Family-Friendly White Sand Beach
One of the reasons why Sarasota, Florida is such a popular resort destination is that just half a mile from the upscale shopping center of St. Armands Circle is beautiful Lido Beach.
Located on Lido Key, this popular beach is very relaxing and relatively uncrowded compared to the better-known beaches on nearby Siesta Key.
The white sands and gently turning waves on this Sarasota beach make it very popular for families. It also features more than one mile of beachfront extending through North Lido which makes this beach a great place for a beach stroll.
Lido Beach is easy to reach from Ben Franklin Drive, with beach access and entrances at several points.
A paved walkway leads from the parking lot to the beach, which was once the site of the historic Lido Casino from 1940 to 1969. You can read about this famous Art Deco structure on the historical marker. Sarasota top 10 beaches infographic.
Smoking cigarettes and filtered cigars will be prohibited at all Sarasota County beaches and parks beginning October 1, 2023.
Parking, Beach Chair, and Umbrella Rentals
The beach has parking for 400 cars along with restrooms and outdoor showers at most beach access points. There is a shady cabana, children’s playground, and a handicap-accessible observation deck overlooking the beach which is patrolled by lifeguards.
There’s no need to haul heavy equipment to Lido Beach as there are concessions offering umbrellas, beach chairs, and other beach equipment rentals. If you have forgotten sunscreen or other incidentals, the gift shop will have everything you need.
Beach wheelchairs are available at no cost year-round for transport from parking areas to the shore at the following beaches: Lido Beach, Manasota Beach, Nokomis Beach, Siesta Beach and Venice Beach. Check with the lifeguards; except for Siesta Beach, where they can be signed-out at the concession area.
Lido Beach Concession Stand
When it comes to food (and children work up quite an appetite on the beach), the Seabreeze Café has plenty of reasonably priced refreshments.
As well as the usual burgers, hot dogs, and fries the menu includes more unusual items such as fish tacos with guacamole and tangy pico de gallo.
Everything is cooked to order, and they serve chilled water, soda, beer, and wine too. Best of all you can call in your order (941-388-0400) right from your beach chair!
Read our blog articles about beach safety or Florida Sunshine Survival Tips.
Lido Beach is located one-half mile southwest of St. Armands Circle on Ben Franklin Drive in Sarasota, Florida.
Lido Beach Community Swimming Pool
The heated Lido Beach Pool IS CURRENTLY CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
HOURS: Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. weather permitting. The pool is closed Monday, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.
The pool includes a 25-meter lap pool with five lanes for lap swimming. Food, drink, alcoholic beverages, and pets are not allowed within the fenced pool area.
There is a small admission fee. Three month seasonal and annual passes are also available. Call 941.329.6181 for additional information.
