From coast to coast, the best islands in the Continental U.S. attract all types of travelers, but readers seem to have a soft spot for the eastern seaboard — especially when it comes to Florida, which lays claim to five of the top islands.
Travel and Leisure magazine readers recently ranked Longboat Key as the No. 5 best island in the U.S. in its 2021 “World’s Best” awards.
Longboat Key features an elegant tropical setting with 12 miles of beaches, waterfront golf courses and every amenity you can imagine. Longboat Key has a wide assortment of open-air sports. There’s hiking and bicycling along Gulf of Mexico Drive. Watersports on the turquoise waters of the gulf of Mexico. There are 10 miles of paved bicycle paths, birding opportunities, wetlands and coastal hammocks to explore. If relaxed beach combing is more your speed, you can soak up the sun along the fine quartz sand beaches. The shores are plentiful with dolphin and manatee sightings all year long.
Other Florida islands that made the list: Amelia Island (No. 3), the Florida Keys (No. 10), Captiva Island (No. 11), and Sanibel Island (No. 13).
Every year for the World’s Best Awards survey, Travel and Leisure magazine asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value.
Longboat Key Luxury Real Estate
The Laughlin Tanner Group specializes in Longboat Key luxury real estate in Sarasota, Florida: