Lido Key
 

A 2-1/2 mile stretch from Big Sarasota Pass to New Pass, the gulf facing coast of Lido Key is one long, uninterrupted beach. Located at the south end of the island, South Lido Beach offers 100 acres of nature preserve with 640 feet of gulf beach and a much larger stretch along Big Pass. Two nature trails explore several unique coastal habitats, and a canoe trail winds along mangrove-lined waterways.

 
Lido Beach, the main beach on Lido Key, claims over 3,100 feet of beachfront. A great beach for an all day family excursion, there's something to please practically everyone. A 77-acre beachfront preserve located at the north end of the island, North Lido Beach boasts a whopping 3,000 feet of shoreline. Parking is very limited, but the beach at this county park is delightfully isolated. The park has basically been kept in a wild state for birds and beachcombers looking to escape the crowds.  Actually a part of the city of Sarasota, Lido Key contains the unincorporated areas of Lido Beach and St. Armands Key. St. Armands Key, surrounded on three sides by Lido Key, is heralded by the glittery spectacle of St. Armands Circle, an upscale shopping district. Not nearly so off-putting and exclusive as Rodeo Drive or Worth Avenue, each street is home to strips of unusual boutiques, gourmet eateries, and specialty shops.