A weekend guide to Longboat Key with the best places to eat, see and do on Florida’s West Coast. Enjoy a stay at Zota Beach Resort, dine at Viento Kitchen and Bar, relax on powder-soft beaches, visit Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and explore nearby attractions.
Longboat Key is a relaxed barrier island near Sarasota, Florida, ideal for a weekend getaway, winter escape or summer vacation. With soft white sand, calm turquoise water and easy access from nearby airports, it’s a convenient destination year-round. This guide highlights my favorite stays, restaurants and activities so you can plan a memorable short trip to the Gulf Coast.
Where to stay in Longboat Key, Florida
Zota Beach Resort is a modern boutique property located directly on Longboat Key’s powder-soft beach. Centrally positioned on the island, the resort suits couples, families and solo travelers. Rooms are comfortable and well-appointed; many suites include separate living areas, which is convenient for families or longer stays. The pillow-top mattresses and linens made the beds especially comfortable during my visit.
The resort reopened after a significant renovation and added an 84-room tower, delivering fresh design and modern amenities. Beach services, a poolside bar and private cabanas provide comfortable options for lounging and group gatherings. Water activities such as paddleboarding and kayaking are easy to arrange, and shopping, dining and entertainment in nearby Sarasota are a short drive away.
Where to dine in Longboat Key, Florida
Dining at Zota is convenient and delicious. Viento Kitchen and Bar, located on the property, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with a menu influenced by Florida, Caribbean and Mediterranean flavors. Outdoor patio seating is great for enjoying gulf breezes and sunsets. For lighter poolside fare, Cascades Poolside Bar serves casual refreshments.
Standout dishes I enjoyed include the Greek Flatbread, Smoked Salmon and Roy’s Hash at breakfast. For dinner, the Maine Lobster Slider, scallops and lamb chops were memorable. The dessert menu balances indulgent treats like Key Lime Pie and gelato with lighter options such as the Viento Parfait and Sunrise Bowl.
Beyond the resort, Longboat Key and nearby Sarasota offer many restaurants. During my visit I stopped at Dry Dock Waterfront Grill for a lobster roll and fresh fish with a great view of Sarasota Bay. A single weekend won’t cover all the food options, so consider returning to try more local favorites.
What to do in Longboat Key, Florida
Outdoor water adventures
One of Longboat Key’s best draws is its easy access to water activities. The calm gulf waters are perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking. Rentals and guided tours make it simple to explore, and wildlife sightings—dolphins and sometimes manatees—are common from the shoreline and on the water.
Visit The Ringling
The Ringling is a top cultural destination near Longboat Key. The complex includes fine art galleries, a circus museum chronicling the Ringling family’s legacy, and a historic bayfront estate with extensive gardens. It’s a peaceful afternoon of art, history and scenic walks.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens sits on Sarasota Bay and offers lush tropical plant collections and waterfront views. The Children’s Rainforest Garden is an engaging, interactive space for young visitors. The gardens are an easy and calming stop between beach time and other activities.
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium combines public exhibits with active scientific research. The aquarium is family-friendly and provides close-up experiences with marine life and viewable labs where visitors can learn about current conservation work.
Bayfront Park and outdoor relaxation
Bayfront Park is a quiet spot on Longboat Key with a walking path, playground, fishing piers, dog park, kayak launch and first-come, first-served tennis courts. It’s an easy place for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful morning by the water. The public parking area is located at 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive.
Sunset watching
The Gulf Coast is famous for spectacular sunsets, and Longboat Key offers reliable evening displays. Find a comfortable beach spot or a beachfront restaurant patio to watch the sky change color as the sun sets over the Gulf.
If you visit Longboat Key, share your photos and tag @SpoonfulFlavor and #SpoonfulTravel so I can see your trip highlights.
Zota Beach Resort and Visit Sarasota hosted part of our stay. All opinions are my own.