Luxury waterfront home on Longboat Key
Area Guide

Longboat Key.

A 12-mile barrier island of luxury waterfront estates, championship golf, and serene beaches — the most refined address on Florida's Gulf Coast.

Overview

What makes Longboat Key special.

Longboat Key is a slender, 12-mile barrier island that stretches between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. It's one of the most exclusive and desirable residential addresses on Florida's west coast — a place where luxury waterfront homes, world-class golf, and quiet, pristine beaches create a lifestyle that's both elegant and relaxed.

The island is divided between Sarasota County (north end) and Manatee County (south end), and is home to roughly 8,000 full-time residents. During peak season (December–April), the population swells with seasonal residents who maintain some of the most beautiful waterfront properties in the state.

Unlike some barrier islands that cater primarily to tourists, Longboat Key is overwhelmingly residential. There are no high-rise hotels, no boardwalks, and no commercial strips. Instead, you'll find quiet residential streets, manicured landscaping, and a sense of privacy and exclusivity that's hard to find elsewhere.

Lifestyle & Amenities

  • The Longboat Key Club: A private resort and golf club with two championship courses, tennis courts, spa, dining, and marina facilities.
  • Beaches: Some of the widest, least crowded beaches in the Sarasota area. Perfect for morning walks, shell collecting, and watching sunsets.
  • Shopping & Dining: The Publix-anchored shopping center on the south end, along with the upscale shops and restaurants at St. Armands Circle just north of the island.
  • Marina & Boating: Multiple marinas and deep-water access make Longboat Key a boater's paradise. Gulf and bay access is immediate.
  • Nature: The island's northern end connects to Anna Maria Island via the Manatee Avenue bridge, and the surrounding waters are home to dolphins, manatees, and abundant birdlife.

Real Estate

Longboat Key real estate spans a wide range — from modest beachfront condos to multi-million-dollar estates with private docks and Gulf views. The market here is driven by waterfront proximity, views, and the quiet exclusivity that comes with island living.

Whether you're looking for a low-maintenance condo with Gulf views, a single-family home on the bay, or a luxury estate with every amenity, Longboat Key offers options for discerning buyers who value privacy, beauty, and access to the water.

Quick Facts
Length
12 miles
Counties
Sarasota & Manatee
Character
Residential, Luxury
Notable
Longboat Key Club
Known For
Waterfront Estates, Golf