Beer Can Island Beach

Longboat Key, FL

Beer Can Island beach is one of the most picturesque beaches in Florida. It’s also one of the most photographed! The beach is located at the very northern part of Longboat Key — an island located off of Sarasota. The beach is great because it’s beautiful, has an intensely natural setting, and is peaceful.

DRIFTWOOD SETTING

The main reason Beer Can Island beach is so unique is because of the numerous dead, weathered tree stumps that line the shoreline. In between the trees you can find small, private beaches or “mini coves” that offer great locations for families or couples. In addition, you’ll frequently, see people hang hammocks between the trees making it nirvana for nap-taking!

THE BEST DRIFTWOOD BEACHES IN FLORIDA

BEAUTIFUL SAND & WATER

The sand on all of Longboat Key is pretty much as good as it gets AND as good as the sand on Siesta Key — white and powdery. The main draw, of course, is the beautiful water. The water in this part of Florida has a tropical look to it and in the spring time, is normally incredibly clear. The gulf side of the beach offers small waves, calm conditions and minor current. As you move closer to the pass (inlet) the current intensifies, In addition, there are usually, a lot of boats beached in the pass so if you have small kids the gulf side beaches are ideal.

PARKING & FACILITIES

Parking is free and available alongside a section of one road leading to the beach. There are also some overflow parking spaces along another road around the corner. The Longboat Key police will ticket you for not parallel parking so be warned. In addition, there are no restrooms or showers and the walk to the beach is long. As a result, plan accordingly.

THE BEST FLORIDA BEACHES FOR CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER

SUMMARY

In summary, Beer Can Island beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida and one of only a handful that offer this kind of setting. Another similar beach is on Big Talbot Island in Jacksonville. You can read about that HERE. Beer Can Island is a great beach to visit if you’re in the Sarasota or Anna Maria Island area and makes an amazing “Lazy Location”.

UPDATE JUNE 2022: Beer Can Island beach has been totally changed. All the driftwood trees are gone and jetties have been constructed to stop erosion. The beach is still an amazing place to swim but the picturesque trees that lined the shoreline are now gone (sad). Also, the town of Longboat Key just designated the very inside of the pass a swim zone. Therefore, boats are no longer allowed to beach there.