Sarasota’s stunning coastline is dotted with a series of barrier islands, known as “Keys.” While there are quite a few Keys to visit, Lido Key and Siesta Key are of particular note. You’ll find luxurious homes and vacation rentals on Lido Key. Some Lido Key vacation rentals are even used as business retreats.
The laid-back vibe, stunning beaches and watersport activities make Lido Key and Siesta Key popular with business travelers and tourists.
During your visit to Sarasota, you may want to visit both Keys. But how far is Lido Key from Siesta Key?
Where is Lido Key?
Lido Key Beach, Florida is in between Siesta and Longboat Keys. There are three beaches on Lido Key:
- North Lido Beach
- Lido Beach
- South Lido Park
North Lido Beach is about 0.25 miles from St. Armand’s Circle, which offers upscale shopping and dining. This beach is a little more secluded, and the swift currents make it more suitable for lounging than swimming. No lifeguards are on duty here.
Lido Beach is a public beach with plenty of parking (up to 400 vehicles) and amenities, like restrooms, gift shop, concession stand, cabana beach rentals and even a playground for the kids. It’s also just a short distance from St. Armand’s Circle (about half a mile).
Four bodies of water surround South Lido Park: Big Pass, Gulf of Mexico, Sarasota Bay and Brushy Bayou. The park has picnic areas, lifeguards in the summer, volleyball courts, nature trails, restrooms, playgrounds and more.
Lido Beach vs. Siesta Key Beach
Lido Key and Siesta Key are both popular spots for beachgoers. Siesta Key gets more attention than Lido Key, but Lido does offer some great amenities and plenty of parking.
Siesta Key’s sugar sand beaches and clear waters attract tourists from all over the world. It’s been named one of America’s best beaches and has even received awards from the Travel Channel! The town is also home to some serious foodie spots and unique shops.
Siesta has an expansive public beach (Siesta Beach) on the north end, which offers parking, showers, restrooms, lifeguards, a concession stand and a beach shop. Siesta Beach was rated the #1 beach in the U.S. by Dr. Beach in 2011.
Crescent Beach is to the south of Siesta Beach, and it has just one public access road. The southern end of Crescent Beach is Point of Rocks, which is home to coral formations and beautiful marine life. It’s a great spot for snorkeling.
On the southern tip, you’ll find Turtle Beach, which is rocky and rugged. It’s a great spot to collect shells or even shark’s teeth before settling down for an afternoon picnic.
Lido Key is a bit less crowded, especially North Lido Beach. The park has a woodland trail, which makes it a great choice for hikers, birdwatchers and nature lovers. Lido is home to many luxurious homes and hotels. It also has a seasonal nightclub scene. Be sure to check out the incredible Lido Key seafood!
Lido Key is also walking distance from excellent restaurants, beautiful scenery and upscale boutiques in St. Armand’s Circle.
If you’re spending some time in Sarasota, Lido Key and Siesta Key are must-sees. Both are home to some of the best beaches in the U.S., and they’re just a short driving distance from each other.
Directions From Lido Key to Siesta Key
Driving from Lido Key to Siesta Key takes about 20 minutes (9.7 miles).
Here’s the fastest route:
- Take Benjamin Franklin Dr. around St. Armands Circle and take the third exit to stay on John Ringling Blvd.
- Continue on John Ringling Blvd. for 0.2 miles.
- John Ringling Blvd. will change to John Ringling Causeway.
- Continue onto Gulf Stream.
- Turn right onto Bayfront Dr.
- Continue onto Mound St.
- Turn right onto South Orange Ave.
- Continue onto McClellan Parkway.
- Turn right onto South Osprey Ave.
- Turn right onto Siesta Dr.
- Continue onto Higel Ave. (State Hwy 758)
- Take a slight left onto Midnight Pass Rd.
You should arrive at Beach Road, which you can take right or left to access Siesta Key’s beaches, shops, restaurants and vacation rentals.
Lido Key, Florida: Things to Do
Looking for fun things to do near Lido Key, FL? The beach is a great place to start, but if you want to take your toes out of the sand for an afternoon (or two), there are plenty of fun things to see and do.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, FL 34236
Mote’s is a great way to spend an afternoon, especially if you’re traveling with the kids. The aquarium is home to more than 100 species of marine animals, and you can also explore the working laboratories where real research happens.
Mote’s has a 130,000-gallon shark habitat, sea turtles, manatees, coral reefs, crustaceans, sea jellies and more. Say hello the river otters or watch the crocodiles.
There’s even a virtual reality exhibit with eight experiences to choose from:
- Shark dive: A journey to find the world’s largest sharks, including tiger sharks.
- Swim with the humpbacks: Swim the waters of the Bahamas as you search for a female humpback whale and her new baby.
- Jinxed: A ghost train ride with thrills, scares and rollercoaster ups and downs.
- Legend of Lusca: Explore a sub-sea world and the creatures that dwell in it.
- Delta zero: Head to the outer edges of the galaxy to solve the mystery of what’s happening on Base Zero.
- Dragon Island: Follow Tilly the dragon as she takes you on a tour of her enchanting home.
- The Tower: A VR coaster that takes you higher than any real rollercoaster.
- Snow Coaster: Take a ride through a snowy mountain landscape.
The aquarium is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Tickets can be purchased online or at Mote’s.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
900 S. Palm Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34236
The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is an urban tropical oasis. Make your way through more than a dozen gardens and visit the Payne Mansion, which houses the Museum of Botany & the Arts.
Wade through the bamboo garden in the Rainforest section, and stop to check out the Koi pond. The Desert has a beautiful succulent garden. Over at the Great Lawn, stop at the gazebo to take in the view before heading through the Mangroves and into the Palms area. Along with native plants, you’ll also find display gardens, like the Butterfly Garden and Fragrance Garden.
The botanical gardens is open daily (with the exception of Christmas Day) from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Daytime admission is valid for the entire day, so you’re free to come and go as you please.
Limited parking is available on-site, but the garden is also located near several free city parking lots, including Burns Square Parking Lot.
Bayfront Park and Marina
5 Bayfront Drive
Sarasota, FL 34236
The Bayfront Park and Marina is located right near Ringling Bridge. The park is home to the “Unconditional Surrender” statue and offers stunning views of the water. Stop by O’Leary’s Tiki Bar for a drink, or grab a bite to eat at the Blue Sunshine Patio & Grill at Marina Jacks.
The park and marina have several amenities, including:
- Bicycle trails
- Hiking trails
- Equipment and facility rentals
- Canoe launch
- Birdwatching
- Restrooms
- Playgrounds
- Pet-friendly park
Bayfront Park and Marina is a great place to spend the afternoon or enjoy a picnic. The park is open 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily. Pets are allowed outside of the Steigerwaldt/Jockey Children’s Fountain area. The fountain area is a fun kid’s splash park that’s free and open to the public.
Sarasota Opera House
61 N Pineapple Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34236
The Sarasota Opera House is recognized around the world for its production of high-quality, professional opera.
The opera house hosts several shows throughout the year and is an excellent way to spend the evening. Parking is easy to find, and the theatre is close to some of Sarasota’s best restaurants.
History buffs will enjoy the opera house tours, which are open to the public. The theatre’s knowledgeable staff will guide you through this historic 1926 building, sharing fascinating stories and facts along the way.
Show tickets can be purchased online.
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
5401 Bay Shore Rd.
Sarasota, FL 3423
This attraction is a popular and respected art museum established by Mable Burton Ringling and John Ringling as a legacy to the people of Florida. The museum is home to an extraordinary collection of art.
The museum is part of the Ringling Estate, which you can also visit. The museum houses an expansive collection of European art, and the mansion was inspired by the Venetian palazzos that line its canals.
Plan Your Visit
Lido Key is just a short drive from Sarasota’s biggest attractions, but it’s just far enough out of the way to give you the peace and relaxation you’re looking for when visiting this secluded Key. The beaches themselves are the main attraction, and they’re some of the best in the country. The soft white sand of Lido Key is world famous. Don’t forget to pencil in some time to relax, unwind and take in the sights while staying in our vacation rentals on Lido Key.
Featured Rentals
The Shore House
Dive into luxury at The Shore House! This stunning Lido Key vacation home features a private pool, hot tub, and a game room for endless fun. With seven bedrooms, four bathrooms, and tropical views from every balcony, your getaway dreams come true. Nestled in the heart of exclusive St. Armand’s, Lido Key Beach is just a quick 5-minute drive, and shopping at St. Armand’s is a delightful 5-minute walk away.
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. |
