Lido Key, FL

Travel Guide

Lido Key which includes a sandy beach
Lido Key featuring a sandy beach
Lido Key featuring general coastal views and a beach as well as a small group of people
Lido Key featuring general coastal views and a sandy beach as well as a couple
Lido Key showing bird life, a sandy beach and general coastal views

Traverse a winding woodland path and spend the afternoon on this island’s secluded beaches before ending at a beachside bar to enjoy a spectacular sunset.

Lido Key is a barrier island off the coast of Sarasota. The narrow natural reef features pristine sandy beaches along the western coast looking out into the Gulf of Mexico. The island contains a scenic woodland park and rolling dunes. Enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf and Sarasota Bay from the lively beachside bars and restaurants along the waterfront.

Lido Key is split into three beach sections. The North Lido Beach and its fine white sand is a tranquil spot to walk or relax in the sun. Its beaches are far less busy than other beaches around Sarasota, so come here for a peaceful getaway in front of the secluded dunes. This area has no lifeguards and may have rough currents.

The south side contains South Lido Park and a shady pine forest. Explore the wooded shoreline and walk along the park’s woodland nature trail. Look for some of the luxury yachts that drop their anchors near Big Pass, the area of water that connects Sarasota Bay to the Gulf of Mexico.

The central Lido Beach lies between north and south and features a wide family-friendly shore with a concession stand for snacks and drinks, washrooms, swimming pool and lifeguard service. Bring a cooler and enjoy a picnic on the Lido Beach picnic tables and visit the wheelchair-accessible observation tower.

See a clear view of the sun setting over the Gulf of Mexico from one of the casual bars on the shoreline. Treat yourself to an upscale dining experience at a restaurant located on the top floor of the tall resort buildings. Panoramic views of the golden Gulf of Mexico sunset to the west and sparkling city lights to the east will highlight an unforgettable night out.

Lido Key is located west of downtown Sarasota and is connected to the mainland by the John Ringling Causeway through the lively St. Armands shopping and dining neighborhood. Free parking is available near the central Lido Beach area. Shoreline access is free, but use of the pool requires payment of a small fee.

Lido Beach Resort

Lido Beach Resort

4 out of 5
700 Benjamin Franklin Dr, Sarasota, FL
$309 nightly
The price is $349 total per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
$349 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Sarasota. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Todo bello . Maravillosas vistas . El lugar muy lindo. Me encanto"

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025

Lido Beach Resort
Cirque St. Armands Beachside

Cirque St. Armands Beachside

4 out of 5
233 Ben Franklin Dr, Sarasota, FL
$304 nightly
The price is $343 total per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
$343 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy an outdoor pool, a beach locale, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"We loved the style, the staff the area is great and the view can’t be beat."

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

Cirque St. Armands Beachside
Kompose Boutique Hotel

Kompose Boutique Hotel

3 out of 5
965 University Pkwy, Sarasota, FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$77 nightly
The price is $87 total per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
$87 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,280 reviews)
"I’ve stayed at Kompose Hotel Sarasota many times for work. The staff, especially Christian and Melody, are friendly and make you feel at home. The rooms are modern with handy touches like a small fridge and wireless iPhone charger. Breakfast is good, the gym, spa, and pool are well kept, and there’s ..."

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2025

Kompose Boutique Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Tropical Beach Resorts

Tropical Beach Resorts

3.5 out of 5
6717 Sara Sea Circle, Siesta Key, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Siesta Key. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (4,904 reviews)
"Very nice facelift for what was probably an older building. Very close to the beach and a few bars and restaurants. What we unanimously enjoyed the most was the beautiful swimming pool area!!"

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2025

Tropical Beach Resorts
Hibiscus Suites - Gateway to Siesta Key

Hibiscus Suites - Gateway to Siesta Key

2.5 out of 5
1735 Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota, FL
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,162 reviews)
"Great staff & quiet at night."

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

Hibiscus Suites - Gateway to Siesta Key
SeaSpray Resort

SeaSpray Resort

4 out of 5
574 Canal Rd, Siesta Key, FL
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Siesta Key. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Siesta Key Beach and Lido Beach are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
"Great resort, tastefully decorated, clean rooms & all amenities one would need for a beach getaway including beach chairs, wagons, towels & umbrellas. The location couldn’t have been more perfect - literally across the street from a beautiful, quiet beach identical to the much busier Siesta Beach ..."

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

SeaSpray Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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