Monday, April 5, 2010

Lido Beach

Easily accessible from St Armands Circle on Lido Key, Lido Beach offers panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. Its sand is coarser than the powdered sands of Siesta Beach, and a bit darker. If you like searching for seashells, you'll find the best selection in the early morning on Lido Beach.

The Lido Beach parking area is a right turn off St Armands Circle. From your parking spot, walk towards the beach, and you'll see this wooden deck and ramp with foot-washing station appear in front of you.
As you walk across the deck, the Gulf comes into view.

Lido Beach is very peaceful, so you can take time to listen to your thoughts or escape them, as the sound of the gentle surf and seabirds replaces everyday concerns.








One of the magical experiences on Sarasota beaches is taking in the exquisite sunsets that surprise every night with a different array of colors and light effects.







In addition to the Lido Beach access near St Armands Circle, you can enter the beach by driving south on Ben Franklin Drive until you reach the Lido Beach Pavilion. There you'll find concessions, rest rooms and showers, and other outdoor play areas, as well as parking.

At the north end of Lido Beach is North Lido Beach, which is more secluded. Here's a view north, with a gentle skyline of Sarasota buildings in the distance.



At the south end of Lido Key is South Lido Beach, which offers picnic facilities, parking, two walking trails and a canoe trail, and lots of shade from acres of pine trees.

Parking is free at all the Lido Beach entries.