Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Longboat Key Beaches

    4.5 (24 reviews)

    Longboat Key Beaches Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Longboat Key Beaches

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    John B.

    He's actually in my opinion the best beach in the area. You don't want to be around a lot of people and you like seclusion and you don't want to be around a lot of kids and screaming and all that stuff that I don't like being around. This is the best beach. It's not a ton of people at all. However, you don't have a bunch of restrooms and things of that nature. Either. You're not just going to pick up and oh let's go to a boardwalk and walk the boardwalk and find a bar. You have to go to the areas where that is and it's very small. The pavilion area that is but the beach is long is quiet. It's never crowded in my mind in this area of Florida. This is better than siesta key and lido Beach and all those other things keep in mind you still get the white sand. It's never hot. You know when they tell only at siesta key. That's a lie .

    Best view ever. My paradise, even on an overcast day.
    Nancy L.

    Very biased review. I feel like Longboat Key beach is all mine. Only mine. It's my paradise, it's my home away from home. I say this because my family and I have been coming here since I was a tadpole. I have so many fond memories from my past and present. I love that its secluded and private. No public access. So clean. No crowds, no hooligans, no shenanigans (unless you want to create your own). Sand is gorgeous and always feels great under your feet. Water is clear and mesmerizing. Breathtaking views from our balcony. Just listening to the sounds of crashing waves and inhaling the smells of ocean water, make me giddy. Sunsets and sunrises are a must see...always. Excellent boat watching too. Long walks are always special and peaceful. You'll see some beautiful homes and a plethora of condo buildings. Pick up some seashells. You'll notice many here are either vacation renting or reside in the nearby condo's and single family homes. Most are families or couples. This beach is known to be private and that's the appeal. Beautiful location for a photo shoot. Wedding, or just because. When I want to feel like I'm on a secluded island with just me and my thoughts, a time to regroup or re-energize, or have a romantic getaway only 3 hours from home and just be one with the water, sun and sand...this is where I want to be. There's no place like Longboat Key beach. Sidenote: Sand fleas can be horrific during certain times here. My first encounter in all the years I've been coming here was a year ago. It's not a fun experience, in fact it's horrible..trust me. Be prepared and do your research. Your best defense is Skin So Soft repellent w/sunscreen by Avon, yes Avon. Walgreen's used to sell this, but I have yet to find one that does. Amazon has it. I highly, highly recommend this.

    CC J.

    Longboat key is a very 'long' stretch of beach with limited parking if you are not a resident or staying at one of the hotel resorts. I parked at Bayfront Park (there is a bathroom) and there is beach access just across the street. It's a beautiful beach and the sunrise was one of the best I've seen on the gulf (see pics). Lots of turtle nesting spots taped off this time of year/ Summer. The sand was thick and soft, and there were lots of very massive drop offs near the waters edge. I ended up walk/running 3 miles towards south end before turning around. There are really no exit points outside of hotel guest access. Once I got back to car I drove down past the point I had previously stopped to find absolutely beautiful golf course and hotels/ resorts lining every inch of the beach. No public parking options anywhere to enjoy the south end of the beach. This seems to be a very exclusive area which can be good bc the crowds are limited. It was cool to see beach chairs available to use for 'guests' but really anyone can use them.

    Lone outpost...
    Mac O.

    On this 235th Independence Day, an homage to one of my favorite spots in the good old US of A: Longboat Key, Florida. Florida is one of those states people seem either to love or to hate. I happen to love -- the Gulf coast, at least. Where Atlantic beaches have sand you can drive on, wet t-shirt contests, and coeds galore, the Gulf has miles of gorgeous sugar-sand beaches, clear, turquoise waters, and a removed feel. Longboat Key feels particularly remote and unspoiled. It's referred to as "the private island" because public access to its beaches is extremely limited: one lone public beach on the entire Key means that you can enjoy yourself in relative solitude, staking out a patch of sand that seems miles from your nearest neighbor. Just about everyone you'll meet is either a resident of or renting on Longboat. The quietude of the Key also allows wildlife to abound. Here you'll find abundant shore birds including pipers, heron, egret, petrels, gulls, pelican, skimmers, and tropicbird. We've spotted comb jellies, king crab, miniature hermit crab, sand crab, and sea snail. We've seen dolphin pods fishing in the surf and sea turtle nests protected by local organizations. Shelling on Longboat is world-class, too: you'll find everything from sand dollars and augers to spiny jewel box, lightning whelk, and olives. I can't think of many prettier or more archetypal beaches than Longboat Key. And it's right here in our own backyard. From sea to shining sea, America truly is a beautiful place.

    Sunset
    Cecille R.

    The West coast of Florida is definitely where it's at! I'm not a huge beach person but I've always found that I have had the most enjoyable time when I've driven out away from Central FL (where I reside) to the West Coast to beach it up! The beaches aren't heavily crowded, the sand is loose and powdery and the water is clear and calm. My friends and I came here and found a place to stay right on the beach ( I HIGHLY recommend) and the beach was literally in our backyard. It was sooo insanely gorgeous. The sunrises and sunsets are worth waiting for. Most of the folks that were at the beach were families and couples that were actually staying in the area. We didn't really see any public access areas where folks could drive in from outside the area and park. Which, in a way, is nice. It was like our own secret , secluded getaway. This is a wonderful beach and one that I would travel to again. Make sure to lather up in sunscreen- that sun is no joke!

    Tim W.

    The Beaches of Longboat Key deserve 5 Stars because they are secluded. Public beach access points are very hard to find but once you know where they are, you will get a parking space, especially on the weekend. While Longboat Key beaches don't have the soft white sand of Siesta Key beach or Crescent Beach, they are cramped with people and this is a big trade off. When we went today, the closest person swimming near me was 100-200 yards away. If you want to relax and not hear anything but the waves, this is the beach for you!

    July 2013
    Andy J.

    I have been to many beaches from up and down the east coast of the U.S. to Oahu and Kauai. I would have to rank the Florida Gulf beaches as among the best I have ever been to. What stands out to me for Longboat Key beaches are the lack of crowds, the clear and calm water and the quality of the sand. The warm water temperatures in the summer and fall allow you to stay in the water for hours on end. The bonus is the occasional sightings of sting rays, manatees and dolphins. This is a an amazing place.

    Beautiful

    The beach is beautiful! , water is warm and the sand white . I really enjoyed that there wasn't too many people since I like quiet , kind of private beaches . Parking can be tricky to find and that's definitely a downside for us , although we were very lucky to find the last spot this morning . They also don't have public restrooms . This wasn't a huge problem for us, but if you have kids and that's a MUST ,Then you probably should try the beaches closer to the most popular area ( more people though) ... This beach is beautiful !

    View from under umbrella @Longboat

    See all

    4 months ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 5
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Melissa B.
    1279
    2704
    33391

    9 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John B.
    539
    1078
    3943

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 21
    Thanks 0
    Love this 17
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chris J.
    13
    51
    12

    3 years ago

    very nice in some spots. clear blue water with soft sand. bring food and drinks with you

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mac O.
    660
    1048
    2377

    15 years ago

    Helpful 14
    Thanks 0
    Love this 13
    Oh no 1

    13 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tim W.
    21
    651
    822

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    18 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Andy J.
    215
    517
    7186

    11 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Dawn M.
    4
    81
    12

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nick S.
    1234
    1961
    10113

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Suki N.
    3
    106
    76

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rachel S.
    119
    210
    6

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sally N.
    45
    178
    348

    9 years ago

    This beach is great. Beautiful. You can often see dolphins from the shore jumping out of the water in search of their next meal!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Longboat key has became our favorite beach destination. Water always clears locals friendly. Beautiful landscapes. Great food.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Water is clean, sand is clean. Nice and quiet, family friendly!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Longboat Key Beaches

    Hello! Where would I find this parking area? Thank you!

    I came from Coquina beach and drove south(turned right bc of the traffic going left through Anna Maria island basically). As soon as I saw welcome to long boat key, I just kept looking for the public parking access signs. They are small not huge… Read more

    View All 2 Questions

    Review Highlights - Longboat Key Beaches

    We didn't really see any public access areas where folks could drive in from outside the area and park.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Beaches 3,196 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Bean Point - Look at that water!!

    Bean Point

    4.6(33 reviews)
    19.1 km

    I saw a video on IG a few months back that stated this beach would make you feel like you were on a…read moreisland, so I had to check out Bean Point Beach. It was an hour plus drive south from my friends house in Gulfport to Anna Maria Island. Bean Point is the north point of the island. Be cautious if you park in a neighborhood as they will ticket you $75 if your car is touching the road. We find out the hard way:( We walked a few blocks and found a public beach access. When I saw the beach I couldn't believe my eyes. The water was a gorgeous color of blue/green! It was hard to belive this was Florida lol. We walked for a while and I found some pretty shells to take home from my adventure. This part of the beach wasn't too crowded which I loved. A few people were fishing and others were sitting and relaxing. While a few tourists were in the water. Brrrr it was too cold for me. I only let it hit my feet lol. I highly recommend checking out Bean Point Beach so you can see this lovely water and beach for yourself!

    This was my very first time at Bean Point, and I swear it felt like I had stepped into a secret…read morepart of Florida that most people drive right past without ever knowing it exists. The moment my feet hit that soft white sand, everything around me slowed down. The air felt lighter. The water looked like it was painted in layers of turquoise and glass. Even the breeze seemed to move with intention, brushing past me in a way that made me feel completely present. I kept walking, almost in a trance, toward the point where the Gulf meets the sky, and for the first time in a long time, my mind wasn't racing. I wasn't thinking about tomorrow or yesterday. I was just there, breathing in a place that felt almost sacred. Then the sun began to set, and the entire sky transformed into something unreal. Pink, lavender, gold, and that deep blue that only shows up at the ocean's edge. Families were laughing softly in the distance, a couple was wrapped in a blanket, and I just stood there taking it all in, feeling this unexpected wave of emotion. It wasn't sadness or joy exactly. It was gratitude. Pure, uncomplicated gratitude that I got to witness a moment like that. Bean Point felt like a gift, handed to me exactly when I needed it. I cherish this place so much. I will be back again and again.

    Photos
    Bean Point - Lovely beach

    Lovely beach

    Bean Point
    Bean Point - N. Shore & Fern access path

    See all

    N. Shore & Fern access path

    Beer Can Island - Beach side

    Beer Can Island

    3.5(2 reviews)
    0.0 km

    Beer Can Island, also known as Hooked Spit Island & Greer Island is located at the northern tip of…read moreLongboat Key, and is visible from the Longboat Pass drawbridge & Coquina Beach's most southern side. Beer Can Island is right across from Coquina beach and is located on Longboat pass which is a busy channel for boaters coming in and out so it's a good spot to see a lot of boats going by. This popular white sand beach has crystal clear blue waters on sunny days, was formed by tidal currents, and offers a beautiful undeveloped shoreline which is a popular stop for boaters. Over time, mother nature has eroded portions of the beach uprooting many of the Australian pine trees that once stood on the shore. The huge tree trunks and roots give the beach a real exotic feel and create an amazing landscape of fallen and weathered wood. A lot of people come to Beer Can Island by boat. There are no formal docking spots, but the shallow sandy water makes it a great spot to drop anchor and come ashore for a fun sunny day! If you're not coming by boat, you can take North Shore Road until you see signs for the beach, park, and walk north along the beach. You'll know when you're getting close by the driftwood becoming more and more plentiful on the shore. I saw a beached huge 10 foot lemon head shark and got some shark teeth from here! Although Beer Can Island is more secluded than some of the other area beaches, it does get busier on the weekends with all the boaters anchored up! All of the trees close to shore make this the perfect place to bring your hammock and lounge out! We saw a number of people who had strung their hammocks across two trees! Note, since this is a secluded island, there are no bathrooms or showers here.

    Cool hangout spot! Kinda reserved from all the people at the other beaches. If you like hammocking,…read morethere are good spots for that too. Just keep two things in mind: - A lot of people like to come here to get drunk and high since it is reserved. Hence the name. Can sometimes get annoying and a little trashy. Kinda why I don't really come here anymore much. But recently local police have been cracking down a little on it. - The water on the side with the channel can be a little rough and unpredictable, so just be a little careful. Could possibly cause small rip currents.

    Photos
    Beer Can Island - Beer Can Island, North of Long Boat Key, South of Coquina Key Beach Park

    Beer Can Island, North of Long Boat Key, South of Coquina Key Beach Park

    Beer Can Island - Beer Can Island, North of Long Boat Key, South of Coquina Key Beach Park

    Beer Can Island, North of Long Boat Key, South of Coquina Key Beach Park

    Beer Can Island

    See all

    Siesta Key Beach - Drinks at the beach

    Siesta Key Beach

    4.6(931 reviews)
    16.6 km

    Siesta Beach Experience…read more Overview: Siesta Beach is widely recognized as the number one beach in the United States. During our visit, we found the beach area to be exceptionally clean, featuring powdery white sand that added to the overall appeal of the location. The unique sand texture and well-maintained environment contributed significantly to our enjoyable experience. Parking and Arrival Tips: We parked near the Snack Bar and Gift Shop at the northern end of Siesta Beach. Although there is a substantial amount of parking available, the spaces tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak times. It is advisable to arrive early to secure a parking spot, as finding a vacant space can become challenging later in the day. Water Quality and Shoreline Experience: The water at Siesta Beach was exceptionally clear, offering excellent visibility. Near the shore, the depth was shallow, making it easy and comfortable to relax in the low points. The waves were gentle and calm, creating an inviting environment for lounging and wading. During our stroll along the beach, we discovered several shells, adding an enjoyable element to the shoreline experience. Beach Access and Amenities: Reaching the water requires a lengthy walk across the beach. To assist visitors, mats are placed at certain locations on the beach, making the walk easier and more comfortable. The Snack Bar offers a variety of food and drinks, providing convenient options for refreshments. Adjacent to the Snack Bar is a Gift Shop, which sells a range of beach-themed items and clothing, enhancing the Siesta Beach Experience. They do have a QR code they you can order food, drinks, beach chairs and some other items to be delivered to you behind the life guard stands on the Beach in case you forget your own, kind of cool, I think. Overall Impression and Rating: Based on my experience at Siesta Beach, I confidently rate it 5 out of 5 stars. The exceptional cleanliness, powdery white sand, clear water, and convenient amenities all contributed to an outstanding visit. After seeing firsthand why Siesta Beach holds the distinction of being the number one beach in the United States, I wholeheartedly agree with its reputation. Gulf Coast Terry

    Visited Siesta Key Beach this past weekend and you know it's starting to warm up in Florida when…read moreyou see the beaches completely packed and you can't find parking. We drove around for about 20 minutes, looking for parking till we finally found a couple that was leaving. No matter what time you visit it's busy but the beach itself it's definitely worth it. !! A little warning it was a bit of a walk to get to the water. This is my favorite kid friendly beach. The water doesn't dip off like Venice and You can actually walk out comfortably with children. Another pro is that there's plenty of shower areas throughout the beach line. Ps: On Sundays they have a drum circle which is always a good time to see people drumming and dancing.

    Photos
    Siesta Key Beach - Drinks to go

    Drinks to go

    Siesta Key Beach - Sunset

    Sunset

    Siesta Key Beach - Beach dancer

    See all

    Beach dancer

    The Beach on Longboat Key - The only real con at this place. The conjoined door that wasn't very well insulated to block out sound.

    The Beach on Longboat Key

    3.3(10 reviews)
    2.1 km

    We booked our stay for a week, my family really enjoys this hidden gem. It's quiet and peaceful…read more The beach is footsteps away. Only downside is the parking. If you have a larger vehicle, it tends to get really tight.

    So if I factored in all the variables, I would round up to 4 stars here (not to be confused with…read morethe actual hotel star ratings). One major variable being availability on the key, which is not much. First off the price was right. Especially for being right on the beach on one of the famous Sarasota keys. And not only being on the beach but newly renovated and fully capable to handle a family get a way weekend. With a nice publix right down the street you can easily stock up your suite for a long weekend stay that doesn't break the bank with having to eat out every meal. The suite has a fully functional kitchen with oven, stove, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, full sized refrigerator and freezer, dish washer, and cupboards stocked with some essential items for cooking and eating. This is a huge benefit for people staying for a long weekend or even longer. Not many places to eat on the key, and most of them are up there in price or not much on the menu for little ones. It also is very closely located to a fully involved Publix. So either grab some groceries for the weekend, or some cold cuts from the deli, Chinese food, or any of the many offerings Publix has. You can also bring back some meat to throw on the grill provided in the common area back at the hotel. Even though the outside looks weathered (as most beach locations do), the inside was very clean and brand new renovations made it feel fresh and new. The living room had a dining room table right next to an amazing view from the huge windows. Also a couch with pull out bed, a Murphy pull down bed, and some comfy chair recliners. The outside patio had a table and 2 nice chairs to enjoy the outside. The place even came with a washer and dryer in the unit to keep those towels and swimsuits clean and dry for all the repeat usage over your stay. The hotel also had a little pool to splash around in. Nothing too special but nice to take a quick dip in or let the kids splash around. Tables, umbrellas, and chairs provided. They also give you complimentary beach umbrellas with the sand anchors as well as lounge chairs. You can even take out some bogey boards. And being steps from the beach can't be beat. Another plus they provided complimentary large beach towels for you to use. Definitely taking some extra steps to add to the value. I guess the only knock I really had on the place was the cramped and small parking situation and the noisy conjoined door. It was not insulated well at all to block sound. Could hear the neighbors fairly clearly when they were close to the door. Lucky for us they were nice and quiet people and it didn't actually disturb us, but we are a loud family with 2 loud kids so I can only imagine how it sounded on their side. Or how our enjoyment could've changed if we did have loud people next to us. They definitely need to look to improve the sound proofing around those conjoined doors. And there also isn't a lot of bells and whistles to this place. But you go here for a nice peaceful and easy beach weekend getaway, not if you are looking for hustle and bustle. Overall it was a great little vacation, and a big part of that was staying at this suite. I feel fully confident in choosing this place again when we return, as well as recommending it to family and friends.

    Photos
    The Beach on Longboat Key
    The Beach on Longboat Key - Panoramic view of part of the beach

    Panoramic view of part of the beach

    The Beach on Longboat Key - Side balcony with an awesome view.

    See all

    Side balcony with an awesome view.

    Longboat Key Beaches - beaches - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...