Things to do near Lido Beach Resort: beach, family attractions and culture
Lido Beach Resort sits directly on roughly 300 feet of private sandy beachfront on Lido Key and puts guests within easy reach of St. Armands Circle, South Lido Park, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, and downtown Sarasota. On-site options include two heated outdoor pools (one adults-only), a poolside Tiki Bar, Drift Kitchen & Bar on the 8th floor, and spa and fitness facilities for families and couples alike.
In this guide
Hit the beach and pool
Lido Beach Resort has about 300 feet of private beachfront right in front of the property, with beach sun loungers available and beach cabanas offered for a surcharge. The shoreline is suitable for swimming, paddleboarding, surfing/bodyboarding, and sunbathing.
The resort also features two heated outdoor pools: one adults-only pool and one pool open to all ages, plus three on-site Jacuzzis. Loungers surround the pool deck and the poolside Tiki Bar serves light bites and tropical drinks for convenient poolside service.
- Private beach: roughly 300 feet of sand
- Two heated outdoor pools: one adults-only, one all-ages
- Three on-site Jacuzzis/hot tubs
- Poolside Tiki Bar: tropical drinks, light bites; open daily 11:00am–7:00pm (bar until 8:00pm)
| Feature | Notes |
|---|---|
| Private beach | Sun loungers and rentable cabanas (surcharge) |
| Pools | Two heated pools — adults-only and all-ages |
| Tiki Bar | Poolside, public access; light bites and cocktails |
Family attractions and kid-friendly outings
The resort markets itself as family-friendly and provides family rooms, bunk beds, cribs, high chairs, and an adults-only pool alongside family spaces. Children 17 & under stay free when sharing a room with registered adults, per the property's stated policies.
Nearby family destinations make day trips easy: Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is about a 10-minute drive, South Lido Park has nature trails less than a mile away, and Coolidge Park is a short walk for waterfront play and picnics.
- Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium — roughly 2.1–2.2 miles, ~10-minute drive
- South Lido Park — 0.4–0.9 miles, trails and waterfront access
- Coolidge Park — about a 5-minute walk from the resort
- Sarasota Jungle Gardens and the Ringling Museum are short drives for family visits
| Attraction | Typical travel time from resort |
|---|---|
| Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium | About 10 minutes by car |
| South Lido Park | Under a 10-minute walk or a short drive |
| Coolidge Park | About a 5-minute walk |
Where to eat and drink nearby (and on-site)
On-site dining centers on Drift Kitchen & Bar on the 8th floor, which offers Italian/American dishes, pasta, pizza and seafood with 180-degree floor-to-ceiling Gulf views; it serves breakfast and dinner with bar hours into the evening. The poolside Tiki Bar provides casual, beachside snacks and tropical cocktails and is open to the public.
St. Armands Circle — less than a mile away, about a 12–16 minute walk or served by the resort shuttle — concentrates restaurants and cafes if you want a wider range of dining options within easy reach.
- Drift Kitchen & Bar (8th floor): breakfast and dinner; full bar and private dining
- Tiki Bar: poolside casual food (fish sandwich highlighted on menus), cocktails, Happy Hour Mon–Fri 4:00pm–6:00pm
- St. Armands Circle: 140+ shops and restaurants, less than a mile from the resort
| On-site option | When to go |
|---|---|
| Drift Kitchen & Bar | Breakfast and dinner service; bar open late |
| Tiki Bar | Poolside daytime and early evening |
| Ice cream tricycle | Daily service around the property (seasonal availability) |
Culture and performing arts in Sarasota
Sarasota's cultural highlights are within straightforward reach: the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (including Ca' d'Zan and circus collections) is under seven miles from the resort, and the Sarasota Opera House and Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall are nearby venues that host seasonal performances and concerts.
Use the resort as a base for a mix of beach days and cultural outings—plan museum or theater visits for late afternoon or evening and reserve mornings or midday for the beach while galleries are quieter.
- The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art — less than seven miles
- Sarasota Opera House — around 2.7–3.3 miles
- Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall — local venue for concerts and symphonies
| Venue | Why visit |
|---|---|
| Ringling Museum | Art, Ca' d'Zan mansion, circus history |
| Sarasota Opera House | Historic theater for opera and performances |
| Van Wezel | Regional performing arts and concerts |
Outdoor adventures and day trips
Beyond beach and pool, the region offers nature and island trips: South Lido Park’s nature trails are minutes away for short hikes and birdwatching, and day trips to Siesta Key or Anna Maria Island are popular options—Siesta Key is roughly 15–25 minutes by car, while Anna Maria Island is a longer drive.
The concierge can help arrange non-motorized water sports, guided snorkeling trips, paddleboarding, kayaking, and recommendations for local golf courses if you want a round during your stay.
- South Lido Park: walking trails and shoreline access
- Siesta Key: about 15–25 minutes by car for a different beach experience
- Anna Maria Island: longer day trip north of Sarasota
- Water activities: paddleboarding, kayaking, guided snorkeling (arrangements can be made)
| Activity | How to arrange |
|---|---|
| Guided snorkeling | Ask the resort concierge to arrange |
| Paddleboarding / kayaking | Available from beach vendors or through the resort's activity desk |
| Day trips to barrier islands | Drive or arrange local transport; rental cars or rideshares recommended |
Practical tips, transport, and room choices
Lido Beach Resort is at 700 Benjamin Franklin Dr on Lido Key in Sarasota, Florida. Standard check-in is 4:00 PM (available through midnight) and check-out is 11:00 AM; a valid photo ID and credit card are required at arrival and the property lists a minimum check-in age of 21.
The resort runs a complimentary shuttle to St. Armands Circle (hours published by the resort) and the concierge can assist with airport transfers to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ). Rideshare or taxi is the simplest option from SRQ if you prefer direct transport.
- Address: 700 Benjamin Franklin Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
- Check-in: 4:00 PM; check-out: 11:00 AM
- Minimum check-in age: 21; photo ID and credit card required
- Resort shuttle to St. Armands Circle; no dedicated airport shuttle (concierge can help)
| Room types to consider | Why choose |
|---|---|
| Suite, 1 Bedroom, Beachfront | Ocean views and more living space (sleeps up to 5) |
| Room, Kitchenette, Beachfront (Tiki Tower) | Kitchenette and beachfront location for families |
| Studio Suite, with Sofa bed, Beachfront (Palm Tower Studio Suite) | Studio layout with sofa bed for small families or groups |
