Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Sarasota, Florida
When you come for a dip at South Lido Beach you'll have to take your pick of not one body of water, but four! This 650 feet sliver of tropical paradise at the southernmost tip of Lido Key is encompassed by Big Pass, Sarasota Bay, Brushy Bayou and the Gulf of Mexico. Picking your spot on the beach, you'll have another decision to make. Do you choose a sunny patch to lay your towel, or would you prefer to sit under the glorious shade of the thick Australian pines peppering the beach? Whatever you choose, you are sure to enjoy your time here in the sunny, warm tropical weather that Florida is famous for. South Lido Beach offers an escape from the hub of Sarasota, visible off in the distance from the beach's southern end. With the surrounding aquamarine waters, and truly beautiful natural surroundings, it's a perfect romantic spot for a quiet getaway for two.
South Lido Beach has clean restrooms, picnic areas, and lots of parking so you'll never have to worry about where to put your car. There's good fishing, especially at Big Pass, but the currents are extremely strong, which makes swimming unadvisable. From Memorial Day to Labor Day there are only lifeguards on duty on weekends, but don't let that stop you from dipping your toes into the deliciously temperate water. Just don't venture too far out!
Even if you decide not to enter the water at all, you can still enjoy a lovely day at the beach, with a game of beach volleyball or a barbecue on one of the strategically placed grills. Kids will enjoy the playground area here too! For a refreshing escape from the heat, you can take a canoe down the canoe trail on South Lido's southern end. There are also some beautiful nature trails in the 100 acre South Lido Beach Park, with strategically placed observation points and boardwalks from which you can take in the view.
There are concession stands here if you feel like grabbing a snack, and the beach is open from 6am till sunset. After the sun goes down, head on over to St. Armands Circle, a half mile east of South Lido Beach, for a bite at one of the many gourmet restaurants. Bring your credit card for some superb shopping at the very impressive and upscale shops and boutiques. There are also hotels throughout St. Armands Circle for all budgets.
You can enjoy a day at South Lido Beach without the worry of refilling your parking meter, because all parking is free. This is just one more indication of how a trip to South Lido will allow you to cast off all the complications of every day life, and to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view….