Longboat Key

Named one of the top 10 islands in the United States by the likes of Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast consistently over the past several years, Longboat Key is home to some of the best beaches, restaurants, resorts, and natural environment in the country. In many ways, it has been a destination for visitors for hundreds of years, dating back to even before European exploration. Archaeological evidence suggests local Native American tribes from the mainland, such as the Timucua and Calusa, either vacationed or lived seasonally on the island as far back as 500 BCE. In 1538, the first Europeans stepped foot on the key for the purpose of scouting Florida’s Gulf Coast, sailing up near Tampa via Sarasota Bay. Evidently, the longboat ships they arrived on are the namesake of the key.

Longboat Key remained largely uninhabited for the next few centuries save for a few fishing camps and a trading post. It wasn’t until the 1880’s when the first land grants on Longboat Key were awarded, giving way to permanent settlers. Much of the land was used for agriculture, like catching fish and growing crops. In the early 1910’s the key’s inhabitants – under the name “Longbeach” – began constructing a new development called Shore Acres, with hopes to include a hotel and waterfront winter homes with docks for well-to-do vacationers. Other additions across the island around this time included a school, and two post offices.

Longboat Key’s population remained very small for the next few decades, with only 40 to 50 permanent residents by the late 1940s. Attempts to build a luxury hotel in the 1920’s by John Ringling were unfruitful, and the island’s use as an Air Force bombing range during World War II is perhaps evidence of this. However, in 1955, the Town of Longboat Key was officially incorporated, and the island has seen tremendous growth since. Many of the key’s signature high-rise condominiums were built in the 60’s and 70’s, escalating its rise in popularity.

Today, Longboat Key boasts plenty of activities for both visitors and locals alike. Across the island’s 11-mile stretch, one can find many spots for public beach access, along with Whitney Beach at the north end of the key. Several parks and preserves are scattered across the island, including Quick Point Nature Preserve in the south, as well as Bayfront and Joan M. Durante Park. One of the true highlights of the key’s prestige is the Longboat Key Club, which features two separate golf courses – Links on Longboat and Harbourside – totaling 45 award-winning holes in all, as well as its very own Tennis Garden, boasting 20 Har-Tru courts, a pro shop, and an excellent staff that has earned it Tennis Resorts Online’s #4 spot of the world’s best tennis resorts. Some of the area’s best fine dining can be found in and around the key, and access to the likes of St. Armand’s Circle, Lido Beach, and Downtown Sarasota are just a few minutes away across the John Ringling Parkway. With its juxtaposition of high-rise condominiums amongst old Florida homes, contrast between beautiful golf course greens right along white sand shores, and its access to the surrounding Sarasota Bay area while also feeling tucked away from the bustle of the city, Longboat Key truly is a one-of-a-kind location.