things to do in longboat key
Longboat Key is a beautiful barrier island located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, known for its stunning beaches, golf courses, and outdoor recreational activities. Here are some things to do in Longboat Key:
Visit the Beach: With 12 miles of coastline, Longboat Key has plenty of beautiful beaches to choose from, including Whitney Beach, Bayfront Park Beach, and Cedars Tennis Resort Beach.
Golfing: Longboat Key is renowned for its world-class golf courses, including the Longboat Key Club’s Harborside and Islandside courses, and the nearby Sarasota National Golf Club.
Fishing: Longboat Key is an angler’s paradise, with numerous fishing spots, including the Sarasota Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Explore the waters of Longboat Key by kayaking or paddleboarding through the mangrove tunnels and shallow waters of the Sarasota Bay.
Wildlife Watching: Longboat Key is a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts, with frequent sightings of dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and over 300 species of birds.
Visit the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium: Located nearby in Sarasota, the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is a research center and aquarium that features interactive exhibits, shark and ray encounters, and a sea turtle rehabilitation center.
Shopping and Dining: Longboat Key has a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, including the Longboat Key Village, which features a selection of boutiques, art galleries, and eateries.
Joan M. Durante Park: This 32-acre park features walking trails, a playground, a kayak launch, and a fishing pier, as well as a variety of bird species and other wildlife.
The Ringling: Located in nearby Sarasota, The Ringling is a museum of art and circus history, featuring a collection of European and American art, as well as a museum of the American circus.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens: This 10-acre wildlife sanctuary features a variety of animals, including birds, reptiles, and mammals, as well as a playground and a picnic area.
Robinson Nature Preserve: This 487-acre nature preserve features hiking trails, a kayak launch, and a variety of wildlife, including birds, turtles, and alligators.
Turtle Beach: Located on the southern end of Siesta Key, Turtle Beach is a secluded beach that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and shelling.
Siesta Key Drum Circle: Every Sunday evening, a drum circle forms on the beach at Siesta Key, attracting a lively crowd of drummers, dancers, and onlookers.
Marina Jack’s: Located in nearby Sarasota, Marina Jack’s is a marina and restaurant that offers boat tours, fishing charters, and waterfront dining.
- The Village: This charming shopping and dining district in Longboat Key features a variety of boutiques, art galleries, and eateries, as well as a weekly farmers’ market.
These are just a few things to do in Longboat Key. With its beautiful beaches, outdoor recreational activities, and cultural attractions, Longboat Key is a great destination for anyone looking for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation.
