On the heels of a top beach ranking for Siesta Key, Longboat Key is also gaining national recognition as a premier travel destination. Travel + Leisure named it the best island to visit in the South for 2025 and Forbes included it among its "Top 12 Travel Destinations for 2025"—placing the barrier island alongside global destinations like Amsterdam and the Maldives.

Despite last fall's hurricanes, which took a big toll on waterfront properties, forcing evacuations and leading to flooding, the island’s appeal persists. With its southern end in Sarasota County and its northern end in Manatee County, it boasts tranquil beaches, luxury accommodations and an overall laid-back atmosphere. The recent opening of the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, Marriott International's 9,000th property, has further elevated its profile. The St. Regis, which includes six restaurants,  a saltwater lagoon featuring a "wildlife experience," a spa partnership with La Mer and luxury condos, also set a local record with the most expensive real estate sale in Sarasota and Manatee counties—ever.

But the island's draw extends beyond its high-end resorts and million-dollar homes. The village of Longbeach was founded in 1885 and offers a rare glimpse of vanishing Old Florida, and the island is also home to the infamous and architecturally notable Ohana estate and "Waterslide House." Popular restaurants include Mar Vista, Maison Blanche, Whitney's, Shore, Euphemia Haye, Harry's Continental Kitchen and Longbeach Café. It's also the unlikely U.S. headquarters of the media platform Rumble. 

Despite its growing reputation, Longboat Key maintains a serene vibe that appeals to travelers seeking a quieter alternative to more crowded Florida destinations like Siesta and South Beach. and the island's With a mix of upscale amenities and natural beauty, the island continues to solidify its place on the map for both visitors and prospective homeowners in search of water views.