Situated between Sarasota and Bradenton, the Longboat Key island has all of the big city charm that you would want out of a vacation spot but with a small town feel that makes it seem like home. These unusual characteristics along with its rich history have helped define it as one of the top vacation destinations in Florida. There isn’t much you can’t find on Longboat Key because it’s seemingly perfect with its 12 miles of white sandy beaches that can offer you both excitement and tranquility along with its waterfront dining and luxurious vacation rentals.
Life on Longboat Key
Home to about 6,000 people, you will find that the residents of Longboat Key are quite friendly and that this welcoming attitude is what makes this place so charming. Longboat Key brings you a type of elegance amongst the best that Florida’s natural scenery has to offer you – all within the relaxed confines of what some consider to be utopia.
Natural Beauty
With views of the Gulf of the Mexico on either side of Longboat Key, it’s no wonder people flock to its lush landscape. Along with the serene sunsets, you will find some of the most extraordinary places to go shopping and dining. If you get bored of the fabulous places in Longboat Key, you can always explore the historic sites. Not sure what else there is to do? Well, many people love the biking trails of the island as well as the surrounding areas. If you find yourself stuck inside on a rainy day with your family and your beach plans have been canceled, there are plenty of family friendly activities to do around Longboat Key to fill your day with fun even without the sun.
Longboat Key is one of the quietest barrier Islands in the Gulf because it is devoid of tourists and commercialized attractions. This is why many choose it for their ideal summer vacation spot. There are very few places in Florida left that allow you to escape the chaos of the world, even if it’s just for the weekend. The hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals in Longboat Key all have plenty of upscale amenities, probably more than you would ever need so you don’t have to worry about going without some of your modern day comforts. Longboat Key has a variety of different options that are guaranteed to fulfill your every need.
Things to Do
The Key might be popular with retirees, couples, and young families, however, this doesn’t stop the barrier island from being filled with plenty of fun filled activities. Along with the many boutiques, villas, and restaurants that are dotted along the coastline, you will find many things to do on and off the water. You can enjoy a multitude of things to do such as shelling, biking, fishing, dining, watersports and rollerblading – just to name a few. If you don’t want to do any of those things, you might try just getting lost in the mangroves.
Vacationing on Longboat Key provides the ideal setting for one to experience true Florida living. This plush little island caters to all personalities. If you are looking for a cultural experience, you can simply cross the bridge into Sarasota to visit the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, Ringling Museum, Sarasota Ballet at the Sarasota Opera House, and St. Armand’s Circle. There’re so many pleasures one can experience on and around Longboat Key; it is truly a hedonist’s playground. Whether this is your first time visiting Longboat Key or your millionth, there is always something new to explore on the island of perfection.