Lido Key, Florida, is one of the most desired vacation destinations in the state, and that’s saying something considering how many picture-perfect destinations there are in the Sunshine State. Our stunning vacation rentals are the perfect home base for planning your trip to Lido Key.
We have a little something for everyone, and as tempting as it might be to lounge around and relax in your rental all day, you’ll want to get out and explore the area.
People from all over flock to this area of Florida because it’s quaint but also near popular areas like Siesta Key, Anna Maria Island, and more. Of course, you can spend your days soaking up the sun at one of the many beaches, but there’s so much more to Lido Key than the beaches. As you plan your getaway, here are some of the best activities near Lido Key, Florida.
Armands Circle
If you or anyone you’re traveling with loves shopping, you won’t want to miss St. Armands Circle. As the main shopping area for Lido Key, you’ll find a variety of stores to browse.
St. Armands Circle has shops that feature clothing and shoes for people of all ages, accessories, home decor, and stores where you can get the people back home something special.
They have popular stores and plenty of shops with local vendors that are worth checking out. In addition to the many shops in the area, you’ll find restaurants and salons where you can get your nails done.
What makes St. Armands Circle so special is the location. You’ll have great views of the beautiful Gulf of Mexico from the area and enjoy a meal while gazing out at the water. Even if you don’t want to shop, making time to have a meal here will be something you won’t regret.
Some of the restaurants at St. Armands Circle where you can eat are Lynches Pub, Cran & Fin, and Carousel’s. You can visit their website to learn about any events they might be hosting and see when they’ll have live music to enjoy.
Downtown Sarasota
Downtown Sarasota is not far from many of our vacation rentals in Lido Key. You can easily get there by car in a few minutes or take a scenic walk from your rental to the downtown area. This area of Sarasota is an attraction for locals and visitors alike.
The area features restaurants, shops, local events, and the Ringling Bridge, which you can see. For those who don’t know, John Ringling was a huge part of the area’s founding, so you’ll see his influence almost everywhere in Downtown Sarasota and the surrounding areas.
Some of the best things you can do with those you’re traveling with while you’re in Downtown Sarasota are to rent bikes or take an exciting bike tour throughout the area, take a history tour, ride segways, and more.
There’s something for everyone in Downtown Sarasota, seriously. There are food tours for all the foodies out there and even kayak rentals so that you can explore the area from the water. Even if you don’t want to take an official tour, taking the time to walk around the area yourself can be a great way to spend a day or a few hours.
Siesta Key Beach Drum Circle
Lido Key, FL, has several beaches you can visit, but if you want a truly unique experience that you won’t soon forget, you’ll want to try and attend the Siesta Key Beach Drum Circle. This tradition is famous in the area and welcomes people, young and old, to sit on the beach and listen, play the drums, or dance to the music.
Every Sunday, dozens of people gather on Siesta Key Beach to play drums. You might also see people performing with fire or swords, belly dancing, and more here. People bring hula hoops, bubbles, and other fun things that they typically have no issue sharing with other people at the drum circle.
The event is hosted every Sunday, and people are completely free to attend. The event starts roughly an hour before sunset, so be sure to check when sunset’s supposed to be while you’re here. It’s best to bring beach chairs or a blanket if you want to sit down without getting full of sand. We also recommend getting there early as parking can fill up quickly.
Plan Your Next Visit!
Lido Key Vacations offers a variety of vacation rentals for you to choose from depending on your group size and what you want out of your home away from home. We specialize in finding beautiful rentals in great locations and make you feel like you’re living a high life.
Siesta Key Farmer’s Market
Another great thing to do while you’re visiting Lido Key on Sunday is to stop by the Siesta Key Farmer’s Market. Like the Siesta Key Drum Circle, this event happens every Sunday, in the morning and into the afternoon, usually from 9 am to 2 pm. People love this market because they have everything from fresh produce to other food and plenty of local vendors who are selling their creations.
It’s a great place to grab food that you can take back to your rental and prepare with your group or find souvenirs for your friends and family back home. Or you can buy yourself something, we don’t judge.
There’s sometimes live music later in the day at the market, which makes walking around that much more fun. Some of the things you can find here include fresh loaves of bread, rum, coffee, juices, and even beauty products in addition to the fresh produce. You’ll find the Siesta Key Farmer’s Market at 5211 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key.
Historic Spanish Point
The Historic Spanish Point is one of the most amazing places near Lido Key, FL. Historic Spanish Point spans 30 acres and features beautiful plant life you can see. The area features the Selby Gardens, which is another must-see while you’re visiting.
Beyond making time to explore, the area often features food trucks that you can order from when you need a break from exploring. People love the boat tours that are offered from here. The tours are only 45 minutes long, so it is easy to work into your day. The boat will take you around the area while the captain will share the history of the area with you.
Besides the boat tour, you can take a general history tour on foot. There are guided tours throughout the area, and they need to be booked two weeks in advance, so you’ll need to plan for this activity if it’s something you want to do. If a guided tour is too regulated for you and your group, there’s the option to go on self-guided tours of the area.
Stay With Lido Key Vacations
Whether you want to pick and choose a few of the above activities to partake in on your getaway or do them all, you’ll need a great place to stay. Our Lido Key luxury rentals offer everything you need to enjoy your trip to the West Coast of Florida.
To learn more about our Lido Key vacation rentals, visit our website or contact Lido Key Vacations today.
