Lido Beach on Lido Key happily exists in the shadows of internationally-acclaimed Siesta Key Beach. For many locals, Lido Beach is where they go for easier parking, fewer tourists, & a beachside tiki bar. Lido’s sand is dark and coarse compared to Siesta’s. Lido is not as deep as Siesta, and it doesn’t boast Siesta’s iconic lifeguard stands painted the 4 primary colors. For every perceived negative, locals find positives. Lido Beach, steps to Lido’s St Armands Circle & a indisputable European vibe, creates a unique Sarasota opportunity. Isn’t it wonderful to have our pick of several different beaches & nearby retail areas, each exuding a different vibe.

At the north end of Lido, few houses dot the shoreline. For a fleeting moment, you can really feel as if time has stood still. You might even feel so appreciative of your simple Sarasota lifestyle that you, like my son who’s pictured, demonstrate your “hops” to reflect your joy. The north end is quiet. Don’t be surprised if you’re the only person on the beach for as far as your eye can see…even with 20/20 vision.

For one special weekend each year in July, Sarasota’s own Grand Prix Powerboat Festival roars into town. Thousands mark their calendars from afar, traveling long distances to be here for this destination event. From north to south, race fans line the shore, staking their claim in the sand & setting up for a day of fun in the sun (or rain). It is July, you know…rainy season. Whether on shore, in the water, or lounging on a boat, the Grand Prix may be your kind of celebration around Independence Day.

This BIG powerboat is even more impressive racing across the Gulf of Mexico than it is posing for portraits. To punctuate the risks associated with powering across the choppy Gulf in a powerboat at speeds up to 190 mph, the 2019 “big boat” race ended with a GASP! The top two Class One offshore competitors—the Victory boat out of the United Arab Emerite and the Miss Geico race boat—rolled over within seconds of each other during the final two turns of the 35th Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix, dramatically bringing the day’s racing to an abrupt conclusion. All team members were able to safely escape their boats. To see these boats up close; to hear them in dry docks; to meet  the racing teams; to witness them race across the Gulf is truly amazing.

For years, the Grand Prix Powerboat race schedule included jet ski races. Along with different classes of powerboats, jet ski racers competed in classes.

On race day, 100s of boat owners form a flotilla just offshore, moored for a better view of the powerboat races while conveniently hopping from boat to boat. Fortunately, guests aboard these boats can easily hop overboard in warm waist or chest deep water to wade back to shore.

Long overdue, the Lido Key Beach Pavilion (& restaurant) has earned a facelift. It’s the simple pavilion locals and tourists desire. When the owners of the Daiquiri Deck attempted to convince City Commissioners to allow them to build a two-level pavilion w/ upper-deck restaurant, locals overwhelmingly rejected the attempt. They cited Marina Jack’s continued push to “steal” public parking from Island Parkgoers, and create a heavily commercialized pavilion. Locals increasingly are rejecting more development, destroying the once small coast town beach vibe that’s defined Sarasota. Rumor has it, they offer a surprisingly delicious menu especially lobster rolls on Sunday afternoon.

Chances are, you’re unfamiliar with the Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach. You don’t know about this quiet area near Big Pass, winding through picnic areas shaded by Australian pines and saw palmettos to the sandy shore and a boater’s weekend delight. If you’re adventurous but unfamiliar with this area, please understand potentially deadly rip currents dominate this beach area near the Pass. No lifeguards to warn you or keep your children/grandchildren safe.

You may or may not remember the iconic Azure Tides Resort that once stood where today’s Ritz Residences & Beach Club stand. All that remains of the Azure and precious memories of a bygone time on Lido is this one-and-only Lido Key Tiki Bar that’s more than aged gracefully. In fact, it’s better than ever, stamped with the Ritz’s guaranteed 5-star treatment without the 5-star pricing (at the tiki bar that is). You won’t experience better tropical beach vibes anywhere else in Sarasota. The faces/names of the bartenders may change but the welcoming vibe will always remain the same.

Any wedding is a happy time. To stumble upon a beach wedding is special. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed many a beach wedding. They certainly are less formal but not less loving and joyous. You can expect tropical pastels; bare feet; a harp, steel drums, or acoustic guitar; and a “beachy” altar. Nearby beachgoers maintain the respect for the wedding party that you’d expect, keeping their distance while naturally attracted to the joyous occasion.

South Lido Nature Park offers the best kayaking in Sarasota. From above, you see South Lido and a popular pitstop for kayakers, paddle boarders, jet skiers, and boaters. I can guarantee that if you kayak with friends/family the Lido mangrove tunnels will result in more laughter than you can recall in recent…decades. No spoilers here. Take my word for it. Hit the tunnels and watch for those little crabbies that wait for the ‘drama queen’ in your group to commence the show.

You just saw the backside of the Nature Park. Now, you glimpse the entrance to the South Lido Nature Park entrance. In the parking lot, you’ll find several kayak vendors who will meet you to prepare your rented kayaks…all laid out and ready for you to commence your adventure. No fancy parking lot or kayak/paddle board launch. Stick the board or kayak in the water, hop in or on and start rowing or paddling. It’s that simple. If you’re not familiar with the route, you have 3 options: 1) guided tour; 2) map; 3) wing it and hope you don’t paddle or row to Cuba. Enjoy!

I’ll never forget the first time we hit the mangrove tunnels as a family. Of course, there’s a current through the tunnels. That’s expected. What’s NOT expected is to have my family conspire to turn my kayak into the mangroves, forcing me to fight the current in dislodging the wedge. Why would my family do that to me…unless I’ve done so much to them to deserve a little payback. OK – I can laugh at the pranks. But, I don’t think the kayakers behind me, waiting for their turn to navigate the tunnels crab-free, saw the humor in my family’s little stunt. What do they say about paybacks? Oh, yeah, I remember. By the way, you’ve seen those palatial mansions along your drive from the Ringling Causeway to the Nature Park. Just wait until you see these same mansions from the water side. I might hear a few “oooohs” and “ahhhhs.”

No trip to Lido Key is complete without a visit to City Island & Mote Marine. It’s a working laboratory, not an extension of SeaWorld. Keep this important point in mind. Too many people choose not to ask me about Mote Marine, expecting SeaWorld, and then dropping by to lament their overselling Mote to their friends, family, and (gasp!) kids. Actually, Mote might be better than SeaWorld for hands-on water/marine life exhibits and the docents are remarkably informed, positive, and patient with kids.

Did you miss or ignore this local landmark? Did you think it’s awaiting the wrecking ball, an ideal location for another condo? Ah – that’s what I thought. You followed your GPS to City Island and Mote Marine, turning east (right) from Lido Key and John Ringling Parkway onto Ken Thompson Parkway. You never expected this “dive” to serve good value in burgers & fries and the best waterfront dining view in Sarasota. Next time, don’t pass it by. Stop, take selfies, order a basket, grab a stool (after confirming it won’t collapse), and then enjoy the vibe…and burger.

St Armands Circle presents the best window shopping & people watching in Sarasota. Comprising unique boutiques (with cool beachy names), irresistible restaurants, and myriad daiquiri choices, you may just wander up to the top deck and cover your people watching while sipping your favorite tropical daiquiri. Naturally, the Circle is more than strolling & people watching. It’s the hotspot at Halloween and Christmas. It’s 5-star restaurants boasting outdoor dining in January and ice cream (& other delectible sweets). It’s live music, exotic car shows, and arts & craft fairs. Come for Siesta but get over to Lido. You will thank me.

How could two top restaurants appear side-by-side on St Armands Circle? No idea. What I do know is that both are great and unique. Don’t pick just one. Check both out, one for lunch and the other for dinner. You won’t be able to avoid the 1904 salad and a pitcher of Sangrias at the Columbia Restaurant, a Cuban delight. Just saying. Warning: if your group struggles to choose a restaurant, take charge or you’ll starve. Too many great choices on the Circle. I’ve only needed 31 years of full-time living in Sarasota to thoroughly test the market.

What’s more “beachy” in January than a picnic and outdoor movie at the beach? Thanks to Sarasota County’s Parks & Rec and the Sarasota Film Festival, locals and visitors alike look forward to the annual Moonlight Movies event.

Living the Sarasota Lifestyle spells Christmas delight throughout the year. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Could you imagine dropping in on one of our amazing local beaches on Christmas Eve, kicking back for a few minutes or hours, witnessing a gorgeous sunset, and then celebrating the birth of Christ? It’s a Christmas dream and miracle for many who’ve only known of Ole Man Winter…their whole lives.

This is one of my wife’s and my regular, free pleasures: St Armands Circle at night. We may or may not dine on the Circle. We may or may not grab a sweet delight at Kilwin’s. May I recommend the Dark Chocolate Raspberry Walnut fudge? You will thank me. You might even feel compelled to send me one of these raspberry beauties.

Can you imagine dining outdoors in December through May…without 40 pounds of arctic wear and space heaters to thaw your fingers? You’ll appreciate the Circle’s  ambiance as this restaurant’s pianist serenades you.