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All things Siesta Key. Stories, news, and event information about Sarasota, Florida's beautiful beach.
Explore the Florida Gulf Coast’s Hidden Gem, Longboat Key
When you visit the Gulf Coast of Florida, you’ll discover so many areas to explore. The beaches are beautiful, but each little beach town and barrier island tends to have its own allure. One of the most quaint, intriguing islands near Siesta Key is Longboat Key, just on the other side of St. Armand’s Circle. The local experts at The Best Western Siesta Key love to recommend our favorite restaurants and cafes, beaches, and trails on Longboat Key to anyone looking for a quiet little day trip. There is a calm on these 16 square miles of beach and water that can’t be beat. If you’re looking to slip away for a peaceful excursion, Longboat Key is where you’ll want to be.
Dining
Dining options range from casual to elite on Longboat Key, but all are excellent choices. Depending on what you’re looking for, chances are you’ll find it and you won’t be disappointed. The Dry Dock Waterfront Grill serves up fresh seafood for lunch and dinner with outdoor seating that offers a gorgeous view of the Gulf of Mexico.
The Chart House, on the south end of the island, features wide-open windows with views of Sarasota Bay all around. Proclaimed “a vacation spot in and of itself,” this tropical dining experience is high-end luxury and comfort.
Euphemia Haye brings high concept culinary arts to a new level. From the gorgeous cottage feel to the upstairs lounge and dessert room, this hidden gem is one of Longboat Key’s best treasures.
Whitney’s, a funky little diner on the north end of the island, features 1950’s art deco design with sophisticated flavors for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Pleasant, breezy, and delicious, this newcomer to the Longboat Key scene is fitting in just perfectly.
Parks and Beaches
Since Longboat Key is surrounded by water, it’s easy to find picturesque waterfronts to enjoy the view and dip your toes in the sand.
Coquina Beach, at the north end of the island, is a stretch of beach with all the amenities, from covered picnic areas and grills to lifeguard stations and public restrooms.
Joan M. Durante Community Park is a 32-acre restored wetland and coastal hammock forest located about 2 miles from the north end of Longboat Key. The beautiful sand dune forest has resulted in the island of invasive exotic species of plants, and simultaneously created an oasis for wildlife and people in the middle of Longboat Key.
The Cove is a fabulous spot for water sports, located on Sarasota Bay just behind The Chart House Restaurant. Boats, paddleboards, and kayaks are abundant and welcome in these gentle waters at the south end of Longboat Key.
Activities
Gulf Drive is the main road that runs the length of Longboat Key, and nearly all of it is lined with a sidewalk for walking, running, biking, or rollerblading. Walk some or all of the Key while enjoying majestic views of the Gulf of Mexico the entire time. For golfers, there’s no better view than that of the Gulf of Mexico as you hit the links. The Resort at Longboat Key Club has earned Golf Digest’s “Best Place to Play” award, while the Harborside Golf Course provides a quintessential Gulf Coast setting for your round of nine, 18, or 27 holes.
For those who love the water, find hot spots like The Cove where you can kayak, paddleboard, or stand-up paddle, and even boat in Sarasota Bay.
When you explore different areas along Florida’s Gulf Coast, you’ll discover each town, island, or key has its own personality and atmosphere. The local experts at The Best Western Siesta Key can give you a bit of our own insight about each area nearby, but we highly encourage you to check them out for yourself! You never know what great park, beach, trail, or dining experience you might discover and love.