Longboat Key

Longboat Key

Almost a city unto itself, Longboat Key is one of the only barrier islands in the Sarasota area without direct access to the mainland, which makes it a perfect refuge for residents and visitors who desire seclusion without sacrifice. Drive over the bridge from Lido Key in the south, or from Anna Maria Island in the north, and you'll discover an elegant tropical setting that offers every amenity you can imagine.

Because it is both a vacation destination and a haven for year-round residents, Longboat Key has a unique character. Resort hotels and luxury condominiums line the beachfront along Longboat Key's western shore, while the eastern side is dotted with residential neighborhoods where a quaint, historic cottage might sit next to a mansion. The island hosts an outpost of Sarasota's Ringling College of Art and Design, where you can brush up on your art history or perfect your photography, while down the street are two world-class tennis facilities, all within a stone's throw of the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Besides tennis, Longboat Key offers extensive opportunities for active visitors. There are 45 holes of golf that stretch from Sarasota Bay to the Gulf of Mexico, making Longboat the only island in the area with more than a putting green. Beach activities range from parasailing -- floating gently in a parachute 100 feet above the water -- to more energetic activities like windsurfing or kayaking. Of course, there are always powerboats and jet skis if you have a need for speed.

And, after an active day walking the fairways or paddling in the bay, you deserve an exceptional meal. There are dozens of restaurants along the island's 10-mile run, from resort dining rooms serving decadent cuisine just steps from the beach to dockside fish houses that specialize in grouper sandwiches for hungry boaters, and almost everything in between. Some of the finest restaurants in Sarasota -- and even Florida -- are located on Longboat Key, many with decades of tasty food under their belts. You can feast on modern French cuisine, marvel at the view across Sarasota Bay as you nosh on Asian-fusion dishes, or dine on a world-famous duck recipe in a rambling converted house.

With so many things to do, you might forget to just relax on Longboat Key's beautiful white sand beaches, soak up the warm Sarasota sun, and take a dip in the clear waters of the Gulf. Somehow, though, we think you'll be able to squeeze that into your schedule.