Longboat Key is one of Florida's most exclusive and beautiful barrier islands — home to the new St. Regis resort, the Longboat Key Club, and 12 miles of pristine Gulf beach.
Longboat Key is an 11-mile barrier island between Bradenton Beach and Sarasota Bay — one of Florida's most exclusive and naturally beautiful island communities. With strict development regulations, almost no commercial development beyond a few low-profile resorts and restaurants, and consistently pristine Gulf beaches, Longboat Key offers something rare in Florida: genuine exclusivity without the pretension.
The St. Regis Longboat Key
The St. Regis Longboat Key opened in 2023 — a brand-new luxury resort that immediately established itself among Florida's finest. The 166-room property occupies 18 Gulf-front acres with:
- Private Gulf beach access
- Multiple pools and a lazy river
- Daiquiri Bay beachside restaurant
- The Estate restaurant (fine dining)
- Spa with Gulf-facing treatment rooms
- Water sports and activity program
The Longboat Key Club
The Longboat Key Club is a private member resort occupying the southern end of the island — a large resort-residential community with two championship golf courses, beach club, multiple restaurants, and lodging. The gulf-front accommodations are exceptional.
Longboat Key Beaches
Public beach access on Longboat Key is limited (the island is primarily private residential), but the Longboat Key Beach (accessed via beach access points along Gulf of Mexico Drive) consistently offers the clean, uncrowded beach experience that's increasingly rare on Florida's Gulf Coast.
Beer Can Island
Accessible only by water at the north end of Longboat Key — a small sandbar island popular with boaters. The name comes from a legendary party tradition. Kayak or paddleboard rental from Coquina Beach (just north) is the typical approach.
Getting to Longboat Key
- SRQ Airport to Longboat Key: 25-35 minutes
- Sarasota Downtown to Longboat Key: 15-20 minutes
- TPA to Longboat Key: 80-95 minutes
Transfer pricing depends on route, vehicle, and timing — request a quote for current rates.
Dining on Longboat Key
- The Colony Restaurant — A Gulf-front classic
- Euphemia Haye — Outstanding American fine dining, inland but worth the trip
- Harry's Continental Kitchens — Continental classic in a lovely setting
- St. Regis Estate Restaurant — Best on the key for special occasions