North Lido Beach is the closest beach to downtown Sarasota. The island of Lido Key is not large, but the beaches are. Pure white quartz sand and shallow, calm, clear water attracts international visitors and locals to this cosmopolitan and well-to-do beach town. North Lido is one of three public beaches on Lido Key.

Location, location, location. That's what North Lido Beach has. It's just minutes away from Sarasota via John Ringling Boulevard, and has its own upscale boutique-shopping and restaurant district known famously as Saint Armand's Circle. In keeping with the Sarasota arts culture, you'll find plenty of art galleries to browse while you're exploring the Circle. North Lido Beach is Within walking distance of Saint Armand's Circle.

North Lido Beach extends northward all the way to New Pass. More than a mile of undeveloped white sand beach with picturesque dunes covered with native sea oats provides a quiet retreat for anyone willing to walk for a few minutes. All are accepted at this lovely Sarasota beach, including the many gay visitors who find North Lido welcoming enough to make it a destination.

From downtown Sarasota, follow John Ringling Boulevard west toward the beaches and you will arrive on Lido Key. John Ringling goes all the way to the beach, then turns south and becomes Ben Franklin Drive and parallels the beach all the way to the south end of of the island. Parking for North Lido is mainly on the street along John Ringling and Ben Franklin. Parking is free. There is a small beach parking lot at the west end of John Ringling, but it fills up fast! From St. Armand's Circle the beach at North Lido is only 1500 feet away at most.

North Lido Beach offers lifeguards near the entrance, but the largest part of the beach is without lifeguard protection. Restrooms, a snack bar, showers and other amenities are located at Lido Public beach, roughly a half-mile south of North Lido.

North Lido has more than a mile of nature trails in a park behind the dunes. The trails lead all the way to New Pass where you'll find a fantastic view of Longboat Key to the north. On this quiet beach you'll hear and see many of the area's beautiful shorebirds including ospreys which are often flying overhead with a fish in their claws.

The place to dine near North Lido is waiting for you in Saint Armand's Circle. Whether it's seafood, Spanish/Cuban or ice cream, the Circle has you covered. Long-time favorites include The Columbia, Cha Cha Coconuts, Crab and Fin, and Tommy Bahama. For something more casual, cruise on over to New Pass, just outside the Circle, and grab a grouper sandwich at The Old Salty Dog or devour a cheeseburger at the New Pass Grill and Bait Shop.

North Lido Beach is mostly undeveloped, except for some nearby residences, so drive a half mile south to find the Lido beach front resorts. The Holiday Inn is one of the closest to North Lido. If you are looking for a condominium rental you'll have a wide variety of types and locations to choose from all over the island.

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