16 Best Things To Do In Longboat Key, Florida

things to do in longboat key florida
Stephen
Stephen 
Updated
| 8 min read

Longboat Key is a coastal town that is strategically located along the central west coast of the state of Florida. It lies south of Anna Maria Island, between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. This beautiful beach has been a major tourist attraction for people visiting Florida. You will find luxurious beach resorts and private apartments lined along the coastline making it a luxury Gulf Coast resort community. The beach boasts a variety of entertainment and fun activities including waterfront golfing, fine dining, and luxury resorts. Read on to know more about the many things to do in Longboat Key, Florida during your vacation.

1. Picnic among the driftwoods of Beer Can Island

DSC09687 (2)
Source: Photo by user OutlierForLife used under CC BY 2.0

Strategically located on the northern tip of Longboat Key at the Longboat Pass drawbridge, Beer Can Island is an undeveloped white sand beach that attracts people from near and far. This is one of those places that is a must-visit during your beautiful vacation in Longboat Key. Also known as Hooked Spit or Greer Island Park, this beautiful undeveloped beach was formed by tidal currents. The beach is surrounded by beautiful scenery with many old fallen trees. This is a perfect place where you can take your loved one out for a picnic and enjoy a bottle of wine together.

Beer Can Island

Address: N Shore Rd, Longboat Key, FL 34228, USA

Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)

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2. Explore the Longboat Key Club Moorings from a yacht

Posted by Longboat Key Club Moorings on Wednesday, 10 April 2019

Are you looking for a thrilling adventure that you can engage in with your spouse? Then the Longboat Key Moorings would a fantastic option for you. Idyllic and charming is how to best define the thrilling experience of cruising on the Gulf’s warm turquoise waters with your sweetheart. Enjoy a romantic getaway in the sea as you sip on a glass of wine and share romantic stories. Enjoy mouthwatering delicacies and the exceptional services and amenities of the marina. Best memories don’t last long, so it would be a nice idea to bring your camera with you. You may want to take some pictures.

Longboat Key Club Moorings

Address: 2630 Harbourside Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228, USA

Website: Longboat Key Club Moorings

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

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3. Stroll along the scenic boardwalks of Joan M. Durante Community Park


Are you looking for somewhere to go hiking in Longboat? We’ve got the perfect destination for you. Joan M. Durante Park is a community park that is found in Longboat Key, Florida. The park is expansive and has beautifully manicured boardwalks, trails, lawns, and vegetation. The eye-catching scenery makes the park a romantic place to spend some quality time with your loved one. There is a magnificent water fountain flowing with tranquil waters and a beautiful playground too, where your children can play. Walk on trails while holding hands and admiring the wildlife in its natural habitat. There are benches where you can relax and enjoy a drink.

Joan M. Durante Community Park

Address: 5550 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228, USA

Website: Joan M. Durante Community Park

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4. Explore the fauna-rich lagoons and mangroves of Quick Point Nature Preserve


Quick Point Nature Preserve is a lovely 34 acres (13 hectares) nature park that is strategically located at the southern end of Longboat Key. It has beautiful and picturesque scenery that is ideal for you to go and hang out with your better half. The nature park has got wildlife and enchanting lagoons near the coastline that is worth visiting. It has also helped preserve the ecosystem which is beneficial to the community. There is a nice observation deck that has got enchanting views of the lower end of the Sarasota Bay. Visit the boardwalk that is popular for fishing and has lovely views of New Pass and Sarasota Bay.

Quick Point Nature Preserve

Address: 100 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228, USA

Website: Quick Point Nature Preserve

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5. Collect seashells on Longboat Key beach

Longboat Key FL beach03
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ebyabe used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Longboat Key beach is strategically located along the west coast of the state of Florida. Along the beach, you will find private homes, condominiums, and even rental properties that restrict access to the beach. If you’re bored over the weekend and are looking for something to do, just head to the beach and enjoy the cool breeze. You can also take your soul mate to the beach and enjoy some alone time over your picnic. Unlike the other beaches along this coastline, you will be able to find a lot of seashells along Longboat Key beach. You can collect some as souvenirs.

Longboat Key beach

Address: Longboat Key beach

Website: Longboat Key beach

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6. Kayak along the spectacular coastline of Bayfront Park

Posted by Massimo Olivella on Sunday, 28 April 2019

Bayfront Park is a public recreation center that is managed by the town of Longboat Key. If you are interested in water sports and activities, this is your opportunity to experience extreme thrills. Go kayaking with your better half and enjoy traversing the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Explore the beautiful green vegetation as you pass through the mangrove tunnels. You will get a chance to see beautiful marine animals such as dolphins and manatees. Continue your exploration around the Audubon Sanctuary Islands and enjoy a wonderful view of the birds and other amazing creatures in their natural habitat.

Bayfront Park Recreation Center

Address: 4052 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228, USA

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7. Zen out with Happy Paddler's paddleboard yoga classes


Do you love yoga? Or have you ever wondered what yoga is? During your vacation in Longboat Key, you will have the perfect opportunity to learn about yoga and maybe try it too. Go spend quality time with your spouse as you enjoy a blissful, deeply engaging and unforgettable experience at Happy Paddler. There are a lot of fun activities that you would be happy to participate in. This is an opportunity for you to go for some yoga. It will help relax and rejuvenate your body. Maybe you and your spouse can sign up for a couple of yoga classes during your vacation.

Happy Paddler

Address: 6844 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228, USA

Website: Happy Paddler

Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)

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8. Play a tennis match at the Longboat Key Tennis Center

Posted by Longboat Key Tennis on Wednesday, 26 December 2018

Longboat Key boasts of having the best tennis courts in the area. The Longboat Key Public Tennis Center is a prime example. Unsurprisingly, tennis is one of the most played sports in the county of Sarasota and that’s why Longboat Key Tennis Center is equipped with some of the best tennis facilities in the entire state of Florida. If you are bored and have no scheduled activity, then you can just go there and have fun while playing tennis. You can even decide to go there and relax with a drink as you watch other people playing tennis. You will also get the opportunity to meet professional instructors who will help you with private tennis lessons.

Longboat Key Tennis Center

Address: 590 Bay Isles Rd, Longboat Key, FL 34228, USA

Opening hours: 7:30am - 5pm (daily)

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9. Go fishing with the Longboat Key Fishing Charter

Triple on the Trout

Posted by Longboat Bay Charters on Saturday, 12 May 2018

If you and your loved one enjoy fishing, then this is the best opportunity to indulge in some thrilling fishing adventure during your vacation in Longboat Key. Pack your fishing gear and whatever other stuff you might require during this excursion. Longboat Key Fishing Charter specializes in fishing trips, eco tours, family boat rides, and more importantly, sunset cruises that will be the climax of your romantic vacation. With the aid of a well-trained guide, you will be able to go to areas where the larger fish are. You might be able to catch kingfish or a king mackerel as commonly known just around these shores.

Longboat Key Fishing Charter

Website: Longboat Key Fishing Charter

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10. Discover the island's night creatures on this moonlight tour


Have you ever wondered to yourself how exciting it would be to take part in a night adventure? Then this is a good opportunity to participate in one if you have never done it before. The island has a lot of creatures that are out there during night time. Happy Paddler offers a wonderful opportunity for you to explore sea creatures under the moonlight. Not all animals roam during the day, some actually use the darkness to hunt, feed and roam their habitat. Octopuses and owls are some of the creatures you are likely to observe during this adventure. You might as well be surprised to find out that you’re not the only one out there at night!

Moonlight Tour

Address: 6844 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228, USA

Website: Happy Paddler

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11. Play a round of oceanfront golf at Longboat Key Golf Club


Strategically located along Sands Pointe Road, is the Longboat Key Golf Club, a romantic and charming golf club in Longboat Key. This club lies on a secluded area on a barrier island of the Gulf of Mexico. The club features a charming picturesque environment with lush lawns and a pristine beachfront with authentic old Florida boardwalks. It has always had the privilege of being rated among the country’s finest golf courses. This is the perfect place to go and enjoy a round of oceanfront golf while still on vacation. This is a good way to engage in a healthy and fun activity.

Longboat Key Golf Club

Address: 220 Sands Point Rd, Longboat Key, FL 34228, USA

Website: Longboat Key Golf Club

Opening hours: 24/7

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12. Enjoy delicious seafood at Dry Dock Waterfront Grill


Are you crazy about seafood? Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is a wonderful seafood restaurant that is strategically situated along the Gulf of Mexico Drive at the south end of Longboat Key. This is a casual Bayfront eatery that specializes in preparing and serving sustainable seafood delicacies. It has an excellent dockside patio and a fish-themed décor. Plan for a romantic dinner with a loved one and head to Dry Dock Waterfront Grill. Their menu comprises of a variety of mouthwatering seafood delicacies that will leave you salivating. Enjoy a romantic night out as you enjoy gorgeous views on the dockside patio. Don’t forget to order their specials or even the ‘catch of the day’.

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill

Address: 412 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228, USA

Website: Dry Dock Waterfront Grill

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm

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13. Savor classic whiskeys at The Tavern & Whiskey Bar

Take a sip at Tavern & Whiskey Bar where our farm-to-table menu items aren't the only elements ready to impress. ?: Whiskey-infused martini

Posted by The Resort at Longboat Key Club on Thursday, 23 August 2018

Has a long adventurous day left you tired and in need of a glass of whiskey? Maybe it would be a nice idea to go out for the night, enjoy dinner and some whiskey. Tavern and Whiskey Bar is the perfect place to make a reservation to go and have some fun. It is usually wise to dine well before you start drinking. Therefore, make sure to grab a bite of some of the delicious traditional American dishes available at the Tavern. After you’re full, you can now sit, relax and treat yourself to the top-shelf classics available on the wine list

The Tavern & Whiskey Bar

Address: 220 Sands Point Rd, Longboat Key Club, Longboat Key, FL 34228

Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)

Price: 11 USD

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14. Enjoy a lobster meal at The Lazy Lobster of Longboat


The Lazy Lobster is a fantastic seafood restaurant that is strategically located at the southern end of Longboat Key, Florida. If you are someone who loves seafood, then this definitely is a place that will entice you with its aromatic and delicious food. This lovely airy café comes with a bar. You can also enjoy patio dining amidst the nautical décor as you admire the breathtaking scenery around you. Their food is prepared with locally acquired fresh ingredients while also ensuring sustainability. From coconut shrimp and lobster escargot to crab cakes and lobster bisque, you will be spoiled for choices on what to enjoy.

The Lazy Lobster

Address: 5350 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228, USA

Website: The Lazy Lobster

Opening hours: 4pm - 9pm (daily)

Price: 11 USD

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15. Rejuvenate with a soothing massage from Longboat Massage

Relaxed and unstressed.

Posted by Longboat Massage on Friday, 5 October 2018

This is the ideal place for massage therapy. Located along the Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Massage is a massage clinic that specializes in different types of massage and body relaxation techniques. From Oncology massage and Swedish massage to neuromuscular massage, Longboat Massage has perfected the art of relaxing your body and mind. For more than 20 years, they have been practicing reflexology and prenatal or postpartum massages. You will get to enjoy unique relaxation and medically beneficial techniques that will leave your body relaxed. Your mind, body, and soul will experience wonderful healing and you will leave feeling rejuvenated.

Longboat Massage

Address: 5350 Gulf of Mexico Dr #204, Longboat Key, FL 34228, USA

Website: Longboat Massage

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

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16. Dine at Euphemia Haye Restaurant & The Haye Loft


Are you on a vacation in Longboat Key and looking for a good place to hang out or enjoy a wonderful nightlife? Euphemia Haye Restaurant and The Haye Loft is a fantastic dining restaurant where you can take your loved one and enjoy a wonderful dinner. Widely recognized as the best romantic restaurant in the whole of Sarasota, the eatery is perfectly located in a scenic neighborhood studded with palm trees, twinkling lights and blooming birds of paradise. The menu comprises of mouthwatering American dishes that will leave you wanting more. Enjoy a glass of classic wine as you relax and unwind.

Euphemia Haye Restaurant & The Haye Loft

Address: 5540 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228, USA

Website: Euphemia Haye Restaurant & The Haye Loft

Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 6pm - 10pm; Sat: 5:30pm - 10pm

Price: 31-60 USD

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Have fun in Longboat Key, Florida

A perfect holiday is one that engages you in wonderfully memorable experiences and moments. That’s why we thought it would be nice to suggest some of the fun activities that will make you want to relive your holiday over again. Refer to our list of things to do in Longboat Key, Florida and enjoy your vacation.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Stephen is an avid content writer with a passion for adventure. He enjoys traveling and has visited several countries around the world. So far, South Africa stands out as his most exciting...Read more

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