13 Best Things to Do in Longboat Key

Photo Credit: Arina P Habich

• Website:  www.euphemiahaye.com
• Address: 5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive
• Opening hours: 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm daily

One restaurant that really stands out and deserves special attention in Longboat Key is Euphemia Haye Restaurant. Built in a charming, rustic building that looks like something out of an old Western town from the outside, Euphemia Haye is anything but typical inside.

Boasting a romantic candlelit atmosphere and delicious gourmet food, it's the perfect place to enjoy date night or celebrate special occasions with your significant other.

The food is incredible, featuring a fine dining menu that includes dishes such as succulent fresh lobster tail and Madagascar beef with a green peppercorn cream sauce.

Euphemia Haye & Haye Loft is conveniently located along the Gulf of Mexico Drive. We highly suggest making a reservation at this popular spot.

3. Try Your Hand at Watersports

Photo Credit: Melinda Nagy

If you're looking to try your hand at watersports in Florida, Longboat Key's stunning turquoise waters are the perfect place to do it. The island offers a variety of options for swimmers and water sport enthusiasts alike.

Leave the shore for some leisure with some of these fun activities:

• Swimming
• Snorkeling
• Diving
• Surfing
• Boogie boarding
• Skimboarding
• Kayaking or canoeing
• Paddleboarding
• Sailing
• Jet skiing

Longboat Key is a perfect place to try your hand at watersports because of its calm, warm water and endless stretch of white sand.

Be sure to rent equipment from a reputable supplier such as Longboat Key Paddleboard and Kayak. They also run super fun kayak tours.

Nearby Anna Maria Island is also a  great spot for kayaking and  snorkeling.

4. Bask on the White Sand Beaches

Photo Credit: double2A

Looking to relax on a beautiful white sand beach? Longboat Key, Florida, has some of the most gorgeous beaches you can imagine.

There are plenty of amazing beaches on Longboat Key, most of which are accessible by public access points and have no official name. The white sands rival those of Bradenton's  Coquina Beach but have fewer people, making them the best of both worlds.

Whatever type of beach-going experience you're looking for, Longboat Key has it all. Whether you want to bask in the sun, swim, surf, play volleyball, or hunt for seashells with your kids, you can find a beautiful beach that's perfect for your needs. Check out our extensive guide to help you clean the seashells you find.

You're in for a real treat if you stick around on the beach until sunset. It's no secret that sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico are some of the most spectacular in the world. Some of our vacation rentals even have a sunset view.

5. Boutique Shopping Bliss

Photo Credit: BearFotos

 If you love discovering unique shops while on vacation, Longboat Key is the perfect spot to indulge in a little retail therapy. From stylish beachwear to one-of-a-kind art pieces, this charming island offers something for every kind of shopper.

Start your treasure hunt at the northern end of the island, where you'll find a curated selection of upscale boutiques. Think elegant clothing, handcrafted jewelry, coastal-inspired home décor, and more. The shops here are perfect for treating yourself or picking up a sophisticated souvenir.

Then make your way south, where the vibe gets a little more artsy and eclectic. Here, you'll stumble upon quirky gift shops, colorful galleries, and locally made treasures that capture the spirit of the island.

Whether you're after a breezy outfit for the beach, a thoughtful gift, or a lasting reminder of your trip, Longboat Key's boutique scene won't disappoint. Take your time, stroll the island, and enjoy the hunt; you never know what gem you'll uncover.

Anna Maria Island also has a  great selection of shops for some retail therapy.

6. Go Biking on the Many Boardwalks

Photo Credit: Daxiao Productions

Looking for a fun, active way to soak up the beauty of Longboat Key? Hop on a bike and hit the trails. With miles of scenic boardwalks winding through the island, biking is one of the best ways to explore this coastal paradise.

The boardwalks are flat, well-maintained, and perfect for all skill levels, whether you're a casual cruiser or a seasoned cyclist. You'll glide past pristine beaches, serene mangrove forests, and lush tropical landscapes, all at your own pace.

One of the best parts? These paths offer easy access to some of Longboat Key's most beloved beaches, along with a front-row seat to the island's unique wildlife and native plants. If you're lucky, you might even catch sight of a sea turtle.

So grab a bike, breathe in the salty sea air, and set off on a two-wheeled adventure you won't forget. Longboat Key is even more magical when you see it from the saddle.

If you don't have your own bike, you can hire one from a reputable company like Backyard Bike Shop.

7. Play a Round of Doubles at Longboat Key Tennis Center

Photo Credit: LightField Studios

• Website:  www.facebook.com/lbktennis
• Address: 590 Bay Isles Road

Why not play a round of tennis at Longboat Key Tennis Center? Sitting on Longboat Key, this world-class facility offers 10 tennis courts in addition to many other amenities like ball machines and equipment rentals.

From tournament play to the Round Robin League, they have it all. They even offer lessons with certified instructors, video analysis of your technique, and clinics to help you improve your game.

The pro shop has a great selection of tennis and fashion apparel, as well as equipment from top brands in the industry.

8. Hire a Fishing Charter

Photo Credit:  Ashley-Belle Burns

If you're looking to get out on the water and enjoy some of Florida's beautiful natural scenery, a fishing charter at Longboat Key is the perfect option for you.

Whether you want to try your hand at reeling in a big catch like some snook, tarpon, kingfish, or any other kind of saltwater fish that calls this area home, a professional fishing guide and their boat will take you where the fish are biting.

While most people already know about fishing on Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key is equally impressive.

At Longboat Key, there's no shortage of options when it comes to charter companies, so it's important to do some research beforehand to ensure that you choose the right one for your needs. Some things to consider when choosing a fishing charter include the following:

• The quality of their boats and equipment
• Experience of their guides
• Whether they offer all-inclusive packages or charge by the hour

Longboat Bay Charters is one of the forerunners in the area in terms of quality and service. Head out on the water and see what you can catch.

9. Explore a Nature Par

Looking for some outdoor adventure on your next visit to Longboat Key? Check out Quick Point Nature Preserve, John M. Durante Community Park, and  Bayfront Park.

Quick Point Nature Preserve is a must-visit gem on Longboat Key. With over 34 acres of untouched coastal habitat, this serene preserve invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and truly reconnect with nature.

Wander along scenic trails that wind through mangroves, wetlands, tidal pools, and shoreline paths, offering breathtaking views and up-close encounters with local wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled; you might spot herons, osprey, or even the occasional manatee in the waters nearby.

Just a short distance away, John M. Durante Community Park adds another layer of fun to your outdoor day. With a dog-friendly park, shaded picnic areas, and a well-kept playground, it's the perfect place for family gatherings, friendly games, or simply soaking up the sunshine.

Bayfront Park is an excellent spot for an afternoon picnic. It features numerous green lawns, shady trees, and stunning views of Sarasota Bay. It's a great place to sit down and enjoy the sunshine with friends or family, especially on a day when there are cool breezes off the water.

Bayfront Park has plenty of picnic tables and grills, so you can set up your spread and cook some burgers or hot dogs while you enjoy your time in the sun. If you don't feel like doing your own grilling, grab a couple of grouper sandwiches and slices of Key Lime Pie to-go from one of the local restaurants.

Whether you're looking for a quiet nature walk or a lively afternoon with the crew, these parks offer the perfect blend of tranquility and recreation just minutes from the beach.

10. Try the Citrus Grouper at Dry Dock Waterfront Grill

Photo Credit: Sergii Kumer

• Website:  drydockwaterfrontgrill.com
• Address: 412 Gulf of Mexico Drive
• Opening hours: 11 am – 9 pm Sunday to Thursday / 11 am – 9:30 pm Friday & Saturday

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is among the  most popular restaurants in Longboat Key. With a beachfront, harbourside location and food that is second to none, you'll be amazed at the price-to-value ratio of Dry Dock Waterfront Grill.

There are so many delicious dishes to choose from, but we are huge fans of the citrus grouper. A close runner-up is the blackened red snapper. For those who aren't fans of seafood, fret not; there are plenty of land and vegetarian options to choose from.

We strongly recommend making a reservation here, as this dockside dining option is a popular haunt among both locals and tourists. If you can't get a table here, try  Mar Vista instead.

11. Hit the Links at Longboat Key Golf Club

Photo Credit: Phonphrom Sukkasem

• Website:  longboatkeyclubmembers.com
• Address: 442 Gulf of Mexico Drive

If you're looking for an exciting place to spend an afternoon, consider going to Longboat Key Club. This golf club and beach resort has some of the best greens and scenic views you'll find anywhere on the island.

Longboat Key Golf Club features two distinct PGA-approved golf courses, each with its own unique challenges and layouts. The club is known for having some of the best greens in Florida, so you can be sure that your ball will roll smoothly along this beautiful terrain.

If you prefer to take things more slowly, you can enjoy the picturesque views while taking a relaxing stroll around the complex.

Of course, Longboat Key Golf Club isn't just for golfers. If you don't feel like playing a round, you can still stop by to take advantage of the on-site restaurant and bar.

12. Head Out on a Dolphin Cruise

Photo Credit: encierro

Longboat Key is home to some of the best marine life in Florida, thanks to its pristine beaches and abundant marine wildlife. With several companies offering boat rides along the coast, there's sure to be one that fits your style and budget.

Dolphin cruises give visitors the opportunity to see these fascinating animals up close in their natural habitat.

Most tours last about an hour and include basic information about dolphins, tips for spotting them in their natural habitat, and complimentary snacks or drinks. Some of the most popular tour companies offer packages with either breakfast or lunch included, making it easy to turn a fun day out into a half-day activity.

Try Passage Key Dolphin Tours. They're located near Longboat Key on Bradenton Beach, and their boats are small enough to avoid disturbing dolphins or other wildlife.

13. Spend an Afternoon Browsing Art Galleries

If you're looking for culture and don't mind venturing to nearby Sarasota, visit one of the city's art galleries. Whether you're interested in local artists or prefer to view pieces from more well-known names, there's sure to be an art collection that fits your tastes.

The Art Center Sarasota is a great place to start because it's a short drive away. Head through Lido Shore, St. Armands Circle, and John Ringling to reach the mainland.

If you have time, don't miss the  Ringling Museum, which lies in North Sarasota. It deserves an entire afternoon to discover all of the gems it has to offer.

Best Time to Visit Longboat Key

Just like when deciding when to visit Anna Maria Island, determining when the best time is to visit Longboat Key is highly subjective and depends on your personal travel style, interests, and preferences.

If you're looking to escape the crowds of downtown Sarasota and enjoy some peace and quiet during your visit, it's best to go during the offseason — late fall or early winter. During these months, the weather in the Gulf remains warm, but the area is typically less crowded and more affordable than during peak season, which runs from mid-December to March.

If you prefer milder temperatures but don't mind sharing your beach with other visitors, then summertime may be the perfect time for you to visit Longboat Key. This is also when many of the area's top tourist attractions and events are in full swing, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Stay With Us in Longboat Key and Enjoy These Florida Attractions

Longboat Key has something for everyone. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, explore nature, or get active with some watersports, you'll have no shortage of fun things to do here.

Check out our luxurious vacation rentals on Longboat Key and get started planning your trip. Our turquoise water awaits you!