This year, when the day came to take our annual family photo, we knew we wanted a backdrop that only Longboat Key could provide – sand dunes, sea oats, a sugar-white shoreline and azure waters that all pop in the golden glow of sunset.

What we didn't anticipate was that others would have the same idea. On photo day, the small parking lot at Whitney Beach was filled with other families longing to capture the magic of this special spot on Southwest Florida's Gulf coast.

You see, this wildly beautiful barrier island spoke to me and my husband years ago on a weekend getaway. You might even say that it beckoned us to move to paradise. We did. And like others who made the same life-changing decision, we continue to appreciate our surroundings on a daily basis.
The season brings some special reasons to luxuriate on Longboat Key.


It's Only Natural

Turns out, Whitney Beach, with its limited public access and deliberate lack of facilities, is a coveted spot by nature lovers just like us. Greer or "Beer Can" Island is another. Located at the northern tip of Longboat Key, this secluded peninsula is a popular stop for boaters, has an expansive beach and offers excellent shelling and fishing.

No boat? No problem. Call Captain Kim's Charters for adventures in sandbar hopping, snorkeling, eco-tours or fishing. For an up close and personal look at native sea life, visit Mote Marine Aquarium farther south.

Conrad Beach is a charming beach community laden with greenways, pedestrian-friendly paths and homes built in Old Florida style. Inspired by Seaside (Northwest Florida), it's a shining example of sustainable urbanism. The 32-acre Joan M. Durante Park has nature trails, boardwalks and a preserve where wildlife flourishes. The bayfront park is a birder's paradise; look for herons, warblers, egrets and more.

Location, Location, Location

Longboat Key is located north of St. Armands and Lido Key and south of Anna Maria Island. Just ten and a half miles long and narrow enough to present both Gulf and Bay views, it's a favorite for bicyclers and inline skaters.

It's also ideal for finding scenic accommodations with ease. From beachfront to bayfront there's everything from quaint cottages, such as those at Rolling Waves Beach Cottages (where we often stay with our dogs), to the luxurious Hilton Longboat Key Beachfront Resort. Among the Hilton's many distinctions is its Green Lodging Certification from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Crab Claws to Caviar

You could eat your way through Longboat and not have anything but award-winning fare. Even the most laid-back restaurants serve up fresh, quality food. Mar Vista Dockside specializes in bounties from the sea; try the Longbeach Bouillabaisse, brimming with fish, shrimp, mussels and crab. They also grill up a great burger. The legendary Euphemia Haye has garnered numerous accolades for its inspired gourmet cuisine. Harry's Continental Kitchens is another winner, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, gourmet takeout and catering. Dine on a Florida icon mid-October to mid-May during stone crab season, when the succulent claws are ubiquitous in area eateries.

Singular Treasures

Longboat Key is discretely dotted with shops selling casual beachwear, jewelry and haute couture. St. Armands Circle, a European-style shopping enclave adjacent to Longboat is sheer sensory overload. From artwork and jewelry to home and garden décor and clothing, you'll find everything from one-of-a-kind finds to designer brands.

Autumnal Pleasures

In other parts of the country and even the state, fall signals the emergence of brilliant colors. Longboat Key's perennial beauty is naturally lauded year 'round. However, the season brings some special reasons to luxuriate on Longboat. Besides temperate sunny days and refreshingly brisk nights, room rates plummet, crowds are nonexistent and getting into your favorite restaurants is a breeze.

While we've enjoyed our world travels, we love where we live and know what we've got right here at home. For us, "staycation" is not just a buzz word. It's a privilege.

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To plan your Longboat Key getaway, call 941-383-2866 or visit www.longboatkeychamber.com.