A Peaceful Retreat: Longboat Key, Florida

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

A marine research and conservation campus with a visitor's aquarium showcasing local Gulf of Mexico marine life such as manatees and sea turtles while offering a true hands-on interactive experience. Dive deeper and reserve an experience such as their family dip-netting or the Turtle Time animal encounter.

Golf

Book a stay at The Resort at Longboat Key Club to gain access to their exclusive, challenging golf courses offering 45 holes bordering both Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Their Harbourside Course has been featured in Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play” list, among many other accolades reflecting their commitment to providing a premier golfing experience in a remarkable setting.

Shopping

St. Armands Circle is adjacent to Longboat Key and is home to some of the world's finest shops and eateries. With over 100 shops St. Armand's has something for everyone including fine jewelry, regional art galleries and coastal gifts.

Reconnect with nature

Nature Hike

Head to secluded Joan M. Durante Park for a hike in a native coastal hammock forest. Boardwalks and trails will wind you through the lush species such as red cedar, live oak and banyan trees with lookout decks to gaze across Sarasota Bay and take in the breathtaking wildlife. A wonderful, quiet location to take in the sights that Florida's Gulf Coast has to offer. Leashed dogs are welcome and there are picnic tables and a playground if you plan to bring the family.

Watersports

Longboat Key is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Kayak through the mangroves, where you can experience up close the diverse wildlife, including birds, fish, and sometimes even manatees. The calm and often clear waters of Longboat Key provide an ideal place for even beginners to try paddle boarding. Foil boarding is an exciting and relatively new water sport that gives riders a unique and exhilarating way to experience the water from above.

Relax on the beach

Longboat Key boasts white sand beaches and crystal clear water. Many hotels and resorts along the beach offer amenities for their resort guests such as beach cabanas and full food and beverage. This creates the perfect atmosphere for recharging, reading a book, or reconnecting with your loved ones. Longboat Key also has several public access points where you can park your car or bike and soak up the sun. Be sure to stay for the renowned western-facing sunset and keep an eye out for the green flash.

Day trips

Myakka River State Park is a 45-minute drive east where you can hike or bike extensive nature trails. Take a guided tour on a flat-bottomed boat to learn about the ecosystem and bring your camera as you are likely to see an alligator or two.

Mar Vista

Located directly on Sarasota Bay, Mar Vista is a popular boater’s dockside dining spot. Accessible by land as well, this is the perfect spot to enjoy chef curated dishes with your toes in the sand. My favorite is the fresh-catch risotto!

Maison Blanche

A modern French restaurant offering a well-curated premium wine list.

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill

A laid-back pub style eatery that offers a large patio and waterside dining.

New Pass Grill

Eat like a local and grab a breakfast burrito from New Pass Grill & Bait Shop. Located on the way to Mote Marine Aquarium, this all outdoor, picnic table venue has views of New Pass where Sarasota Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico.