My parents rented a place in Longboat Key, Florida for a few weeks and we paid them a visit. It was SO relaxing and took full advantage of their direct pool and beach access from sunrise to sundown.
outfit details: dress, wedge sandals, coral basket handbag, sunglasses – all c/o J.McLaughlin // Sarah Bray hat
Longboat Key (AKA LBK) is a small island right off of Sarasota on the Gulfside of Florida. Despite it’s name, it is not part of the Florida Keys. We’ve been before and we love how it’s off the beaten path but also just twenty minutes from bustling Sarasota.
I got asked by quite a few of you where to go, what to do and what to wear in the LBK/Sarasota area, so sharing our favorites below.
What To Wear
If you’re by the ocean, always prepare to be hot and cold at any moment. So think cute jackets, long dresses with light material and multiple pieces that allow you to layer.
I ended up wearing this relaxed beach-y J.McLaughlin dress THREE out of the five nights. It was the only cute, long item I packed with sleeves, but still light and airy for the day. This coral handle basket bag is just DARLING. You have to admit it’s the most perfect beach vacation handbag ever. I also can’t recommend these wedges enough. Comfortable, slimming and dressy enough for a fancy night out! J.McLaughlin also has a fabulous selection of sunglasses.
ABSOLUTELY get on the pre-order list for THESE bamboo styled frames. MY LORD. SO CHIC. This quilted denim jacket is FLYING off the shelves {great for cool springs too}. And a big fat YES to these sandals that come in lots of colors. Lots of cute options at the bottom of this post too!
Where To Eat
Harry’s // a must for brunch. Their bacon bloody Mary’s are divine and their coffee is from Wisconsin.
Whitney’s // shown here! Come for late morning donuts and iced coffees. My parents raved about their oyster and frosé happy hour after we left.
Zota Beach Club // a new swanky hotel on the island. Get lunch at the pool or dinner on the balcony. This was right by where we stayed so we walked over here a couple times.
The Shore // a hot dinner spot. Be sure to go to the one in LBK. Perfect spot for date night. My parents watched P while Sean and I went here for our anniversary dinner.
Tide Tables // a super casual lunch spot on the water. Fresh fish and seafood is dropped off every morning and it’s so delicious! Get the fried fish bites with a Corona lite.
Libby’s // located in Sarasota, this trendy establishment is perfect for lunch, brunch and dinner. Open air and outdoor seating. Has a great vibe with great food.
Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant + Ice Cream at Kilwin’s // in the lively St. Armand’s Circle of Sarasota, these two spots are conveniently right next to each other. I feel like ice cream is a tradition on vacation and the key lime martinis at TB’s are vacation in a glass.
Indigenous // I unfortunately didn’t get here but recommended to me by Amy Stone (who’s parents live here). A farm to table restaurant located in Sarasota.
Catered Dining On The Beach // I mean…how fabulous does this look! Another thing I wanted to do but just not enough time.
What To Do
Mote Aquarium // We took Penelope here and she especially loved the hands on interactions. Touch starfish, sea urchins, slipper lobsters, stingrays and more. BE sure to make a reservation ahead. TIP: If you buy a season pass, you can take advantage of reciprocity in your home state. Now we can to go to Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium whenever we want and it paid for itself. PLUS it was MUCH cheaper than a season pass at the She’d.
Walk To Parks // walks on the beach are a given, but my mom and I would walk Penelope every morning to a park. Joan M Durante Community Park has a great playground but there are many others. I’d do whatever is closest.
Tennis // my mom is a tennis lover and easily set up matches her entire stay. There are courts all over, just get your name on the list.
Ringling Art Museum // this area is where the Ringling Brothers’ Circus is from. I have never been here but have been told it’s worth going.
Selby Botanical Gardens // supposed to be GORGEOUS and another recommendation from Amy Stone.
Pick Fresh Florida Oranges Straight From the Groves // my parents have done this before and said it’s SO MUCH FUN. There are a few groves in the area, so do your own research to try the best one for you (time of year and location play a factor into which one is best, when). We sadly didn’t get to take Penelope but NEXT time it’s happening.
Shopping At J.McLaughlin // once you have a tan going or realize you forgot something, be sure to swing over to J.McLaughlin for a little vacation treat. They have a brick and mortar on Longboat Key and they always have the CUTEST stuff. J.McLaughlin has a great local guide to LBK too which I wish I would have found before we left.
A huge thanks to J.McLaughlin for sponsoring this post! A brand I adore, buy and recommend to friends and family alllll the time!
