South Lido Beach Park

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Sarasota County Beach Park

Location	-	Sarasota's Lido Key
Features	-	Beach Area, Big Pass Waterway, Picnic Pavilions, Nature Trails, Volleyball, Watersports, Sunsets
Area Activities	-	Swimming, Boating, Fishing, Snorkeling, Walking, Sightseeing, Biking, Rollerblading, Cocktails at St. Armands Circle
Parking	-	Free Parking
Kid Friendly	-	Yes
Map It	-	Detailed Map & Directions
Address	-	2201 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota, Florida 34236
Phone	-	941-861-7275
Extras	-	Near St. Armands Circle & Bayfront Park
Conditions Now	-	Partly Cloudy, and 92°

South Lido Beach Park

The local boaters love tossing the anchor on the intercoastal side of South Lido Park. The picnic area and facilities make it the spot to relax during a day of boating.

What a harmonious setting is South Lido Park, a blend of nature, beaches, and playgrounds, perfect for a family outing. Parts of the park are wide open beach and other areas have towering trees which grow only a few yards from the water. This is a large park that wraps around from the Gulf to Sarasota Bay offering good comfort facilities, picnic pavilions, and BBQ grills right under the tall Australian Pines.

The park typically has lots of action and is used by many to host parties, plus is a hot spot for recreational boaters to pull up and relax along the shore. South Lido is a fun park and offers great views of the Downtown Sarasota skyline.

Lido Key's Northern End

North Lido Beach

Just a mile or two to the north you will discover a highly rated Florida beach with great white sand and clear water, with a large seemingly untouched natural beach zone. North Lido Beach is an active beach, with lots of rafts and swimmers, plus all sorts of water craft cruising on the Gulf. It is a sun worshippers dream, as when you walk to the northern end, the beach area is natural, with large sand dunes, and plenty of privacy.

The long stretch of secluded shoreline at North Lido is less crowded, and is what makes it so unique and special. This beach zone comes at a price, as there's limited parking and no lifeguards or facilities on this part of the beach. So bring a little wagon to carry your things, and the longer walk will be well worth it.

Just Around the Corner

St. Armands Circle

You will love the pleasant shopping area at St. Armands Circle, and it is easy strolling while checking out each storefront. Expect smaller crowds and easy-in easy-out access to shops and unique boutiques. The Circle is a cluster of storefronts and cafes that offer you a chance to stroll, mingle, and dine outside with the sea breeze.