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Longboat Key

The white sandy beaches of Longboat Key stretch for 11 miles along the Florida’s west coast. The trip along Longboat Key’s Gulf of Mexico Drive is one of the most beautiful beach roads in Florida. Tall palms and flowering tropical plants line well-groomed streets that lead to world-class restaurants and resorts, elegant condominiums and spectacular houses.

Longboat’s hotels, resorts and beach houses maintain their own beaches.

More adventurous beach-goers might want to visit Beer Can Island, on the north end of Longboat Key also known as Greer Island. Located at Longboat’s northern tip, this peninsula has 2,000 feet of primitive, sandy beach accessible by shallow draft boat. Visitors may walk to the island at low tide, but must remember to walk back to the mainland before sea waters rush in on the returning high tide. From manicured to secluded, there’s a beach for everyone on Longboat Key.

Beaches Nearby
 

To the north

Continuing north, cross the bridge over Longboat Pass onto Anna Maria Island. Just over the bridge is Coquina Beach, named for the quantities of coquina shells found there. In addition to white sand on the Gulf side are tall Australian pines to provide shade for visitors enjoying picnics and barbecues. On the Bay side across the street from the beach a boat launch is available.

Keep going north to find Bradenton Beach. On the Bay side is the historic fishing village of Cortez.  Further north on Anna Maria Island are Manatee Public Beach and Holmes Beach, a family-friendly beach with parking, concessions, restrooms and showers, and a playground for kids. To the east on Manatee Avenue is Palma Sola Causeway, a popular spot for boating and jet skis, and one of the few beaches where pets are allowed. At the northern end of Anna Maria Island are the dunes that lead to Anna Maria Beach, another good place to stroll.

To the South

South of Lido Key is Siesta Key, but you’ll have to head east across the Ringling Causeway and then south on Tamiami Trail to get there. Mid-key is Siesta Public Beach, world-famous for its pure white quartz sand, continually top-ranked among America’s annual best beach surveys. The public beach offers free parking, restrooms and concessions, volleyball and tennis courts, a shaded picnic area and playground. The shallow, calm waters are monitored by lifeguards. At the south end of Siesta Key is Turtle Beach, a 14-acre park with picnic area, restrooms, parking and a popular public boat launching area that provides access to Little Sarasota Bay.