Welcome to Longboat Key
Longboat Key is a luxurious bayside community offering year-round resort-style living. Spanning both Sarasota and Manatee counties, its well-maintained, quiet streets surrounded by panoramic views of the sparkling Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico make this exclusive barrier island one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Sarasota. Parks, eateries, and golf courses can be found nestled against a mix of high-rise condos, quiet gated communities, and classic seaside cottages on this historic island—many of whom have direct access to the stunning beaches along Longboat Key’s coastline.
What to Love
- Home to private, championship golf courses and a state-of-the-art tennis club
- Ample lush green space with parks and tropical foliage
- A peaceful ambiance that feels like a vacation
Local Lifestyle
Living in Longboat Key is special and its residents know it. Locals appreciate their well-planned community by frequenting its beaches, teeing off at its private golf club, and partaking in recreational activities at its parks. A quick drive over Ringling Bridge takes locals to downtown Sarasota’s restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues while Zota Beach Resort’s infinity-edge pool and other upscale amenities are less than a mile away from the heart of Longboat Key.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
Longboat Key offers a variety of fine dining and casual restaurants. Live music, beer-battered hot dogs, and a fun atmosphere with live music can be found at The Old Salty Dog, a “Man vs. Food” featured restaurant. Peel and eat shrimp, drink a cold ale, and bask in this location that’s nestled close to a marina. Zota Beach Resort’s Viento Kitchen & Bar takes a fresh spin on upscale dining with a waterfront location providing exquisite views of the bay. Experience new spins on Caribbean and Mediterranean classics inside an open-air lounge centered around a floating wine wall and a modern fireplace. Naan flatbreads, gnocchi primavera, and pan-seared snapper are all available on the menu and are cooked to perfection by the executive chef and his staff. A casual atmosphere offering both indoor and outdoor dining can be found at Lazy Lobster, a sprawling cafe serving up seafood standards in Longboat Key. Try shrimp tacos, Maine lobster, fish and chips, and pan-seared grouper while soaking up sun rays at the eatery’s open-air terrace surrounded by tropical foliage. Meander your way in and out of boutiques at The Centre Shops, a quaint shopping outlet on Longboat Key, or upgrade your wardrobe with a new apparel piece at Driftwood Beach.
Meander your way in and out of boutiques at The Centre Shops, a quaint shopping outlet in Longboat Key, or upgrade your wardrobe with a new apparel piece at Driftwood Beach.
Things to Do
What better way to enjoy the beach than on horseback? Equestrian lovers flock to C Ponies for an immersive experience where guests will travel through the calm waters of nearby Palma Sola Bay atop a rescue horse. Bring a waterproof camera, as the bay is teeming with manatees, stingrays, and dolphins.
Longboat Key is home to many championship golf courses. Hit the green at Longboat Key Golf Club's private courses. Afterward, make relaxation and rejuvenation a priority at the club’s Sarasota Spa with a signature facial, body wrap, and massage, or head out on the water with a kayak rental or private vessel at the club’s private marina.
Get your sweat on with a game of tennis at Longboat Key’s state-of-the-art tennis center. With ten full-sized courts, private lessons, and a schedule chocked full of tournaments, this is the perfect time to hone your tennis skills—or find a new favorite hobby.
Schools
The community of Longboat Key is served by the Sarasota Public School system and Manatee County Public Schools. Nearby institutions of note include:
- IMG Academy, a sports training and educational facility, is home to a sixth through twelfth-grade boarding school, year-round sports camps, and a professional athlete training program
