Showcasing a remarkable number of habitats within a small footprint, Quick Point Nature Preserve offers a surprisingly diverse landscape.
A network of paved paths, natural trails, boardwalks, and sandy shoreline winds through mangrove wetlands, opening to scenic views across Sarasota Bay and the charming community of Longboat Key.
Sandy shorelineOne of the preserve’s most unique features is the starting boardwalk, which passes beneath John Ringling Parkway before following a seawall into the preserve.
Along the way, pass both a tidal lagoon and a man-made lagoon while keeping an eye out for wading birds and other coastal wildlife.
BoardwalkResources
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Overview
Location: Longboat Key
Length: 1 mile round trip
Trailhead: 27.334139, -82.583111 (Overlook Park), 27.336333, -82.585250 (North parking area)
Address: 100 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key
Recommended Parking Location: Overlook Park, 201 FL-789, Longboat Key
Fees: Free
Restroom: None
Land manager: Town of Longboat Key
Phone: 941-316-1999
Open daily 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Pets prohibited.
This exposed coastal preserve offers very little shade, can be buggy during mosquito season and experiences tidal fluctuations.
Although best accessed from Overlook Park, a small parking area with room for four vehicles is north of the preserve at the entrance to the water treatment plant.
Directions
From downtown Sarasota, follow John Ringling Boulevard (SR 789) west to St. Armands Circle. Continue north on Gulf of Mexico Drive (SR 789) across New Pass Bridge onto Longboat Key. Immediately after crossing the bridge, turn left into Overlook Park. The preserve trail begins by following the wooden boardwalk beneath the bridge.
Hike
From the south end of Overlook Park, head toward the water’s edge, where a wooden boardwalk winds beneath John Ringling Parkway.
It provides safe access to the preserve on the opposite side of the busy road. Emerging from beneath the bridge, follow the paved path along the seawall.
Peer into the clear waters for marine life while watching kayakers, paddleboarders, and boaters enjoy Sarasota Bay.
Inlet view from Overlook ParkAs the path rounds a corner to the right, a short wooden walkway connects to additional paved paths. Here, a charming three-sided kiosk officially welcomes you to the preserve.
Continue past the kiosk, leaving the pavement behind as a well-worn sandy trail leads deeper into the preserve, closely following the shoreline on your right.
This small stretch of beach is a popular place for visitors to relax, sunbathe, or enjoy the water.
Information kioskFarther along, the sandy trail splits around a small island of vegetation.
While the wider path to the left appears to provide access for maintenance vehicles, the narrower trail to the right is the more natural choice for hikers.
Both routes rejoin after a short distance. A handful of social trails offer direct views of the bay.
Narrow trailContinue along the sandy pathway until a wooden boardwalk appears,, branching sharply right then quickly curving through a striking milky blue lagoon.
While the opaque water conceals what lies beneath, fish frequently break the surface, revealing the life hidden below.
Watch the shoreline for herons and other wading birds patiently stalk the shallows in search of their next meal.
Blue lagoonThe familiar sandy trail resumes once the boardwalk ends, quickly narrowing as the surrounding vegetation becomes denser.
On your left, another boardwalk leads to a small pier overlooking the preserve’s natural lagoon.
The water appears darker and murkier than the nearby man-made lagoon, giving it a distinctly different character.
Interpretive signage explains the lagoon’s natural features, and two benches provide a quiet place to pause and take in the view.
Natural lagoonReturn to the main trail and bear left. Along the shoreline are well-worn access points where kayakers and wildlife frequently enter and leave the water.
Depending on the tide, a series of small wooden bridges carries you over shallow lagoon channels that may be dry at low tide.
Ahead, a short boardwalk branches left to a shaded cove nestled among the mangroves, offering a peaceful place to sit.
Another boardwalk continues to the right, with a short spur leading to an overlook with two benches and scenic views across Sarasota Bay.
Bayside benchesThis longer stretch of boardwalk eventually reconnects with the sandy trail. Interpretive signage highlights the surrounding upland habitat while open views of the bay stretch out to your right.
Reach he preserve’s final boardwalk. Narrower than the others, it winds through a tunnel of mangroves before emerging at the Sarasota Bay Overlook.
Mangrove boardwalkThis is a popular spot for fishing, birdwatching, and simply enjoying the view.
On clear days, the blue waters of Sarasota Bay provide excellent visibility. It’s not uncommon to see impressive boats anchored offshore.
Two additional benches offer a final place to relax before retracing the hike in reverse back to where you started.
View from the pierTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
Hiking Quick Point Nature Preserve
Nearby Adventures
Joan M. Durante Community Park A bayfront park on Longboat Key with boardwalks meandering through mangrove forests plus wide shell paths traversing a native upland hammock. 
Marie Selby Gardens Most notable for its collection of more than 6,000 orchids, Marie Selby Gardens is a must-see for those who love tropical plants, especially epiphtyes. 
Pinecraft Park Along the east side of Phillippi Creek within the historic Amish enclave of Pinecraft in Sarasota, Pinecraft Park blends nature and recreation.
Phillippi Estate Park A historic mansion and farmhouse anchor this 60-acre county park with paddler access to Phillippi Creek, fishing piers, and shell paths along a coastal hammock.
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