Walk in the Park: Longboat Key beach access points

Take a tour of our town's public places

  • By Nat Kaemmerer
  • | 9:34 a.m. July 9, 2019
  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • Share

It's incredibly easy to zip past Longboat Key's beach access points while zipping along Gulf of Mexico Drive. 

The signs are small, many of the parking lots hold space for a few cars and the pathways to the beach are often tucked between resorts, condos or houses. Is that a beach access or a sign for a hotel parking lot? You might not know until you're past it, saying you'll catch the next one — but, whoops, that one's gone by too. 

However, it's always worth it to turn around and go back.

It's not Siesta Key, or even Lido Key. Longboat's beaches are often uncrowded. No alcohol or animals are allowed, and all of them operate from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. You'll see birds, plenty of turtle nests and of course, thousands of shells. 

Swing by your favorite one and tell us which one it is, and how you like to spend your time there. 

The small signs make it easy to miss Longboat Key's beach access points.
The small signs make it easy to miss Longboat Key's beach access points.
Andrea Grimm watches over the water.
Andrea Grimm watches over the water.
Beachgoers and turtle nests share the sand at the access point at 3175 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
Beachgoers and turtle nests share the sand at the access point at 3175 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
At 3355 Gulf of Mexico Drive, trees and shrubs give the beach access a more wild-jungle feel.
At 3355 Gulf of Mexico Drive, trees and shrubs give the beach access a more wild-jungle feel.
Dragged down from the SeaHorse Beach Resort, these chairs hold a family's place while they stroll along the beach.
Dragged down from the SeaHorse Beach Resort, these chairs hold a family's place while they stroll along the beach.
Jim and Nicole Graeser read in chairs between a resort and the water.
Jim and Nicole Graeser read in chairs between a resort and the water.
In the public parking area across the street from the beach at 3495 Gulf of Mexico Drive and offers bay access.
In the public parking area across the street from the beach at 3495 Gulf of Mexico Drive and offers bay access.
No matter which access point you come in from, coquinas abound on Longboat Key beaches.
No matter which access point you come in from, coquinas abound on Longboat Key beaches.
Alan Karlsson sits on the sand before strolling back to his car.
Alan Karlsson sits on the sand before strolling back to his car.
Kirsty, Dale, Kirsten, Sadie and Alexi Pitts walk along the beach on the evening of July 8.
Kirsty, Dale, Kirsten, Sadie and Alexi Pitts walk along the beach on the evening of July 8.
Julie and Wesley Lopez pick up trash along the beach near the access point at 4001 Gulf of Mexico Drive, which they say they try to do every night while here on vacation.
Julie and Wesley Lopez pick up trash along the beach near the access point at 4001 Gulf of Mexico Drive, which they say they try to do every night while here on vacation.

 

Latest News

The city of Sarasota's Neighborhood Canopy Program provides 10- to 14-foot trees installed in front yards for $100 each.
  • June 30, 2026
City canopy tree program returns
A Sarasota County burn ban over the Fourth of July holiday means no using personal fireworks, although they are legal to purchase.
  • June 30, 2026
Sarasota's burn ban applies to personal fireworks, fire official says
Longboat Key Police Chief Russ Mager said he supports the three-year contract between the town and Southwest Florida Police Benevolent Association.
  • June 30, 2026
Police union contract approved by Longboat
Bradenton's JT White believes more focus needs to be put on human interaction rather than high use of technology.
  • June 30, 2026
School board candidate wants better tools for students

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content