Come Hungry

Longboat Key has some of the best restaurants in the Sarasota area. The food is excellent, but the waterfront settings are what make many of them feel like part of the island experience.

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is one of the best-known choices for seafood and beautiful views of Sarasota Bay. It’s the kind of restaurant people return to whenever they’re in the area.

Chart House is one of my favorites for happy hour and dinner specials. The view is gorgeous, and you might even spot dolphins while you’re there.

For a more formal evening, Euphemia Haye is a longtime Longboat Key favorite. Its made-to-order selections include steaks, veal and seafood, and it’s a wonderful choice when you want dinner to feel special.

Longboat is an easy place to plan an entire evening around the restaurant. Arrive early, order a cocktail, enjoy the view and don’t rush through dinner.

Three Resorts, Three Different Experiences

Longboat Key has three standout resorts, and each offers a different way to experience the island.

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort

The St. Regis is luxury, luxury, luxury.

It’s gorgeous. It’s stunning. And it has a price tag to match.

This is the choice for travelers who want the full luxury experience, from the setting and service to the restaurants, spa and resort amenities.

One of its most extraordinary features is the Under the Sea Lagoon, a massive saltwater habitat filled with rays and colorful tropical fish. Guests can reserve a guided snorkeling experience in the lagoon, accompanied by the resort’s marine aquarists. It’s unlike anything else you’ll find at a Sarasota-area hotel.

The St. Regis has also begun offering more events that people can attend without staying overnight, including wellness experiences such as sound baths. It’s part of a larger effort by Sarasota-area hotels to become more connected to the surrounding community.

Availability and access vary, so check the resort’s current calendar and reservation requirements before going.

The Resort at Longboat Key Club

The Resort at Longboat Key Club is a Longboat mainstay.

It’s luxurious and particularly well known for its golf and tennis. The property has 45 holes of golf, extensive tennis facilities, pickleball, a marina, a spa, restaurants and a private stretch of beach.

This is a great choice for travelers who want plenty to do without constantly leaving the resort. You can play golf or tennis, spend time by the Gulf, have dinner on the property and settle completely into the Longboat experience.

Zota Beach Resort

Zota is the sleek, modern option.

The rooms have a calm, almost Zen-like feeling, and the property’s design is contemporary and polished. It has direct Gulf access, an infinity-edge pool and Viento Kitchen + Bar for dining.

If you prefer modern rooms, clean lines and a stylish beachfront setting, Zota may be the right fit.

Walk It or Ride It

One of the nicest ways to experience Longboat Key is also one of the simplest: walk or ride a bike.

Gulf of Mexico Drive runs the length of the key, and the island’s flat landscape makes biking an appealing way to take in the scenery. Early mornings and the hours before sunset are especially beautiful.

You don’t need to turn it into a workout or map out a complicated route. Just give yourself time to notice the water, landscaping and quiet streets that make the island feel different from Sarasota’s busier beach destinations.

Close to St. Armands

Longboat Key’s peacefulness doesn’t mean you’re isolated.

St. Armands Circle is just beyond Lido Key from the southern end of Longboat Key, so it’s easy to add shopping, lunch or dinner to your day. Downtown Sarasota is also nearby, although traffic can make any short drive feel much longer during season.

Head north and you’ll eventually cross onto Anna Maria Island, where the atmosphere becomes more colorful and casual.

Longboat sits quietly between the two. You can enjoy the activity around it, then return to the calmer pace of the key.

Why Longboat Key Feels Different

Every Sarasota-area beach destination offers something different.

Siesta Key is lively and energetic. Anna Maria Island is colorful, casual and fun. Longboat Key is quieter and more refined.

You come here for a beautiful resort, a great dinner, a bike ride, time by the Gulf and a sunset without quite as many people around you.

There’s no pressure to pack the day with activities. On Longboat Key, the peacefulness is the experience.

Travel details, public access, resort experiences, restaurant operations and fees can change. Confirm current information directly with each property or business before visiting.