Why Lido Key Beach is the Hottest Beach Around

Lido Key, Florida is one of the state’s most underrated vacation destinations. This island combines the tranquil laid-back feel of Anna Maria Island with the vibrant entertainment scene of Siesta Key. You’re also just minutes away from downtown Sarasota, giving you even more to enjoy. One of the best features of Lido Key is Lido Key Beach, which draws crowds from miles around and still has room for everyone. Here is everything you need to know about visiting Lido Key Beach, just a moment away from our Lido Key rentals.

About Lido Key Beach

Lido Key Beach is the official public beach of Sarasota residents, so it isn’t hard to understand why it’s one of the most popular beaches in the area. It is located on Ben Franklin Drive, just half a mile away from St. Armands Circle. As the beach sees so many guests year-round, there is ample parking for everyone. You’ll find a 400-space parking lot that you can utilize for free right next to the sand on Ben Franklin Drive. There are handicap accommodations as well, so any and all guests can have a fun day at the beach!

There are facilities galore at Lido Key Beach, so you can spend the whole day enjoying the sand and sun. There are always lifeguards on duty, and you can take your kids to the playground when they get too pruny from the water! The public swimming pool is a great option as well, and it costs just $4 for adults, $2 for youth, and no fee for children 3 and under. There are also plenty of shaded picnic tables, so you can bring your own lunch or grab food from the concession stand.

As mentioned, Lido Key Beach is located just moments from St. Armands Circle, but there are plenty more things to do once you’re done at the beach. Take advantage of the area’s beauty by going on a eco-tourism or sunset tour, or book a dolphin cruise to try to spot one of the majestic creatures. Grab some fresh seafood at a local restaurant, finish the evening with some ice cream, then head back to our Lido Key vacation rentals to curl up with your loved ones. Of course, there are also plenty of opportunities to be had in nearby locations like Sarasota, Longboat Key, and Anna Maria Island.

What to Pack for a Day at the Beach

You can easily spend the entire day at Lido Key Beach, so come prepared! You’ll definitely need water to keep cool and hydrated, and boxed water is a great option. Boxed water provides a paper-based alternative to plastic water bottles, so you can cut down on waste that makes its way into our oceans. Insulated reusable bottles are incredible as well, and they’re wonderful for keeping your drink cold on the hot summer days. Bringing your own picnic lunch is also a great way to reduce waste, as you can package your own items.

For a day at the beach, you definitely need sun protection. However, the chemicals in many popular sunscreen brands are doing an unbelievable harm to our waters when the sunscreen melts from our skin.

Brands like Thinksport, All Good, Badger, and Manda are all great alternatives that will protect your skin with natural ingredients that won’t harm the reefs and sea life. 

Finally, you’ll need gear for your things on the beach. We all know how annoying it can be to get sand all over your towel and your belongings, so try out a towel from Dock & Bay or Tesalate. Their towels are designed to be quick-drying and sand resistant to protect your belongings and dry you off in a hurry. They are also compact enough to fit in your bag, yet big enough when unfolded to fit all your things.

Vacation Rentals Near the Beach

Our vacation rentals on Lido Key are conveniently located just minutes from the beach, so you can walk or bike to the shore from your rental home. In our Beach Views option, your group will experience true luxury with 7 bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms. You’ll have incredible amenities like an elevator, gourmet kitchen, pool with tiki bar, unparalleled views of the water, and custom décor. You can also book Lido Key Retreat, a 7-bed, 5-bath option providing everything you need. Enjoy top-of-the-line appliances, beach equipment, heated pool, huge backyard, and so much more. 

Other Beaches and Parks on Lido Key

While Lido Key Beach is the most popular, it’s not the only incredible beach in the area. Many of Lido Key’s beaches are private, but there are several more public beaches and parks for you to enjoy.

South Lido Nature Park is ideal for all nature lovers, where you can kayak, paddle board, fish, sail, bird watch, and more. 

South Lido Beach and Ted Sperling Park is a great destination to enjoy a picturesque afternoon canoeing, kayaking, or playing beach volleyball. This area is an incredible example of Florida’s diverse nature, as you can admire the red mangroves and all the breathtaking wildlife that calls them home. Try to spot a West Indian Manatee swimming through the waters or a cormorant soaring through the skies. Ted Sperling Park is open 365 days a year from 6 a.m. until midnight.

Other Beaches in the Area

Finally, you don’t have to stick to just Lido Key to experience some great beaches. The nearby islands also have plenty of shoreline for you to enjoy. Head to Longboat Key to experience Whitney Beach to the north end, a paradise where you can stroll through the white sand and find a unique seashell. You can also take a short boat ride to the gorgeous shores of Beer Can Island, or you can even walk there if the tide is low enough!

You can also head to Anna Maria Island to experience the beaches along the 7-mile stretch of shore. Bean Point is an isolated, quiet spot for a relaxing evening with your sweetheart, while Manatee Beach is a popular section with locals and tourists alike. Coquina Beach is a beautiful spot at the island’s southern end, while Anna Maria Beach is a great option on the north side of the island.

Siesta Key offers even more incredible beaches to discover. Siesta Beach is fun for the whole family, while Crescent Beach and Point of Rocks is more isolated and hidden. Turtle Beach is great for fishing, and Shell Beach is perfect for, well, collecting shells! This is just a handful of the beach options you’ll have around you. With all of these gorgeous beaches in the area, you can visit a different spot every day!

Day Driftin Away

Experience island paradise at Day Driftin Away! This stunning vacation home offers Gulf of Mexico views from its rooftop deck, just a short walk to the beach. Dive into relaxation with a private pool and waterslide. Explore the three levels, featuring an elevator, game room with ping-pong, and a spacious main living area with a beautiful kitchen. Whether indoors or outdoors, this getaway is designed for unforgettable moments.

Blue Palm

Step into paradise at Blue Palm, a single-level vacation haven on Lido Key. This retreat features a private heated pool and is just steps away from the vibrant shops and restaurants at St. Armand’s Circle, as well as a short walk to the stunning Lido Beach. Experience the perfect blend of indoor comfort and outdoor bliss with an open-concept design, large windows, and a fabulous backyard.