Beer Can Island Beach, Longboat Key

Also known as Greer Island Park, this hooked spit graces the northern tip of Longboat Key and borders Longboat Pass. It was formed by tidal forces and waves and offers a quiet, undeveloped shoreline enjoyed by both people and wildlife. Over the years, the forces of nature have eroded portions of the beach, toppling some of the Australian pines that once shaded the beach. Now the huge trunks and root systems create a photogenic landscape of fallen and weathered trees.

Beer Can Island is a great beach for anyone looking for a quieter experience, or who just wants to take an interesting nature walk. People often anchor their boats off the beach and wade ashore, and fishers find it a great location to cast a line. No restroom or snack bar is provided, so bring your own refreshments.

Get the Inside Scoop About Beer Can Island

There are two public access points with parking that serve Beer Can Island. The closest is just south of the Longboat Key Bridge (the bridge that connects Longboat Key to Anna Maria Island). Take North Shore Road toward the beach and you'll see parallel parking along the street with signage indicating any restrictions. Walk north on the beach and you're on Beer Can Island! It's about a 1,500 foot walk to Longboat Pass from North Shore Road.

A larger public parking area is located a few blocks south on Broadway Street. A long boardwalk leads out to the brilliant white sand beach. This beach is also known as Whitney Beach and is very popular, though it does not have restrooms or a snack bar. From the Broadway access at Whitney Beach you are about half a mile from Longboat Pass. You can also walk south on the beach for several miles.

The Beer Can Island area represents about three-quarters of a mile of white sand beach that wraps around the tip of Longboat Key and ends at the Longboat Key Bridge. If you like birds, bring your camera or binoculars because you'll see plenty of shorebirds.

Where to Eat and Sleep Near Beer Can Island Beach

Here on the northern end of Longboat Key you have several top-notch restaurants to pick from. The Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Moore's Stone Crab are both waterfront restaurants, or for some Italian and pizza, go for the nearby Bayou Tavern. The hotels and resorts are further south on Longboat Key. In the immediate area of Beer Can Island and Whitney Beach there are plenty of rental condominiums available both on and off the beach

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