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St. Armands & Lido Key

Location Details

Located off the coast of Sarasota, Lido Key is a barrier island known as a popular destination for eco-tourism, majestic sunset cruises, and other coastal recreational activities. Part of Sarasota, FL, and connected to the city by the John Ringling Causeway, Lido Key boasts a robust tourism industry with many resort hotels, high-end boutique shops, and an expansive public beach.

Lido Key’s top attraction is St. Armands Circle, an expansive roundabout flanked by a vibrant collection of boutiques, art galleries, high-end dining venues, specialty shops, and more. In the heart of St. Armands Circle is a sprawling park-like venue that hosts numerous arts and crafts festivals, car shows, concerts, and other exciting events throughout the year.

SCHOOLS IN THE AREA

Pine View School
Riverview School
Suncoast Polytechnical School

ENTERTAINMENT

Sarasota Opera
Asolo Theater
Black Coast Theater

OUTDOOR SPACE

Sarasota Opera
Asolo Theater
Black Coast Theater

ST. ARMANDS & LIDO

History

Lido Key began as a community in the late 1800s, when its first resident, a Frenchman by the name of Charles St. Armand (after whom St. Armands Circle is named), purchased three large tracts encompassing more than 130 acres within the area. St. Amand homesteaded the land in the years that followed. In the succeeding land deeds, his name incorrectly appeared as “St. Armand,” a misspelling that stuck all the way to the present day.

Circus magnate John Ringling bought St. Amand’s property in 1917 and started plans to establish an upscale development that featured a sprawling circular shopping center surrounded by residential lots. In 1925, construction was started on the causeway designed to connect St. Armands Circle to mainland Sarasota, known today as the John Ringling Causeway.
st-armands-lido-history

THINGS TO DO

Lido Beach Resort

Located on a picturesque white sand beach near Siesta Key, the luxurious Lido Beach Resort offers a relaxing Gulf-front getaway like no other, with its gorgeous panoramic views and world-class resort amenities including their famous Tiki Bar, two year-round heated beachfront pools, and an expansive 300-foot white sand beach.

The Sarasota Yacht Club

Nestled in a scenic campus in Lido Key, right between St. Armands Circle and Bird Key, the Sarasota Yacht Club is one of the few distinguished “Elite and Platinum Clubs” in the world. Established in 1925, the prestigious yacht club features a range of exclusive top-quality amenities such as a 110-slip marina, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a grand dining room, a heated swimming pool with a poolside bar, a diverse array of watersports offerings, and more.

Shopping & Dining

Lido Key residents are within walking distance from St. Armands Circle, which is definitely one of the main highlights about living in the area. Nothing beats being a stone’s throw away from a picturesque European-inspired outdoor shopping and dining destination surrounded by sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico.

South Lido Beach

South Lido Beach is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy captivating views of the outdoors. Enjoy a picnic in the middle of soaring trees, bird watching and canoeing at Brushy Bayou, or go for a swim in the refreshing waters of the Gulf and Big Sarasota Pass.

Ted Sperling Park

Ted Sperling Park is one of the top-rated kayaking destinations in the state. Enjoy guided eco-tours that will take you on an unforgettable adventure through the park’s extensive system of mangrove forests and tunnels. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of fascinating creatures such as dolphins, manatees, and other local wildlife.

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Get to see sharks, sea turtles, manatees, and more than a hundred different marine life species at the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, a fun, family-friendly destination where visitors can discover vast secrets of the sea through interactive exhibits, touch pools, and viewable working labs.

Outdoor Sports

Learn how to sail or enjoy water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking by becoming a member of the Sarasota Sailing Squadron, a community sailing club that’s all about sailing on the serene waters of Sarasota Bay.

High-end dining in

st. Armands & Lido key

the-shore

The Shore

Sink your teeth into some creative and fresh seafood dishes while soaking in breathtaking water views at The Shore, an al fresco coastal restaurant known for its cool, relaxed vibe and exceptional fare.

Phone: 251235212352
Website: www.website.com

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Crab & Fin

Crab & Fin’s delectable menus are created daily to reflect the freshest seafood available, using ingredients sourced only from ecologically responsible fisheries throughout the world.

Phone: 251235212352
Website: www.website.com

tommy-bahama

Tommy Bahama

Savor the laidback island vibes and panoramic sunset views from Tommy Bahama’s elegant second-level dining room while enjoying fresh, delicious island-inspired dishes and handcrafted cocktails.

Phone: 251235212352
Website: www.website.com

colombia-restaurant

Columbia Restaurant

Known as “Florida’s Oldest Restaurant,” the Columbia Restaurant has been open since 1905, and was founded by Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez, Sr. Their award-winning Spanish/Cuban cuisine features mouthwatering menu items made from century-old family recipes, including the Original Cuban Sandwich, the tableside-prepared 1905 Salad, and the Paella a la Valenciana.

Phone: 251235212352
Website: www.website.com

Arts & culture

Fine arts and culture are a significant part of Sarasota’s rich history. One of the very first cultural venues in Sarasota is the Edwards Theatre, which was established back in 1926. The palatial theatre is known today as the Sarasota Opera House, which hosts everything from opera, classical ballet, symphonies, film festivals, comedy shows, and other performances.

Another historical and cultural highlight established in Sarasota during the 1920s is the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the legacy of John and Mable Ringling for the people of Florida. The museum is the official state art museum of Florida and is part of the sprawling Ringling Estate, which is also home to several attractions and destinations including the Ca’ d’Zan, Bayfront Gardens, The Circus Museum, and the Historic Asolo Theater.

Other major cultural institutions in Sarasota include:

john-brink

Things To Do In Sarasotaby John Brink

This guide has been carefully curated by our Broker Owner John Brink who is a long-time Sarasota resident and a passionate boater. Discover top restaurants, unique places, boating attractions and major cultural events in the area. Please enter your information below so we can send you this amazing guide!

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