Longboat Key, Florida
Things to do nearby
A local Superhost's guide to the very best beaches, restaurants, and adventures within a short drive of your stay.
12 mi
of pristine white sand
30+
restaurants within 10 min
Daily
dolphin sightings
St. Armands
shopping 15 min away
Beaches & Nature
Longboat Key Public Beach
BeachPowdery quartz-white sand and calm Gulf waters — steps from both rentals.
Walking distance
Beer Can Island (Greer Island)
Hidden gemSecluded northern tip with driftwood, shelling and dolphin sightings at low tide.
10 min drive
Joan M. Durante Park
NatureBoardwalks through mangroves, manatee-spotting and a peaceful kayak launch.
5 min drive
Quick Point Nature Preserve
Trails34-acre coastal preserve with bay-side trails and an observation pier.
8 min drive
South Lido Beach Park
SunsetWide stretches of beach, a kayak trail, and one of the Gulf's best sunset views.
15 min drive
Restaurants & Bars
Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant
Local favoriteBayfront seafood under century-old buttonwood trees — a Longboat institution.
5 min drive
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
Sunset diningUpstairs sunset views, blackened grouper sandwiches, and frosty key-lime pie.
3 min drive
Harry's Continental Kitchens
Date nightFamily-run since 1979 — fine continental dining with a Longboat heart.
Walking distance
Lazy Lobster
CasualCasual seafood spot known for fresh lobster rolls and cracked stone crabs.
Walking distance
Shore Longboat Key
ModernModern coastal cuisine, craft cocktails and a stylish bay-view patio.
Walking distance
Whitney's Restaurant
BreakfastBeloved breakfast & brunch — get the crab-cake Benedict.
5 min drive
On the Water
Cannons Marina
Boat rentalRent a center-console boat and explore Sarasota Bay's barrier islands.
10 min drive
Sarasota Bay Explorers
Eco tourFamily-friendly dolphin & sea-life eco-tours from Mote Marine.
20 min drive
Flying Fish Fleet
FishingHalf-day deep-sea fishing charters — grouper, snapper and kingfish.
20 min drive
Kayak with Manatees
PaddleGlide through the mangroves of Quick Point and spot manatees up close.
8 min drive
Siesta Key Sunset Sail
RomanticTwo-hour sunset catamaran cruise with complimentary champagne.
30 min drive
Arts, Culture & Day Trips
The Ringling
Must seeMansion, museum of art and circus museum on a stunning bayfront estate.
25 min drive
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
GardensWorld-class orchid collection and bayfront walking gardens.
25 min drive
Mote Marine Aquarium
FamilyTouch tanks, sea turtles and shark exhibits on City Island.
20 min drive
St. Armands Circle
ShoppingUpscale shopping, gelato, and waterfront dining around a palm-lined circle.
15 min drive
Anna Maria Island
Day tripOld-Florida charm, pastel cottages, and the iconic Rod & Reel Pier.
30 min drive
Downtown Sarasota
CityGalleries, theaters, the Saturday farmers market and bayfront dining.
25 min drive
Sunsets & Slow Mornings
Bayfront Park (Longboat)
SunriseQuiet bay-side benches — perfect for sunrise coffee and pelican watching.
Walking distance
Ken Thompson Park
PicnicPicnic spot with sweeping views of Sarasota Bay and the John Ringling Bridge.
20 min drive
Lido Key Beach
SunsetWide, walkable beach where the sun melts into the Gulf — bring a chair.
15 min drive
Plan your Longboat Key escape
Book direct and get personal recommendations from your Superhost. Beach chairs, towels and insider tips included.