Longboat Key, Florida Beaches

Map

Longboat Key's beach is lined with private homes, condominiums and rental properties that limit public access to the beach. There are a number of public beach access points on Longboat Key leading to the Gulf of Mexico beaches. There are 12 beach access points on Gulf of Mexico Dr.. None of the public beach access points have any facilities such as bathrooms, concessions or lifeguards. Although, there are restrooms at Bayfront Park parking area.

Unlike public beaches in Sarasota County, the Town of Longboat Key prohibits alcohol on the beach.

As you travel along Gulf of Mexico Dr. on Longboat Key, keep an eye out for the blue and white beach access signs along the side of the road. Some of the access points offer parking at the beach access point while others on Longboat Key offer parking nearby.

The beach is very natural and some of the access points are more secluded making it ideal for a beach picnic. Keep in mind the lack of public facilities when you plan your visit. There are shops and restaurants nearby and a large Publix supermarket at 525 Bay Isles Rd. The sand on Longboat Key is not the same fine white powder you find on Siesta Key as well. It is a more dark and granular variety. However, if you are interested in collecting seashells, they are easier to find along Longboat Key. With a mask and snorkel, it is also very easy to find sand dollars sticking out of the sand just a little ways offshore.

Longboat Key Beach Access Points

  • 2825 Gulf of Mexico Dr.
    Parking available at Town Hall (501 Bay Isles Rd.)
  • 3175 Gulf of Mexico Dr.
    Parking available on site
  • 3355 Gulf of Mexico Dr.
    Parking available on site
  • 3495 Gulf of Mexico Dr.
    Handicap Accessible on site, also parking across street
  • 4001 Gulf of Mexico Dr.
    Parking available at Bayfront Park (4052 GMD)
  • 4711 Gulf of Mexico Dr.
    Handicap Accessible parking on site
  • 4795 Gulf of Mexico Dr.
    Handicap Accessible parking on site
  • 6399 Gulfside Road
    Parking available at General Harris Street
  • 6847 Gulf of Mexico Dr.
    Parking available at Broadway Access
  • 100 Broadway St.
    Handicap Accessible parking on site
  • 7055 Seabreeze Ave.
    No parking available
  • 100 North Shore Road
    Parking available on site

Beach Access Map - Longboat Key

Prohibited Activities

Click for Longboat Key beach rules full size image

Longboat Key ordinances prohibit the following at the beach and beach access:
 

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Fires (other than fires for cooking purposes contained in a grill or stove)
  • Golf, including chip and putt.
  • Launch a motorized vessel
  • Overnight camping
  • Pets (other than service animals)
  • Promotional or commercial activities
  • Removal of any plants or animals
  • Special events (without a permit)

In addition, all public beaches and beach access are closed from 11:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. unless otherwise marked by signage.

For the complete list of LBK town ordinances, visit Municode.

Coquina Beach - Bradenton Beach

Just off the northern tip of Longboat Key across the drawbridge is the island of Anna Maria and the town of Bradenton Beach and its Coquina Beach. Coquina Beach is approximately 1.5 miles long and offers typical amenities for beachgoers.
 

Directly adjacent to the public beach is a very large picnic area, making Coquina Beach very popular for families and weekend barbeques. The beach also offers a number of pavilions that are available for rent for private parties.

Like Longboat Key, alcoholic beverages are prohibited on Manatee County public beaches. Pets are also prohibited at Coquina Beach.

Coquina Beach Amenities

  • Bike Racks
  • Concessions
  • Grills
  • Multi-Purpose Trail (paved)
  • Pavilions
  • Picnic Tables
  • Playgrounds
  • Rest Rooms
  • Shower
  • Trolley Stop
  • Volleyball (sand)

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