With stunning beaches and a beautiful natural landscape, Longboat Key's outdoors beg for your attention. Here's a must-do, go-to guide to getting out of doors on Longboat Key, from fishing charters to hunting for shells.

Fishing charters
Fishing is a lot more fun when you know where the fish are, so hire a charter and don't let the big one get away. Two to try are Longboat Charters and Wolfmouth Charters.

Canoeing and kayaking
On the water, you’ll find tropical, peaceful outings around Longboat Key. The bay side is great for a newbie, while the gulf side of the island has more challenging excursions for the seasoned paddler. Check out Native Rentals or Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures.

Sightseeing charters
Hopping on a sightseeing boat is one of the greatest ways to see all of the island and its surrounding areas. Captain Kim's Charters is well-known in the area and offers a variety of tours, from dolphin watches to hands-on ecological excursions.

On a Segway
Who cares if you look like a tourist? Riding a Segway with a guide will give you a whole perspective on the area – plus some new knowledge to go with it. Call Segs by the Sea (941-209-5970).

On two wheels
Peaceful, easy and fun – isn't that how you want your visit to be? Rent a bike or scooter and ride your way up and down the key, or even over the bridge onto Anna Maria Island to the north. Fun and More Rentals rents golf carts and bicycles for the whole family (including the baby) and can deliver to your door. Island Scooter Rentals on Anna Maria Island offers scooter and bicycle rentals.

Park it up
One of the few remaining vacant lots on the island, Joan M. Durante Park is a restored wetland and coastal hammock forest. Walk the scenic boardwalk and view native vegetation.

Adventurous water sports
Low-key not your thing? Kick it up a notch with kite surfing, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking from Island Style Watersports. It's one of the original outfitters offering certified instruction in the area. After just a few classes, you'll be ready to take to – er, over – the water. For almost anything else, from skimboards to snorkel rentals, contact the above-mentioned Fun and More Rentals.

Golf
The views really don't get any better than at Longboat Key Club. The Harbourside and Islandside courses – bordering Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, respectively – are ranked among the country's best, and the resort has a Four Diamond rating from AAA.

Beer Can Island
A favorite spot for fishing, sunbathing and partying (hence the name), Beer Can Island is accessible by boat or, if timed correctly, on foot. You can wade out to it at low tide from Whitney Beach at Longboat's north end, but don't forget to head back before the tide comes back in.

Beaches and shelling
Or just keep it simple. Don't rent anything, don't charter anything, don't use any vehicles. Simply take a long walk along the powder-white sands of Longboat Key and feel a million miles away from the rat race. Pick up a few shells as a reminder of your visit.