To distract us from Christmas shopping chaos, multiple publications have been dishing out 2025 ‘where to go' articles like free samples at Costco!
Forbes is the latest to join the party; fashionably late if you ask me. There are some juicy goodies on their list of ‘Top 12 Destinations For 2025'.
While some are far-flung, and others mirror competitors' lists, there was one secret escape nobody seems to be recommending, and it's right here in the U.S. of A.
Florida will always be a hotspot, but even as popular as it is, there are still hidden gems being uncovered.
Next up to be unveiled is another white sand paradise amongst Southwest Florida's cluster of paradisal beach towns.
You probably know Sarasota, Clearwater, and Siesta Key, but chances are you've overlooked Longboat Key, Forbes' surprising recommendation to check out in 2025.
Longboat Key: 12 Miles of Unspoiled Gulf Coast
If you've heard of Longboat Key, it's likely the name rings a bell from a laundry list of beach towns affected by hurricanes this year.
While Longboat Key did see its fair share of flooded businesses and homes, Forbes believes the community's hard work has paid off, so this barrier island's 12-mile stretch of white sand beaches will be ready for the big stage in 2025.
Southwest Florida is no stranger to powerful storms, but it's also no stranger to offering some of the best beaches in the country.
Siesta Key and Clearwater have been in a dual year after year to claim the title of ‘America's Best Beach', but with some new life and love being poured into Longboat Key, it's not unreasonable for this little-known paradise to enter the chat.
Long held as a local's favorite hideaway, Longboat is set to become a new hotspot for outsiders traveling here for a relaxing vacation.
The New St. Regis: Longboat's Biggest Resort In 50 Years
If pristine white sand and clear water didn't sell you on Longboat, then perhaps the island's latest luxury development will.
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort opened its doors this summer, just a month before Hurricane Helene made landfall, followed by Hurricane Milton a couple of weeks after that.
If you thought Spain and Amsterdam were unwelcoming, don't mess with Mother Nature!
But, now that hurricane season is hibernating, St. Regis is ready to shine as Longboat's most exciting news in 50 years.
Rave reviews are pouring in, with the only stink-eyes being aimed at nightly rates and some reservation hiccups right after opening.
Full transparency: this resort is an East Coast destination with West Coast prices, but 5-star reviews keep comin' in hot.
One recent guest absolutely loved their stay, saying, ‘The beach was serene. Such a lovely beach bar there'.
Adding, ‘Relaxed in the oversized lounge chairs at the edge of the lawn before sunset and had a lobster roll and a drink overlooking the water. Food is next level amazing…'
Of course, 12 miles would be a heck of a beach stroll; the new St. Regis resort doesn't solely anchor Longboat Key.
According to TripAdvisor, these are travelers' 3 favorite resorts here:
- The Resort at Longboat Key Club
- Zota Beach Resort
- Turtle Crawl Inn Resort
What To Do & How To Get Here
Longboat Key is the ultimate place to unwind. Tucked away from the madness of city chaos on a 12-mile slice of paradise, you'll find ample places to relax – most notably the beach.
If there's a local favorite, it's gotta be Whitney Beach. Offering sugary white sand and vibrant blue waters, people love coming here for blissful days under the sun with a cold drink in hand or searching for sand dollars.
However, one beachgoer claimed Coquina Beach, just across the bridge on Anna Maria Island, was the ‘Best beach we have found in all the beach hopping we do', or you can go on an adventure to Beer Can Island, just as cool as it sounds.
There's also a variety of water activities available, such as parasailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, not to mention world-class spas at many hotels, such as top-rated Opal Spa.
Reaching Longboat is easy since there are 4 airports within 90 miles:
- Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) – 13 miles away
- Tampa International Airport (TPA) – 45 minutes away
- Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) – 50 minutes away; only served by Allegiant and Sun Country
- Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW): 90 minutes away
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.