7 Nights in Paradise: A Perfect Week-Long Family Itinerary on Longboat Key

A Longboat Key Family Vacation With Room to Slow Down

Planning information updated September 27, 2026.

Plan a seven-night Longboat Key stay around beach mornings, time at Casa Del Mar’s heated pool, and a few outings to Sarasota and Anna Maria Island. Choose one main activity each day and leave the rest flexible for meals, younger children and the weather.

Seven nights means seven overnight stays, with departure on day eight. This itinerary uses Casa Del Mar as the home base; attraction tickets, transport, equipment rentals and meals are arranged separately. Swap days to suit your family’s interests rather than trying to fit in every stop.

Before You Arrive: Choose Your Rental and Your Dates

Compare beachfront, poolfront and courtyard residences. Beachfront and poolfront stays require seven nights year-round; courtyard minimums vary by season and holidays. Review the minimum stay rules, the unit’s maximum guest count and its actual photos before reserving.

Use the resort map to understand the building location. Check the guest FAQ for arrival, parking and supplies, and keep the arrival instructions provided for your reservation handy. Individually owned units differ in furnishings and equipment.

Day 1: Arrive, Unpack and Find the Beach

Keep arrival day light. Follow your reservation’s check-in instructions, unpack essentials and plan a simple meal in the rental or nearby. The resort’s direct beach access lets you take a short Gulf-side walk without making another outing of it.

Find the pool, beach access and shared BBQ area before settling in for the evening. If you expect a late arrival, contact the office ahead of time. Save the first bigger outing for a day when everyone has rested.

Day 2: Mote SEA and an Easy Resort Afternoon

Make Mote Science Education Aquarium the day’s main outing. Its visitor aquarium is at 225 University Town Center Drive in Sarasota. Use that address when planning the drive, and check the official visitor information and ticket availability before leaving.

Allow time for the aquarium, lunch and traffic, then return for a quiet afternoon. If the weather suits, enjoy the heated pool or beach; otherwise, take a break in the rental. Do not schedule a second timed attraction on the same day unless your family wants a fuller schedule.

Day 3: St. Armands Circle and Quick Point

Head toward the south end of Longboat Key for a change of scenery. Spend part of the day around St. Armands Circle for dining and shopping, and add Quick Point Nature Preserve if everyone is ready for time outdoors.

Quick Point’s wetlands and mangroves border Sarasota Bay. Keep the visit flexible, bring water and check the Town’s park information before setting out. For other options, use our Longboat Key nature parks guide. Return to Casa Del Mar for a relaxed evening rather than adding more stops.

Day 4: Beach, Pool and a Full Day at Casa Del Mar

Leave the car parked and spend the day at the resort. Choose beach time, the shared heated pool or the courts, with breaks for lunch and time in the rental. See the resort amenities for available facilities and posted rules.

The shared grills and picnic area offer another meal option; they are resort facilities rather than private equipment for each unit. Finish with a Gulf sunset when conditions allow. A day without reservations also gives the family room to recover from travel and outings.

Day 5: Explore Anna Maria Island

Travel north for an Anna Maria Island outing, choosing a beach stop, shops or lunch rather than a long checklist. Once on the island, the free Anna Maria Island Trolley can help you move between stops. It is an island service, not a shuttle from Casa Del Mar.

Check the current route and service information, and allow for bridge traffic and parking. Bring what you need for the day and return while everyone still has energy for dinner. Our area guide offers more ideas if you prefer to keep the outing closer to Longboat Key.

Day 6: Let the Family Choose the Pace

Use this day for the activity you have not yet had time for: another beach morning, a nature outing, or a bike or kayak excursion booked with a local operator. Check the operator’s age requirements, equipment, meeting point and current conditions before committing. These rentals and excursions are not included in a Casa Del Mar reservation.

If some of the family wants a quieter day, stay with the beach-and-pool routine instead. The wildlife guide and beach planning guide can help you choose an outing that fits your interests.

Day 7: A Final Beach Day and Sunset

Keep the last full day close to the resort. Revisit a favorite beach spot, make time for photos and enjoy a final family meal. Pack gradually so the evening can stay relaxed, then watch the sunset if the weather allows.

Review your departure instructions and transport plans for day eight, after your seventh night. Departure timing follows your reservation’s instructions; check with the office if you need clarification.

Rainy-Day Alternatives and Flexible Planning

Move the aquarium outing to a wetter day if ticket availability allows. For a Sarasota museum alternative, review The Ringling’s venues and choose the indoor exhibits that suit your family. Museum tickets and access options differ, so check the official information before going. A meal, board games or reading in the rental is also a useful pause in a busy week.

Leave outdoor activities flexible and check current conditions before beach or water outings. The Town’s beach information links to current beach-condition resources. Allow extra time for bridge traffic and keep an indoor alternative in mind.

Plan Your Own Seven-Night Beach Week

Start with your dates and the residence that fits your group, then add a few outings around the resort days. The plan works best when there is enough time to enjoy the home base as well as the island.

When you are ready to plan, review the minimum stay rules for your dates, compare Casa Del Mar rentals, and use the availability calendar to plan your beach week.