Welcome to Lido Key, one of Sarasota, Florida’s several barrier islands and popular resort destinations for tourists and locals alike. With beautiful sandy beaches and clear blue oceans, accompanied by warm, sunny weather throughout the year, Lido Key is known for hosting sunset cruises, sailing, dolphin watching, deep sea fishing, and plenty of more exciting things to do. It’s always an adventure on Lido Key!
To learn more, take a look at our guide to living on Lido Key. We’ve compiled a number of things to do on Lido Key to help make the most out of your experience.
Attractions and sights on Lido Key
Lido Key is home to a variety of museums, art galleries, and more showcasing beauty in all of its forms.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
The
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is an independent and non-profit organization centered on marine biology and research. Open throughout the year, the aquarium features a rich diversity of marine wildlife, including manatees, sea turtles, otters, sharks, and ecosystems from rivers, seas, and coastal regions. They even have an adoption program where your donations help to preserve these animals while you learn more about them and support their way of life!
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
Founded by the circus magnate John Ringling in 1927, the
Ringling Museum of Art is a pink Renaissance-inspired palace housing 31 galleries and collections. Spotlights include Trade Cards, Ancient Mediterranean Art, Circus Highlights, Circus and Spectacle in Japanese Prints, Carved Gems, and other galleries focused on ancient art, artifacts, and circus paraphernalia.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Situated in front of the bay, the
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens at the Sarasota campus encompass 15 acres of beautiful plants and native nature, dedicated to the study and preservation of orchids, ferns, bromeliads, and other tropical plants native to the region. Guests are welcome to visit and learn more about these gorgeous specimens and the important roles they play in our ecosystem.
Recreational activities on Lido Key
Lido Key’s pristine beaches offer plenty of outdoor activities for a never-ending adventure.
SURFit USA-Kayaks, Paddleboards & Surf
SURFit USA is a rental service offering kayaks, paddleboards, and surf equipment for rent, as well as guided kayak and paddleboard tours for a hands-on learning experience in the Mangrove Tunnels of Lido Key. These tours may be public or private if you so desire. SURFit additionally offers private surfing lessons in Sarasota, only a few minutes away if you’ve been looking to get started on learning how to ride the waves.
Kayaking SRQ
Kayaking SRQ is another rental and tour agency providing an intimate exploration of the famous mangrove tunnels that attract people from all over the country to Lido Key. With guided two-hour public and private tours, get to know the winding tunnels of Lido Key and the wildlife that make this region their home. If you’d prefer to paddleboard instead, Kayaking SRQ offers guided paddleboard tours as well.
Siesta Key Watersports
Rated the number one tour company for parasailing, jet skiing, and dolphin watching in the Keys,
Siesta Key Watersports is an absolute must for people looking for a thrilling outdoor experience. Strap yourself in and sail over the gorgeous sea, feeling the crisp ocean breeze as you hover above the surface. Up to 12 people can ride the boat together, while the parasail itself holds up to three people to share the experience of sailing through the air above the vast ocean.
Beaches on Lido Key
A day on Lido Key wouldn’t be complete without paying a visit to one of its famous beaches.
Lido Key Beach
Characterized by its white sands and turquoise waters, Lido Key Beach is a local favorite with half the crowd in comparison to the other popular beaches in Sarasota. Wind down and relax along the shore as you take in the sun and listen to the gentle rolling of the waves.
South Lido Key Beach Park on the Gulf
A gorgeous beach replete with seashells of various colors and sizes, as well as golden sunsets sure to take your breath away, the South Lido Key Beach Park is perfect for souls in need of a quiet getaway. Take a walk down the beach and marvel at the beauty granted by the Gulf of Mexico’s unique environment.
Nightlife on Lido Key
When the sun goes down and the stars take to the night sky, the party isn’t quite over on Lido Key.
Lido Key Tiki Bar
An outdoor hotel bar overlooking the shore, the
Lido Key Tiki Bar offers draft beer and tropical cocktails accompanied by scenic sunset views. The bar is characterized by its rustic charm and open-air setting and is open to members of the Ritz-Carlton Beach Club and the general public.
Arcade Monsters Lido Beach
Arcade Monsters Lido Beach is a fun-filled arcade located on a rooftop deck, offering Cuban street food, wine and beer, and fruit-flavored slushies. It’s the perfect late-night venue for adults and children who aren’t ready for the night to end just yet.
Shopping on Lido Key
If you love to shop, look no further — here are a couple of the places to shop on and around Lido Key.
St. Armands Circle
The
St. Armands Circle is a gorgeous circular park surrounded by boutiques, restaurants, and salons. Shops include Soma, Tommy Bahama, Sunglass Hut, Ivory Coast, Hatley, and more. The park is also home to the Gauthier Salon & Wellness Spa, AcuMed Wellness & Acupuncture, and the Summer House Hair Salon.
Siesta Key Village
Siesta Key Village is a nearby shopping center a few blocks away from the beach, featuring an assortment of about 100 shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes. Discover charming boutiques and shops like Foxy Lady, Island Trader Boutique, and the Natural Apothecary Shoppe for local designs and curios.
For more information on
Lido Key real estate and what it’s like living in this gorgeous resort town, get in touch with
Judy Kepecz-Hays and her team of real estate professionals. With over 80 years of combined experience, her team’s expertise with the Lido Key and Sarasota market is sure to prove invaluable as you begin your
search for your dream Lido Key home. Contact her today!
