Longboat Key FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Longboat Key, Florida.
1. Longboat Key Public Beach
SERENE GULF ESCAPE
Longboat Key Public Beach offers beautiful Gulf views with powdery white sand and fewer crowds than other nearby beaches. Visitors can enjoy swimming in clear, gentle waters perfect for snorkeling while watching for dolphins playing in the distance. The beach is known for its breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky in vibrant hues, creating a peaceful atmosphere along Florida's Gulf Coast.
2. Whitney Beach
NORTH END TRANQUILITY
Whitney Beach is located on the north end of Longboat Key, offering a small parking area and access to the pristine Gulf waters. The beach features the signature sugar-white sand that Longboat Key beaches are known for, disappearing into the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful retreat with fewer crowds while still having access to the natural beauty of Florida's coastline.
3. 100 Broadway Public Beach
DINING AND DOLPHINS
The public beach at 100 Broadway features sparkling white sands and clear turquoise waters conveniently located across from three restaurants. This beach is particularly appealing to birders who can spy plenty of Florida's local avian life, including the majestic Great Blue Heron. Visitors should keep their eyes peeled toward the horizon for the chance to see dolphins playing in the Gulf waters.
4. Coquina Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY SHORE
Coquina Beach stretches along the southern end of Anna Maria Island, offering the longest stretch of beach in the area with ample parking and facilities. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, playground equipment, and a cafe, making it ideal for families looking for a full day at the shore. The beach is known for its striking blue waters, soft white sand, and Australian pine trees that provide natural shade throughout the day.
5. Lido Beach
POPULAR CITY SHORELINE
Lido Beach is a popular waterfront destination located on Lido Key, just a short drive from downtown Sarasota. The beach offers amenities including a pavilion, concession stand, restrooms, and rental equipment for visitors seeking convenience with their beach day. Sunset views are particularly spectacular here, drawing photographers and romantics alike to witness the sky's transformation over the Gulf of Mexico.
6. Siesta Key Beach
AWARD-WINNING WHITE SANDS
Siesta Key Beach has been repeatedly recognized as one of America's best beaches, famous for its 99% pure quartz sand that stays cool to the touch even on hot days. The beach stretches for miles with shallow waters close to shore, making it ideal for families with children or those who prefer gentle swimming conditions. Visitors appreciate the extensive facilities including tennis and volleyball courts, playground equipment, picnic areas, and a pavilion with concessions and restrooms.
7. Beer Can Island
DRIFTWOOD-STREWN SANCTUARY
Beer Can Island (officially Greer Island) sits at the northern tip of Longboat Key, featuring a unique landscape of eroded shoreline and fallen trees that create a natural, untamed atmosphere. The beach's driftwood-decorated shoreline provides excellent photo opportunities and a distinctive beach experience unlike the more manicured shores nearby. Visitors can enjoy shelling, fishing, and watching boats navigate Longboat Pass while experiencing one of the area's more secluded beach environments.
8. Manatee Public Beach
VIBRANT ISLAND HUB
Manatee Public Beach serves as a central gathering spot on Anna Maria Island with a full complement of amenities including restrooms, showers, and a beachfront cafe. The wide expanse of soft white sand provides ample room for beachgoers to spread out for sunbathing, beach games, or setting up a comfortable spot for the day. Lifeguards are on duty year-round, making this a safe choice for families with children who want to swim in the Gulf waters.
9. Bradenton Beach
CHARMING COASTAL TOWN
Bradenton Beach offers a delightful combination of small-town charm with its historic pier and Gulf-front shoreline. Visitors can enjoy the Beach House Restaurant right on the sand while taking in spectacular sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico. The area provides a mix of recreational activities from swimming and paddleboarding to fishing off the historic Bridge Street Pier.
10. Turtle Beach
NATURAL NESTING GROUNDS
Turtle Beach offers a quieter alternative to Siesta Key Beach with darker, coarser sand that makes it a popular nesting site for sea turtles during nesting season. The beach features a boat ramp, playground, and picnic facilities, creating a complete recreational area for visitors. Its location on the southern tip of Siesta Key provides excellent opportunities for finding unique shells and shark teeth not commonly found on other area beaches.