Longboat Key at a Glance
Longboat Key is a commercial oasis situated in a tropical paradise. Here you’ll find a superb selection of colourful shopping centres, exquisite restaurants, art galleries and fascinating museums.
Ideal for...
- Shopping: famous for its massive shopping centres and markets, Longboat Key is one of the best places in Florida for shops.
- Galleries: there is a strong artistic tradition here, and you will find the work of local artists displayed in the many galleries around the town.
- Beaches: Florida boasts some superb beaches, and Longboat Key would make a great base for anybody planning a beach holiday.
Shopping and Attractions on a Longboat Key Holiday
Right in the heat of Longboat Key, you’ll find the scenic promenade known as the Avenue of the Flowers. This is the place to go for shopping, and you’ll find a great range of outlets on offer – from designer boutiques, to big department stores.
- Alternatively, why not head to the nearby St Armands Circle? This designer shopping centre is one of the largest anywhere in Florida, and is famous around the world! Here you’ll find a number of fashion houses, boutique cafés, eclectic independent stores and some beautiful public gardens.
- Anyone with an interest in antiques ought to head straight for Pineapple Avenue. In this area you will discover a wealth of antique shops, which are great to browse through for interest, regardless of whether or not you actually intend to buy anything!
- If you have an interest in art, then you’re bound to be impressed by the local artistic community at Longboat Key. Known internationally as the Ringling School of Art, the area has spawned a number of acclaimed painters and sculptors.
- Along Palm Avenue you’ll find a good range of galleries, and on the first Friday of each month, the Palm Avenue Arts Alliance organises a fascinating ‘art walk’ – this guided tour around the town of Longboat Key will be an absolute must for anyone interested in learning more about the local art scene.
Nearby Places of Interest on a Longboat Key Holiday
There are a number of great excursions on offer in the area around Longboat Key and the closest of these would be to take a trip over the water to Sarasota. This peaceful community offers a welcoming social centre, where you’ll find interesting markets as well as a range of museums.
Alternatively, why not head along the coast to Palm Beach – this ever-popular resort boasts some of the best beaches anywhere in Florida, and is a hotbed of water sports!
For inspiration on places to stay on a Longboat Key holiday, check out 4 star Longboat Key hotels.
Find out more about holidays to America here.