Lido Key / St. Armand’s

White sandy beaches and warm sea breezes entice residents to relax and enjoy their time with family and friends.

Welcome to Lido Key / St. Armand

A historic and secluded gem on the other side of the John Ringling Causeway.
 
Lido Key is a small, secluded island off the coast of Sarasota, Florida, known for sunset cruises and eco-tourism. Commuters enjoy access to downtown Sarasota from Lido Key by crossing over the John Ringling Causeway. White sandy beaches and warm sea breezes entice residents to relax and enjoy their time with family and friends.
 
In Lido Key, the central shopping, dining, and entertainment location is in St. Armands. Throughout St. Armands, you will find mid-modern architecture and sculptures honoring the Ringling Brothers Circus. Lido Key residents adore the Circus Ring of Fame, a local non-profit organization celebrating the contributions made to the art and culture of the Ringling Brothers Circus.
 

What to Love

  • Soft sands and turquoise waters
  • Deep-sea fishing, whale watching, and sailing. 
  • Water activities for everyone in the family 

Local Lifestyle

Lido Key and St. Armand are beachfront communities with a small-town twist. Food, shopping, and entertainment are all within walking distance. Modest vintage homes, luxury beachfront houses, and high-rise buildings facing the John Ringling Causeway make up the skyline.
 

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

The Met Fashion House is a luxury fashion house with a day spa and salon in St. Armands Circle. They are devoted to crafting a one-of-a-kind experience with innovative spa treatments, professional on-site tailoring, and the option of a personal shopper. The Fashion House is committed to creating fashion-forward clothes that cater to the unique styles of the men and women of Lido Key. 
 
Tommy Bahama Restaurant is the epitome of island dining in Lido Key. Its menu serves vegetarian, seafood, and meat options ready to be devoured. The two-story building and signature drinks make residents in Lido Key feel like they are on a permanent vacation. 
 
A short distance from St. Armands Circle is The Old Salty Dog, a British-style tavern overlooking Sarasota Bay. Residents enjoy lunch with the family after a day at the beach and choose from seafood and American cuisine. 
 
The Columbia Restaurant is the oldest family-owned Cuban restaurant in Florida. It has been serving Spanish and Cuban cuisine in the Sarasota area for five generations. Patrons favor the Spanish bean soup and the seafood paella containing fresh clams, shrimp, and mussels. The Columbia Restaurant has a romantic Mediterranean vibe with hand-painted tiles in the dining room and patio seating that make the historic restaurant feel elegant and timeless.
 

Things to Do

St. Armands Circle is a unique place filled with upscale restaurants, salons, and spas. A variety of tropical sidewalk cafes and ice cream parlors are available to choose from. Special events like exotic car shows, arts and craft festivals, and holiday events are held throughout the year.  Lido Beach Fine Art Festival is a beach festival for local, national, and regional artists. Sculptures, wearable art, paintings, jewelry, and all forms of visual art are put on display.
 
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is an independent, non-profit marine research institution a few minutes from downtown Sarasota. Interactive exhibits and outdoor exploration of marine habitats teach the community the importance of conservation and the sustainable use of marine biology. Mote Aquarium also offers public and private tours on Sarasota Bay. The tour is a hands-on educational experience informing of the 100-plus marine species found in Florida. On-site, they have the Aquariums Deep Sea Diner, a 1950’s style dinner with a family-style menu.
 
P1 Offshore Powerboat Grand Prix, formerly the Suncoast Offshore Racing Grand Prix, is an annual week-long event for boat racing enthusiasts and thrill-seekers. This competitive offshore race has been happening off Lido Beach since 1984.
 

Schools

Sarasota County Schools is a public school district serving students in Lido Beach and St. Armand. Notable schools in the area include:
 

Work With Tori

Follow Me on Instagram