Lido Key hugs the Gulf of Mexico and sits cozily out in its waters, a short drive from downtown Sarasota. This reserved and picturesque barrier island offers a pleasant change of scenery and a fantastic array of both manmade and natural attractions for its small size when you book your Lido Key vacation rental.
Lido Key and nearby St. Armand’s Circle are filled with plenty of things to do to keep you busy and energized. Below are five of them to explore while visiting this little island getaway.
Hit Lido Key Beach
Location: 400 Benjamin Franklin Dr, Sarasota, FL
Lido Beach is the quieter alternative to Siesta Beach but with similar powdery white sands and amenities. This family-focused beach offers play areas for the kids and picnic tables so everyone can eat and snack away.
If you forgot to bring a few snacks for the afternoon, stop by the nearby concession stand or get a souvenir at the gift shop.
Lido Beach is the island’s premier beach haven although there are other beach access points. If you want a break from the gulf water, you can even take a dip in the swimming pool. The beach is located next to some of our most spectacular luxury homes on Lido Key.
Kayak South Lido County Park
Location: 2201 Benjamin Franklin Dr, Sarasota, FL
The mangroves grow in abundance in this off-the-radar park on Lido Key – a highly popular kayaking destination and an ideal spot for manatee and dolphin sightings.
It is also home to some spectacular bird species, such as the local osprey, heron, and snowy egrets during the migratory season.
The kayak tours are ideal for all ages, as there are tandem kayaks available and the waters are warm, calm and usually very clear for excellent viewing of the marine life underneath.
Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures (100 Taft Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236) is located on the island and is your opportunity to explore the waterways up close and personal.
Visit the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
Location: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL
The nearby Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is tucked away on City Island on the northern tip of Lido Key, and it is run by world-class marine experts. These include sharks, manatees, stone crabs, sea turtles, and nearly 100 other sea species.
The shark exhibit is a main attraction. The aquarium also displays local art galleries in support of the local wildlife. The work of the Sea Debris Gallery was built using items found washed up off the local shores of Lido Key and the surrounding communities.
It’s easy to spend a full day or more here and it is family-friendly and educational for all ages. The hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.
Walk St. Armands Circle
St. Armands Circle is right next door to Lido Key, and it is the center of the action- a historic tourist destination that features all the finest in local art, boutique shopping, and seafood dining.
Around this little circular island, you can explore intriguing top-rated international and American cuisine destinations such as Le Colonne Restaurant, the Crab & Fin, Café L’Europe, Blu Kouzina, Fudge Factory, Le Macaron French bakery, and much more.
Though you can walk the circular street in just minutes, visiting the attractions and activities around the circle can easily take up many weekends.
Take a Culinary Tour of St. Armands Circle
Location: 301 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236
Confused on where to start your dining experience on nearby St. Armand’s Circle? Key Culinary Tours is your shot at getting a thorough introduction to everything cuisine-related there.
Take a three-hour tour to enjoy samples at an array of popular restaurants on St. Armands Circle. A few different tour options are available:
The St. Armands Circle Stroll & Taste Tour starts at 11:00 a.m. and ends at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and offers a select taste of some of the finest restaurants on the circle along with details about the unique history of the area.
The Savor St. Armands Tour starts at 3:00 p.m. and ends at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and includes a different selection of restaurants, with similar details about the local history and architecture.
Our luxury Lido Key vacation rentals bring you the finest gulf views, cozy amenities and access to these premier attractions.
Enjoy everything that Lido Key and St. Armands Circle has to offer without ever getting too far away from your rental. It’s all right here, ready to be explored. Call us at 941-349-1125.
Featured Properties
John Ringling House
Step back in time at this unique 1924 Historic John Ringling Estate! Listed on the National Historic Registry, it’s your opportunity to experience the magic of an original John Ringling Estate home. Stroll to the finest dining and shopping in St. Armand’s Circle and Lido Key from this prestigious John Ringling Estates neighborhood. Your historic vacation begins here.
Lucky In Lido
Your ultimate luxury getaway is here at Lucky in Lido! This newly constructed home offers stunning Gulf views from the rooftop deck and a backyard paradise with a hot tub, pool featuring a waterslide, and abundant lounge space for guests of all ages. Enjoy a quick bike ride or golf cart trip to St. Armand’s Circle, home to upscale boutiques, award-winning dining, and posh art galleries!
