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Explore the Best Beaches on Longboat Key

Posted by Best Western Siesta Key onFebruary 19, 2021 in General, Longboat Key, The Beach.

If there’s anything a Floridian island has in spades, it’s beautiful beaches. Longboat Key is no exception, and yet the beaches here are, in fact, exceptional. All along this well-named lengthy island, public beach access allows visitors and residents alike to enjoy the powder-soft white sands, balmy Gulf breezes, and stunning Florida sunsets. The professionals at The Best Western Siesta Key are happy to share with you here a few of our specific favorite Longboat Key beaches and what makes them so special.

Beer Can Island

Aptly nicknamed for its reputation as a boating party paradise, Beer Can Island, also known as Hooked Spit or Greer Island Park, is really a permanent sandbar located just off the north end of Longboat Key. While most visitors arrive by boat, it is possible to walk from the beach at Longboat across to Beer Can Island during low tide. To do so, park at the west end of N. Shore Road and walk north along the beach, through driftwood, fallen trees, and mangroves. Once you reach the north point of the beach, you’ll head east to Longboat Pass where undoubtedly, groups of boats will be gathered for an afternoon of fun in the sun. While the walk is peaceful and the destination is exciting, swimming is not a wise choice. Strong rip currents in the area are as dangerous as they sound. Swimming where you parked is a much better option, but setting up your beach picnic or stopping for pictures anywhere along the way are both great options.

Whitney Beach

For a more peaceful exploration of an undisturbed Florida shoreline, Whitney Beach has everything you’re looking for. Located at the northwestern end of Longboat Key (just south of N. Shore Rd, mentioned above), Whitney Beach welcomes you to unwind and relax. As you cross the lengthy boardwalk from the small parking lot to the sand, leave your worries and cares behind and be transformed by the serenity of such a quiet spot. You may find a few fishermen or beachcombers along the shoreline, but it’s entirely possible you might just have the entire beach to yourself. This is due in large part to the fact that there are no facilities on Whitney Beach to speak of (like bathrooms, lifeguards, or refreshments) so bring everything you need with you and be ready to relax for as long as you like.

Longboat Beach

Along Gulf Drive, there are 11 different public beach access points, all just a quick walk across Gulf Drive from local parking. Longboat Beach is one of the best, located at 3351 Gulf of Mexico Drive. Here you’ll find picnic amenities such as a pavilion, grills, and trash cans, but not much else. This lends itself to the perfect day on the beach with a larger group of friends or family. Bring all your picnic supplies and huddle under shelter if the weather becomes an issue (you never know when an afternoon thunderstorm might suddenly show up). But be sure to swim at your own risk, as there are no lifeguards on this stretch of beach. We do, however, recommend staying for the show-stopping sunset, one of Florida’s finest gifts to visitors and locals alike.

 

If you’re planning to stay with us in Siesta Key for any length of time, we highly recommend an excursion to Longboat Key during your visit. Known as the more reclusive of the Gulf Coast’s barrier islands, Longboat has much to offer, but only to those willing to discover it for themselves. To learn more about Longboat Key, its beaches, and other natural allures, talk to the experts at The Best Western Siesta Key. We’re happy to help you find what you’re looking for on this beautiful piece of paradise that is the Gulf Coast.