Description

Lido Key, a barrier island just west of Sarasota on Florida’s Southwest Coast, combines cosmopolitan living with the natural beauty of pristine beaches. Visitors can enjoy sunset cruises, dolphin watching, kayaking, and deep-sea fishing, while South Lido Park offers both a beach and woodland trails for exploration. The island’s history is rich: once inhabited by Paleo and Calusa Indians, it later caught the interest of John Ringling in the 1920s. In 1940, the city of Sarasota opened the iconic Lido Casino, which was a popular attraction until its demolition in 1969. Today, the Lido Beach Pavilion stands in its place. Lido Beach and South Lido Park provide amenities like parking, lifeguards, restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. The beach’s vibrant atmosphere, clear Gulf waters, and relative privacy compared to Siesta Key make it an appealing destination for visitors.