Walk in the Park: Heading to the beach

A stroll around some of Longboat Key's most popular places to visit.

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It's one of the most popular beaches on the island, with good reason. 

The north shore beach, with parking for about 30 cars along North Shore Road, is unspoiled. Boaters enjoy the access from Longboat Pass, where they frequently anchor or ground their craft for a day on the sand. Park properly, though, and obey the signs. Police are frequently on the lookout for vehicles improperly parked.

Also, pay heed to the town's rules on alcohol or animals on the beach. In short, they're not allowed. 

Public access immediately adjacent to the parking area is quiet and often uncrowded, owing to the small parking capacity. To trudge north along a path carved from the vegetation can be tricky, but the views are one of a kind. The mangrove can seem spooky and other worldly. 

Photographers are frequently among the trunks and branches, particularly around sunset. 

Parking is limited to about 30 parallel spots on North Shore Road.
Parking is limited to about 30 parallel spots on North Shore Road.
The beach at the end of North Shore Road.
The beach at the end of North Shore Road.
Walking north from the public beach leads to a thicket of mangroves at the high tide water line.
Walking north from the public beach leads to a thicket of mangroves at the high tide water line.
Mangroves and other trees along the beach.
Mangroves and other trees along the beach.
A lagoon is formed just steps from the Gulf of Mexico.
A lagoon is formed just steps from the Gulf of Mexico.
Two sand-saving groins were built years ago.
Two sand-saving groins were built years ago.
The north facing beach along Longboat Pass is a favorite for beach-going boaters.
The north facing beach along Longboat Pass is a favorite for beach-going boaters.
At the west end of North Shore Road.
At the west end of North Shore Road.
Private property is nearby, so signs help direct visitors to the public beach.
Private property is nearby, so signs help direct visitors to the public beach.
Follow the signs.
Follow the signs.
Turtle nests are marked and roped off.
Turtle nests are marked and roped off.
A path through the vegetation leads to the north end of the beach.
A path through the vegetation leads to the north end of the beach.
Odd and stark scenes are common around the north end of the island.
Odd and stark scenes are common around the north end of the island.

 

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