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All things Siesta Key. Stories, news, and event information about Sarasota, Florida's beautiful beach.
Where is Longboat Key?
Longboat Key, a town located in Manatee and Sarasota counties, is a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico off the central west coast of Florida. As a barrier island, it’s not a town you’d encounter when just passing through. To get to Longboat Key, you have to be looking for it. This makes it feel even more magical and treasured than the white sands, balmy breezes, and tropical sunsets you’ll find as you travel the length of this 16 square mile island. At The Best Western Siesta Key, we understand why you’ll love what you find when you discover Longboat Key for yourself. Here are a few ways to get there based on your starting point.
From Siesta Key
When headed out for a day excursion to Longboat Key from Siesta Key, you’ll head north on Tamiami Trail, also known as US 41. Traveling through Sarasota, you’ll stay on US 41 until you reach SR 789, where you’ll turn west, past the Unconditional Surrender Statue, and over the Ringling Bridge. This drive gives you a front-seat view of Sarasota Bay in all its glory- you may even stop to take a few pictures at the Marina before moving on. After you cross the Ringling Bridge, you’ll enter St. Armand’s Circle, a giant round-about with plenty of shops and dining options. This is a great stop in and of itself! Stay for some lunch or dinner, or just grab an ice cream cone and wander among the shops and street performers. Once you’re ready to move on to Longboat Key, continue to follow signs for SR 789 north. You’ll cross the bridge just past Mote Marine Laboratories and enter the south end of Longboat Key, where you’ll find the Charthouse Restaurant to the west. Drive the entire length of Gulf Drive, or park and walk some or all of this mystical island.
From the Bradenton/Sarasota Airport
If you arrive at the Bradenton/Sarasota Airport, travel south on US 41 until you reach signs for SR 789 west. Follow this road across the Ringling Bridge, around part of the St. Armand’s Circle, and across the bridge at Mote Marine Laboratories until you arrive on Longboat Key. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you feel time slow down and taste the salty beach air.
From Tampa
Traveling from Tampa, FL or the Tampa International Airport, follow signs for I-275 South until you cross the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and reach Bradenton, FL. Follow signs for US 19/US 41 South. Once you arrive in Bradenton, you’ll have few options. For the most scenic beach drive, head west on SR 64 until you reach Gulf Drive. Turn south on Gulf Drive and wind your way along the Gulf of Mexico, keeping the water and sand in sight at all times. Passing through Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, and Coquina Beach, you’ll eventually arrive at the bridge to cross onto Longboat Key from the north end. Alternatively, you can stay on US 41 until arriving at SR 789, then head west per the directions above. This route is faster but far less scenic. Finally, if you want to split the difference and travel part of the way quickly but still enjoy some scenery, follow US 41 to SR 684 and head west across the Cortez Bridge, turning south onto Gulf Drive.
Sometimes the places that are more difficult to find are the ones most worth finding. Longboat Key is one of those places. So, no matter how you choose to make your way to this little slice of paradise, be sure that you take a little time while you’re in the area to explore all that it has to offer. To learn more about what to do, where to dine, or how to get to Longboat Key, talk to the local experts at The Best Western Siesta Key. We’re happy to fill you in on everything you’ll need to know and point you in the right direction.