Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Sarasota, Florida
On the north side of Sarasota's Lido Key lies the 3000 feet of tranquil, secluded, breath taking North Lido Beach. It is surrounded by dunes and covered by overgrown sea grass, offering a discreet sunbathing experience. The beach is towered over by the green forests of North Lido Park, so there is ample shade for those who love the beach but want some protection from the penetrating golden rays of the sun.
Those who are looking for a truly relaxed getaway without the bustle of packed, family-friendly beaches can find it on North Lido. There are no concessions, no facilities, and no parking here, which means that families with small children are unlikely to gravitate to this beach. This helps ensure the quiet atmosphere of privacy for which North Lido Beach is so famous. It is, above all things, an idyllic spot for lovers wanting to leave the cares of the world behind for a while. It is this very solitude that once made this beach an ideal spot for topless bathing. This stopped being permitted in the 1980s, although sometimes visitors will still steal away behind the dunes to get the all-over tan they've been craving. The beach is also a popular destination among the gay community, which is extremely tolerant of alternative lifestyles. There's a fairly exclusive area for both gays and lesbians on the northernmost end, and a thriving night life with several gay bars and clubs for when the sun goes down.
Sarasota's gay beach area at Lido Key is known throughout the Gulf Coast. With beautiful sand dunes lining North Lido County park, no one looking for a typical Florida beach experience will be disappointed.
Because the beach is on the Gulf of Mexico, you will have a quiet, tropical beach experience. The currents are fast and sometimes very powerful, but there are no lifeguards on duty so be careful if you decide to enter the enticingly blue water.
The park surrounding the beach has 22 acres of forest and a nature trail that lead to the northern end of the beach on Emerson street. It's a beautiful route to take to really get the full picture of what this gorgeous beach has to offer.
If you're looking for some action, after the calm of North Lido Beach, you can walk to St. Armands Circle just 10 minutes away. There are world class restaurants, fancy shops and cafes to pamper yourself with here after a day out on the beach. There are also hotels, motels, and condos available to rent during your stay at the Lido Key.
The entrance to the beach is located at North Polk Drive, and parking is outside the beach's entrance only, which is keeping with the ambience here at North Lido Beach. Visitors come here looking for tranquility, a relaxed pace, and a romantic, secluded atmosphere. If a little temporary disconnection and a feeling of being a world apart from everything else is what you're craving, you won't need to look any further than North Lido Beach.