Longboat Key

The quiet key

Longboat Key is the calm, upscale barrier island just north of Lido. If your idea of a good beach day is space and quiet, this is the spot. The sand is clean, the pace is slow, and summer makes it even more peaceful.

Beach access

Longboat is mostly residential, so the public beach access points are what you are looking for. Watch for the marked public accesses along Gulf of Mexico Drive, and arrive early on weekends since parking at each access is limited.

Best for

This is a low-key day at the beach: long walks, shelling, reading under an umbrella, and a sunset with very little crowd. Pair it with a meal on the key or back at St. Armands.