Siesta Key & Lido Key, FL

Siesta Key and Lido Key are two amazing islands, both with fabulously different energies. Siesta Key has a low-key, relaxed environment with the ultimate in relaxed Florida vibe, and home to a world famous, award winning beach. Lido Key Beach is smaller and typically the more preferred location by locals. It is located close to world class shopping and dining at St. Armands Circle, and a short hop to downtown Sarasota’s rich array of dining, shopping and culture.

Perfect Music Vibes

Top Vacation Experiences

Siesta Key Drum Circle –  An eclectic and fun Sunday night gathering on Siesta Key

Van Wezel Sarasota  –  Performing arts, concerts and theatre

St. Armands Circle Lido Key – Stroll, shop, eat, enjoy!

McCurdy’s Comedy Club Sarasota  – Laughs a minute at this iconic venue

John & Mable Ringling Museum – Art collections, circus history and fabulous gardens

Marie Selby Gardens – A botanist’s dream

Mote Aquarium – Aquarium and a world leading ocean research center

Bars, Venues, & Views

Beach Club Siesta Key – Nightspot featuring live bands 7 days a week, a rotating roster of DJs & theme nights.

O’Leary’s at Marina Jack – Laid back waterside tiki bar on the water

Captain Curt Sneaky Tiki – Island dive bar with live music

Chart House on Longboat Key – Upscale dining on the water

The Westin Rooftop Bar – Modern vibe with stunning views

Art Ovation Perspective Rooftop Bar & Pool – Downtown Sarasota cocktails and views

Blase Cafe & Martini Bar Siesta Key – Relaxed, funky live music venue with specialty drinks

The Gator Club Sarasota – A local favorite with live bands, dj, dance floor, and billiards

Gilligan’s Island Bar – Bar & grill with a laid-back vibe and casual fare in a tiki-style space.

Love to Eat

State Street – Bar and restaurant celebrates the best of spirits & mixology drinks.

Boca Sarasota – With a cozy vibe, food you crave, and heartfelt hospitality

Classico Italian Chop House – Sophisticated hangout with elevated pub fare & specialty cocktails

Cafe Epicure – Sunlit trattoria offers classic Italian fare, housemade baked goods & cocktails in a relaxed venue.

Selva Downtown – Peruvian eatery dishes up inventive ceviches & sizable cocktails with elegant decor.

Columbia Restaurant – a traditional Spanish restaurant, a branch of a long-standing local chain dating back to 1905.

Random Gems

  • Beach access 5 –  Park near Siesta Village
  • The Kissing Statue – Unconditional Surrender located at Marina Jacks
  • Siesta Key Public Beach  – Known for having the smoothest, sugar white sand and constantly voted one of the best beaches in the US!
  • Lido Key Mangrove Tunnels

Catch Some Sport

Spring training with Baltimore Orioles – The Orioles’ year-round baseball operations continue in Sarasota, Fla. with the Florida Complex League (FCL) Orioles.

National Rowing at Benderson – This ultimate recreational destination offers a wide range of activities, including world-class rowing events, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, and more.

Offshore Grand Prix – P1 Offshore and AquaX Championships featuring two days of world-class marine motorsport action.

Top Vacay Reads

  1. “Siesta Key: Paradise on Florida’s Gulf Coast” by Pamela Acheson Myers: This book provides an in-depth look at Siesta Key’s history, culture, and natural beauty, helping you get to know the area better before your trip.
  2. “Siesta Key” by Jill Martin: This visually stunning coffee table book showcases the breathtaking beaches, sunsets, and natural wonders of Siesta Key through captivating photographs.
  3. “Sarasota: A Sentimental Journey” by Jeff LaHurd: While not solely about Siesta Key, this book explores the history and charm of Sarasota, providing context for the area surrounding your vacation spot.
  4. “Florida Roadkill” by Tim Dorsey: Although a work of fiction, this humorous and quirky crime novel set in Florida captures some of the offbeat charm of the state and could provide an entertaining backdrop for your vacation reading.
  5. “The Shell Collector” by Anthony Doerr: This collection of short stories evokes the wonders of nature and the sea, offering a serene and contemplative read that aligns well with the beach atmosphere.
  6. “The Beach” by Alex Garland: Although set in Thailand, this adventure novel captures the allure and challenges of paradise, which might resonate with your Siesta Key vacation.
  7. “A Land Remembered” by Patrick D. Smith: This historical novel traces the story of a family’s journey through Florida’s development, providing a deeper understanding of the state’s past and evolution.
  8. “The Island” by Elin Hilderbrand: While not specifically about Siesta Key, Hilderbrand’s novels set in idyllic coastal locations capture the essence of beachside living, making it a great choice for vacation reading.
  9. “The Siesta Key: A Romance” by Gwyn McNamee: Delve into a romance novel set in Siesta Key itself, where love and intrigue unfold against the backdrop of sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
  10. “Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do” by Wallace J. Nichols: This non-fiction book explores the psychological and physical benefits of being near water, perfect for inspiring beach relaxation.

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