This Florida Beach Spot Has The Perfect Balance Of Gorgeous Nature And Urban Features

Florida is a state of contrasts. It has both ultra-modern cities and unique nature found in few other places around the world. This also means it is filled with vacation spots that cater to every type of tourist. This is especially true at Lido Key, a barrier island that is part of Sarasota. Lido Key's beaches are as pretty as Siesta Key's and have activities for city slickers and outdoor lovers alike.

Lido Key is a welcomed escape from big city life found about an hour north of the Tampa Bay area. Follow the John Ringling Causeway to get to Lido Key from mainland Sarasota. Looking at the scenery along the way, you'll already see what makes Lido Key such a perfect getaway and get a taste of what is to come. Near the journey's halfway point is Ringling Bridge Causeway Park and Bird Key Park. At these neighboring park areas you can fish, check out the beach and its bright blue water, use nonmotorized boats like kayaks or canoes, and take a walk along the palm tree lined pavement. Take in some peaceful, sweeping views of Sarasota before continuing to Lido Key too.

John Ringling Causeway leads to St. Armands Circle. This unique locale has Italian-inspired statues and is almost completely surrounded by shops and restaurants. If you need any last minute items from flip flops to sunglasses before your Lido Key getaway, this is the place to go. Less than a mile from here is North Lido Beach Park, the first of many beachy relaxation hotspots on Lido Key. This region of the island is known for being more secluded than its central beaches. A day at North Lido Beach Park means enjoying uncrowded pristine white sand and untouched greenery in Florida.

If you want a beach closer to the resorts and with more amenities, head to Lido Key Beach in the middle of the island. This is a public beach with a pavilion that includes the Lido Island Grill, a restaurant lauded for its tasty lobster rolls and other homemade beachy dishes. There are bikes for rent too. Take in the scenery of the entire island with these bikes thanks to Benjamin Franklin Drive which runs along the beaches. 

Snorkelers will enjoy great water visibility pretty much anywhere on Lido Key's beaches. However, the wildlife adventures don't stop there. Florida is home to mangroves, which are forests consisting of multiple types of mangrove trees along coastal intertidal regions. These trees actually help prevent erosion along coasts. To find these on Lido Key, head to the southern part of the island to Ted Sperling Park. Here you can explore mangroves with kayaks or paddle boards. Lido Mangrove Tours headquartered at this park can guide you through the mangroves and help you spot local wildlife from tropical-dwelling birds to maybe even manatees. Whether you go on a tour or explore on your own, remember that mangroves vital coastal ecosystems for humans and animals.

Lido Key has a handful of modern resorts right on the island. A stay at Lido Beach Resort comes with a pool for families and a pool for adults only, private beach access, and even sailing excursions. For a more affordable option, check out Lido Islander less than a half mile from the beach. Bring the family or plan a couples beach vacation at any of Lido Key's hotels and you're sure to enjoy this peaceful escape that blends the upscale with the natural beauty of Florida.