Lido Key Vacation Rentals

Stay on Sarasota’s hidden gem, Lido Key

Lido Key and St. Armand's Circle offer more one-of-a-kind Florida experiences than just beaches and daiquiris (but to be clear: it also definitely has those things covered.) There’s plenty to do besides the usual staples of beachgoing itineraries. You can enjoy upscale shopping, explore breathtaking ecological sites, savor the delicious dining stops and more. The best part: you can accomplish most of these different things in a single day.

Lido Key has an amazing beach front with available rentals for you. When staying in a Lido Key rental instead of a hotel, you’ll have much more space and privacy, plus cost savings when booking a property for a large group. Use the filters to narrow down your choices and choose the rental that calls to you.

Lido Key Climate

Lido Key is warm year round. The tropical temps bring about high humidity and afternoon showers. Temps shoot up to the low 90s on the coast in the summer, and passing thunderstorms are just that: passing. Hurricanes may be spotty between July and November. But overall, 300+ sunny days and wonderful weather greets you in Sarasota.

Top activities and attractions in Lido Key

Shopping starts at St. Armands Circle. Stroll along the streets lined with coconut palms and pop into the 130 upscape shops, restaurants, and specialty stores. In the center of the shopping quadrants you’ll find Circle Park with Italian statues from John Ringling’s personal collection. Another nice walking area is Burns Court Historic District. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the area south of downtown Sarasota is made up of 15 stucco bungalows in vibrant hues like cornflower blue and fuchsia. They house everything from art galleries to residences.

Nature lovers visiting the area gravitate to the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in St. Armands Circle, where sea turtles, manatees, and sharks are on display. If you want more nature, check out the Crowley Museum and Nature Center, a 190-acre wildlife sanctuary, and the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, a lush, 11-acre bay-front setting with more than 20,000 plants.

The 15-acre Lido Beach is a year-round spot for beautiful beach days and nights. It’s 3,000 feet of white sand which meets with refreshing gulf waters, ultimately extending all the way into mangrove bays along the nature preserves on Lido Key. It’s known for being less generally crowded than neighboring Siesta Beach, but hardly any less beautiful, and the lighter headcount can make for a more private and intimate feel.  Additionally, the beach is walking distance from St. Armands circle, so beachgoing can easily follow a shopping spree or vice-versa. You can also catch a show by the Sarasota Ski-A-Rees Water-Ski Show Team as they perform their incredibly well-coordinated ski-act on the water every Sunday at 2 p.m. (February to May).

Events in Lido Key

There’s always something fun happening in Sarasota. The action starts in April during the popular Sarasota Film Festival. Independent filmmakers, actors, and directors converge on the town to showcase 200 hundred films over this ten-day event. Also in April is the Siesta Fiesta in nearby Siesta Key. You can also check out a spring training game for the Baltimore Orioles in April/March. 

Dining in Lido Key

You’ll have a number of upscale and gourmet dining options if your tastes (and budget) are inclined in that direction. You can enjoy a continental meal with a strong set of German and Dutch culinary accents at the upscale Cafe L’Europe; I recommend the Potato Crusted Grouper. Try the Cuban and Spanish-infused menu items at Columbia Restaurant (the paella is incredible!) and maybe consider grabbing a jar of their Cherith Valley Gardens Sangria Jelly on your way out. Check out Drift Kitchen & Bar at Lido Beach Resort if you’re in the mood for seafood (though of course, they have other dishes) with a gorgeous Gulf view.  

For more casual dining enthusiasts who still appreciate a rare flavor, you have a few strong recommendations here as well. Visit Old Salty Dog Restaurant for British-pub style fare, including a beer-battered hot dogs dish that is a legitimate all-time Sarasota classic dining experience -- especially after a day at the beach. Find out firsthand about the Key West Shrimp at Shore Diner as you sip a cocktail in their relaxed (but stylish, mid-century style) open-air dining space. The Macadamia Nut Crusted Snapper at Tommy Bahama Restaurant and Bar has gained a reputation for savoriness at their relaxed, beach-vibed establishment; you may want to supplement this with one of their tasty cocktails or margaritas if you’ve got nothing terribly important to do for the following hour or so.

Why you should book a Lido Key home on FloridaRentals.com

Booking a Lido Key vacation rental or seaside condo on FloridaRentals.com can save you up to 15% over our competitors. Plus, we have a wide array of inventory appealing to any group size or traveler tastes. Happy planning!