The white sandy beaches of Longboat Key stretch for 11 miles along the Florida’s west coast. The trip along Longboat Key’s Gulf of Mexico Drive is one of the most beautiful beach roads in Florida.

Tall palms and flowering tropical plants line well-groomed streets that lead to world-class restaurants and resorts, elegant condominiums and spectacular houses.

Adventurous beach-goers might want to visit Beer Can Island, also known as Greer Island. Located at Longboat’s northern tip, this peninsula has 2,000 feet of primitive, sandy beach accessible by shallow draft boat. Visitors may walk to the island at low tide, but must remember to walk back to the mainland before sea waters rush in on the returning high tide.

For other public entries, look for blue and white “Beach Access” signs, or ask locals to direct you to Neptune Avenue Beach or Mayfield Street Beach. These are areas off the beaten path where visitors can discover their own piece of beachfront paradise. From manicured to secluded, there’s a beach for everyone on Longboat Key.