North Lido Beach

While Sarasota’s sister beach, Siesta Key gets most of the attention, Sarasota’s Lido Beach is just as nice.  Located at St. Armand’s Circle, Lido Beach is one of my favorites.  It has a relaxed feel and the northern part of the beach is reminiscent of “Old Florida” due to its natural setting.

THE BEACH

The beach is accessed by parking just west of St. Armand’s Circle and walking over the most northern beach access.  Once on the beach, head to the water and walk north.  The more you walk the nicer and less crowded it gets.  If there’s a drawback to this beach it’s only that you have to walk a long way and, consequently, a long way away from the public restrooms and concession stand at the main beach.  When you are done for the day the same access point you entered at has showers to rinse the sand off.

THE WATER

My favorite part of the beach is the water.  The water at North Lido Beach is usually super clear and the waves are, typically, very calm.  The water is most beautiful in the spring or after periods when it hasn’t rained in a while. The sand is white and firm and remains that way out into the water.

BY BOAT

An even better way to access this location is by boat.  North Lido Beach is an excellent place to anchor your boat and enjoy the day.  It’s the perfect place for families who need some dry ground for their kids to play on and blow energy while allowing the parents to simultaneously relax (if that’s possible).  The water depth is shallow, so you can pull your boat up pretty close.  Like most spots in Florida, it’s best if you have two anchors – one for the bow and one for the stern.  This will allow the boat to be positioned so the stern faces the beach and is easy to board. It also helps the parents keep an eye on the kids when they are in the boat or swimming around the boat.

NAVIGATION

The easiest way to access North Lido Beach by boat is to head out New Pass (to the north of the beach) and then pick your spot on the beach as you head south.  TIP: the closer to the pass you are the stronger the current so my advice is to anchor your boat about 100-200yds south of New Pass.

By foot or by boat, North Lido Beach is a “must” if you’re in Sarasota and want to spend the day at the beach.  It makes a great lazy location!

BEACH INFO

LAT/LONG:
27.31’79”N 82.68’56”W

SETTING:
Natural

SAND:
White, hard-packed, fine, cool

PARKING:
Free parking at Ted Sperling Park

SHOWERS:
Yes

BATHROOMS:
No

STAIRS:
Yes, boardwalk

PICNIC AREA:
No

WAVES:
Usually calm

WALKING DISTANCE TO BEACH:
Far

COST TO PARK:
Free

LIFEGUARDS:
No

WATER CLARITY:
Very Clear

SETTING:
Natural

RESTAURANTS NEARBY:
St. Armand’s Circle

NEARBY HOTELS:
Aloft Sarasota
The Westin SarasotaHotel Indigo
Hyatt Sarasota
Art Ovation

Ramada Inn at Sarabay Marina

Keep boat at Siesta Key Marina (stay at any hotel in the area)

BOATING INFO

SETTING:
Natural

SAND:
White, hard-packed

BEST SPOT TO ANCHOR/BEACH:
200yds to the south of the pass

NEARBY RAMP:
Ken Thompson Park on Lido Key or
Centennial Park(10th St.) in downtown Sarasota

RAMP FEE:
Free for both

CURRENT:
Yes

DEPTH:
Shallow

WAVES/WAKES:
Minor

FAMILY FRIENDLY:
Yes

WATER CLARITY:
Very Clear

SETTING:
Natural

RESTAURANTS NEARBY:
New Pass Grill (with docking located inside New Pass)
The Old Salty Dog (with docking inside New Pass)
Dry Dock (just to the north on the bayside of Longboat Key)
Marina Jack (located downtown Sarasota)
O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill (located downtown Sarasota)

Click on the 360 Video below for an immersive look at this location

If using a mobile device use the YouTube app for the optimal experience