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Longboat Key is a stretch of 12 miles on Florida’s western coast, and is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico. It offers the beauty and scenery of the tropics, while keeping the economical family flavor of the beaches lining the Gulf Coast.

If you’re planning on visiting there, prepare for a relaxing trip that’s equally suitable for singles or families active outings. It neighbors Sarasota, and is considered as a place to get away from the larger cities to unwind, and enjoy natural beauty.

Here are some things to do while visiting Longboat Key either by yourself, or with your family:

Bayfront Park and Recreation Center: The center offers wholesome and affordable fun for all ages. The activities are focused on outdoor and sports activities such as basketball, shuffleboard, soccer, tennis, and softball. The activity center also offers various classes and structured activities at very affordable rates.

Beaches: As of this writing, the official Longboat Key website states that the beaches are free from tarballs due to the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. That means it’s safe to relax or frolic on the white coastal sands surrounded by beautiful aquamarine colored waters.

Beer Can Island: While you would think that with a name like this it Beer Can Island would be party central, Beer Can Island is actually pretty laid back and quiet. It’s a place to just hang with other boaters. It’s a family spot for sure. People like to sit back, and do some pole fishing at Greer Island Beach Park here also.

Arts and Cultural Attractions: There’s the Longboat Key Cutural Center, The Van Wesel Performing Arts Center. But did you know that there is also the Ringling Museum located there? That would be Ringling as in the famous circus family.

Golfing: Longboat key is known for its world renowned, 4 diamond golf courses. There are many resorts, and travel packages to attract golfers to this location.

Romantic Outings: With its post card-like coastlines, Longboat Key lends itself to romantic getaways, or just a romantic evening. Lovers can take in a show with their dinner on dinner cruises, or visit one of the many inns at Coquina Beach. There are a great range of restaurants that range in flavor from the southern-fried seafood variety, to international, and Caribbean inspired varieties.

Mote Aquarium: The draw for this aquarium is the stingray petting zoo! The stingers have been removed, and children can pet the stingrays in a safe, and fun environment. Heck, grown-ups can pet the stingrays if they want too! There are also many aquatic exhibits including sharks, along with a shark and whale hospital. There are child friendly programs where visitors can spend the night. This is a very progressive and exciting aquarium that will leave you awed.

When someone said that you can get a lot of bang for your buck, they must have been thinking about Longboat Key. While the land mass is small, there is an abundance of things to keep you quite occupied and happy. The prices are ridiculously economical for the choices of venues, and the sheer beauty of the place. You’d do yourself, or your family well to put Longboat Key on your list of places to visit.

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Source by Marc Rasmussen