About the neighborhood
Discover the Quiet Side of Longboat Key
Escape to the peaceful St. Judes area of Longboat Key, where relaxed island living meets easy access to beautiful Gulf beaches, Sarasota Bay, boating, fishing, and some of the area's best restaurants.
Located along the heart of Longboat Key, St. Judes offers a quieter residential atmosphere away from the larger resort communities while keeping you close to everything you came to Florida to enjoy. Spend your mornings on the beach, afternoons exploring the waterways, and evenings enjoying fresh seafood and sunset cocktails.
The neighborhood is ideally positioned between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay, giving outdoor enthusiasts easy access to swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, boating, and wildlife watching. The mature landscaping and established island homes create a relaxed Old Florida atmosphere that makes it easy to slow down and enjoy your surroundings.
When you're ready to dine, you'll find several popular Longboat Key restaurants nearby, including local favorites along Gulf of Mexico Drive and St. Judes Drive. For more shopping, dining, nightlife, and entertainment, head south to St. Armands Circle and Sarasota or north toward Anna Maria Island. Take a short walk to local dining establishments (deli, breakfast and lunch spots).
Whether you're looking for a peaceful beach vacation, a boating getaway, a romantic escape, or an extended stay on Florida's Gulf Coast, St. Judes offers an ideal Longboat Key location—quiet, convenient, and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Gulf and Sarasota Bay.
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Getting around
Getting Around Longboat Key from St. Judes Way
Staying around St. Judes Dr puts you in a peaceful, residential section of Longboat Key with easy access to the island's beaches, restaurants, parks, shopping, and Sarasota. The easiest way to explore is by car, but Longboat Key is also very bike-friendly and has several alternative transportation options.
By Car
Gulf of Mexico Drive (SR 789) is the main road running the length of Longboat Key, making it easy to travel north toward Anna Maria Island or south toward Lido Key, St. Armands Circle, and Sarasota.
From the St. Judes area, most island restaurants, beaches, marinas, and shopping areas are a short drive away. A car is particularly useful for exploring beyond Longboat Key, including downtown Sarasota, Siesta Key, and the surrounding Gulf Coast.
Biking is one of the best ways to experience Longboat Key. A designated bicycle path runs along much of the island, providing a scenic way to reach beaches, restaurants, parks, and other attractions.
For guests who don't bring bikes, Backyard Bike Shop on Gulf of Mexico Drive offers bicycle rentals and repairs. Delivery-based e-bike rentals are also available from companies serving Longboat Key.
Breeze OnDemand
For guests who don't want to drive, Breeze OnDemand provides curb-to-curb shared transportation throughout the Lido Key/Longboat Key/Downtown Sarasota service zone. Rides can be booked through the Breeze OnDemand app, and the service is designed for convenient trips around the area.
This can be especially handy for going to dinner, shopping, or visiting downtown Sarasota without worrying about parking.
Taxi & Private Transportation
For airport transportation, evening dinners, or trips when you'd rather leave the car behind, local private transportation is another option. Longboat Key Limo serves Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Sarasota and offers pre-arranged transportation.
Explore by Water
Longboat Key is also an excellent base for exploring the Gulf and surrounding waterways. Boat rentals, fishing excursions, kayaking, and paddleboarding are all available nearby. Ingman Marine at Cannons Marina Boat Sales & Rentals is a convenient option for boat rentals on Longboat Key.
Easy Access to Sarasota & Anna Maria Island
The location is particularly convenient because Longboat Key sits between Sarasota and Anna Maria Island. Head south for:
* St. Armands Circle
* Lido Beach
* Downtown Sarasota
* Sarasota Bay waterfront
* Restaurants, galleries, shopping and entertainment
Head north for:
* Longboat Pass
* Coquina Beach
* Bradenton Beach
* Anna Maria Island
* Gulf beaches and waterfront restaurants
Guest-Friendly Vacation Rental Version
Getting Around
St. Judes Way is located in a peaceful residential area of Longboat Key, making it easy to enjoy the island at your own pace. Gulf of Mexico Drive runs the length of the island, providing convenient access to beaches, restaurants, shopping, marinas, and parks.
Biking is a great way to explore Longboat Key, with a dedicated bike path offering a scenic route along the island. Bikes and e-bikes can be rented locally, with some companies offering convenient delivery directly to your vacation rental.
If you'd rather leave the car behind, Breeze OnDemand provides curb-to-curb transportation throughout Longboat Key, Lido Key, and downtown Sarasota. Simply book a ride through the service's app and enjoy an easy trip without worrying about parking.
A car is recommended for exploring the greater Sarasota area, but once you're on Longboat Key, it's easy to slow down and enjoy the island lifestyle—ride a bike to the beach, stop for lunch along Gulf of Mexico Drive, explore the waterways, or head south to St. Armands and Sarasota for an evening out.
From St. Judes Way, you're perfectly positioned to experience both the relaxed charm of Longboat Key and the beaches, dining, shopping, and attractions of Sarasota and Anna Maria Island.
There is private, deeded beach access across the street within walking distance of the condo.
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