Quote:
Longboat Key has labored long and hard to avoid the more overt, tourist-trap image that tarnishes so many of Florida's more densely populated coastal areas. Although one can still find typical chain hotels (Holiday Inn, Sheraton, etc.), most of the vacation accommodations consist of condos or small beach motel facilities reminiscent of thirty or forty years ago. The beach is several miles long and appears to have been recently renourished. The water is clear and, like most of the Gulf beaches, the surf is usually light and kid-friendly. Quick Tips: There's a terrific Publix supermarket across the main drag near the southern part of the island. It seems to specialize in wines, cheeses, salty s
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Quick Tips:
There's a terrific Publix supermarket across the main drag near the southern part of the island. It seems to specialize in wines, cheeses, salty snacks and all the other vacation-oriented items, as well as the usual grocery store fare.
If you're interested in some heavy duty shopping, take a drive south across the bridge to Lido Key and try St. Armand's Circle. Great shops, restaurants, and at least two terrific ice cream shops (including a Ben & Jerry's).
If the kids, or their parents, get tired of the beach scene, it's a short drive to Mote Marine Laboratory where you can see marine life and learn a lot about the local ecology.
Best Way To Get Around:
Driving is the only practical way to fully enjoy the pleasures of Longboat Key. There are taxis and some public transportation, but without wheels you are going to be spending a lot of time on the beach and in your room. Read Less