January 20, 2024
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St. Armands Circle on Lido Key is Sarasota's premier open-air shopping destination — 99+ boutiques, galleries, jewelers, and specialty shops arranged around a historic Italian-style piazza steps from Lido Beach, open 365 days a year.
The Circle was first developed in the 1920s by circus magnate John Ringling, who built the causeway connecting Lido Key to the mainland and designed the circular layout after his travels in Europe. Today it's one of Florida's most distinctive shopping destinations — and one of the first things prospective Longboat Key and Lido Key buyers ask about.
Address
300 Madison Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
Hours
10am – 10pm daily (individual shops vary)
Parking
Free weekends & holidays · 504-space garage on N. Adams Dr
Stores
99+ boutiques, galleries, restaurants & spas
For visitors and new residents of the Sarasota barrier islands, a day at St. Armands Circle typically starts with coffee, flows into browsing, and ends with dinner at one of its many waterfront-adjacent restaurants. Here's a guide to the best shops and galleries the Circle has to offer.
A premier luxury fashion house and spa in one location. The Met carries designer clothing and accessories for men and women — the latest fashion trends alongside refined classics. After shopping, guests can transition directly into the day spa for treatments ranging from facials and massages to full salon services. It's a rare combination of high-end retail and wellness under one roof, and a popular stop for Lido Key homeowners doing a full day on the island.
A staple of the Circle's fashion scene, Foxy Lady West carries contemporary women's clothing from casual resort wear to evening gowns, with a strong selection of accessories, shoes, and handbags to complete any look. Its broad range of styles and price points makes it a reliable stop for both tourists and locals shopping the Longboat Key corridor.
Two of the Circle's most recognized national brands. Lilly Pulitzer's signature prints are practically synonymous with coastal Florida style, while Tommy Bahama offers elevated island clothing alongside its well-regarded restaurant and bar on the Circle — making it as much a dining stop as a shopping one.
The Circle's standout fine jewelry destination. McCarver & Moser carries diamonds, colored gemstones, estate pieces, and timepieces from respected brands, all in an unhurried, elegant setting. Their staff has a reputation for expert guidance whether you're shopping for an engagement ring, an anniversary gift, or a personal splurge — consistent with the lifestyle that draws buyers to Lido Key real estate.
A destination in its own right. Wyland Galleries features marine life artwork by environmental artist Wyland — whose large-scale ocean murals appear on buildings across the world — alongside works by other celebrated artists. Sculptures, limited-edition prints, and original paintings span a wide price range. If you're furnishing a home near the water, this is the first gallery to visit. See our guide to high-end real estate on Lido Key for more on what island living offers buyers.
A sensory standout on the Circle. The Spice & Tea Exchange stocks hundreds of gourmet spices, herb blends, loose-leaf teas, and seasonings — many exclusive to the brand. Easy to browse, great for an affordable gift that travels well, and staff can help build custom spice blends or match teas by flavor profile.
345 Saint Armands Cir · Mon–Thu 10am–8pm · Fri–Sat 10am–9pm · Sun 11am–6pm
The Circle's best stop for thoughtful, curated gifts and home accents. Just/Because carries handcrafted jewelry, whimsical home décor, locally inspired pieces, and rotating seasonal collections. Small enough to browse in 15 minutes, and well-suited for housewarming gifts — a natural consideration for anyone welcoming friends to a new Sarasota home.
Coastal-inspired casual apparel for men and women. Island Pursuit leans into the breezy Sarasota lifestyle with comfortable, well-made beachwear and resort clothing. For buyers relocating to Longboat Key or Lido Beach, this tends to become a regular stop for building out a wardrobe that fits the local pace.
St. Armands Circle is just one part of the Sarasota shopping landscape. For the full picture, see our guide to the 7 best places to shop in downtown Sarasota, which covers Main Street boutiques, Burns Court galleries, Palm Avenue fine art dealers, and the Sarasota Farmers Market.
If you're spending a full day on the island, our Lido Key sunrise-to-sunset guide and local's guide to Lido Key pair naturally with a Circle visit.
Living Near St. Armands Circle
The shops, galleries, and restaurants of St. Armands Circle are part of everyday life for homeowners on Longboat Key, Lido Key, and the surrounding Sarasota barrier islands. The Kepecz-Hays Team can show you homes within walking or biking distance of the Circle and give you a local's perspective on every neighborhood.
St. Armands Circle is a circular open-air shopping and dining district on Lido Key in Sarasota, Florida, with over 99 boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and spas. Developed by circus magnate John Ringling in the 1920s and designed around a European-style piazza, it is open 365 days a year at 300 Madison Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236.
The Circle is generally open from 10am to 10pm daily, though individual store hours vary. The Spice & Tea Exchange closes at 8pm on weekdays and 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The area is open every day of the year.
Parking is free on weekends and city holidays. On weekdays, metered on-street parking runs from 9am to 8pm and can be paid by credit card, coins, or the ParkMobile app. The parking garage on North Adams Drive has 504 spaces and is free on Sundays.
St. Armands Circle is on Lido Key, directly south of Longboat Key across the New Pass Bridge. The drive from the southern end of Longboat Key takes approximately 10 minutes. Many Longboat Key residents visit the Circle regularly for dining, shopping, and weekend events.
Lido Beach is a short walk from the Circle. Downtown Sarasota is approximately 2 miles east via the Ringling Bridge, with its own distinct shopping scene on Main Street, Burns Court, and Palm Avenue. The full Lido Key experience combines the Circle with beach time and sunset dining.
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Dive into luxury with the Kepecz-Hays Team, renowned realtors for Florida's Central West Coast, emphasizing Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Sarasota. With an impressive $3.4 billion in career sales, our team combines an expansive international network with expert marketing strategies. For buyers, we offer a select range of premier properties and private viewings. Experience the best of Sarasota County — its pristine beaches, arts, paddle sports, and shopping. From insightful neighborhood guides to tips for seamless buying and selling, we're your key to Florida's elite real estate. Choose Kepecz-Hays Team for unparalleled excellence.