Lido Beach and Lido Key: Sand, Mangrove Tunnels and a Quieter Pace

Just past St. Armands Circle, Lido Key offers wide beaches, nature trails and a kayak trail through mangrove tunnels.

Lido Key sits on the other side of St. Armands Circle from downtown Sarasota. John Ringling helped open it up in the 1920s with a causeway across the bay, and today it is a favorite for locals who want a beach day with a little more room.

Lido Beach in the middle of the key has a pavilion, restrooms and a long stretch of sand. North Lido Beach is quieter, with trails through the dunes. At the southern tip, South Lido Park looks across Big Pass toward Siesta Key and has picnic areas under the pines.

The hidden gem is the kayak trail at Ted Sperling Nature Park, part of South Lido. Paddlers glide through tunnels of mangroves where the branches meet overhead, watching for herons, fish and the occasional manatee. Local outfitters offer guided tours for beginners.

From Southgate, Lido is about 15 minutes by car. Pair it with Mote Aquarium in the morning and St. Armands for dinner.

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