Sarasota Beach Secrets

The beaches of Sarasota are one of Florida's best kept secrets. Head west across Ringling Causeway (State Route 780) then cross Bird Key, Coon Key and the glittering St. Armands Circle, home to an upscale shopping district known locally as "our Rodeo Drive." Finally, when you can go west no further, you've reached the three-mile Lido Key situated just north of Siesta Key on the Gulf of Mexico. The gulf-facing coast of Lido Key is one long, uninterrupted beach.

The beaches: The three beaches start at Big Pass with South Lido Beach which is a 100-acre nature preserve with a small beach — just under 650 feet. The main beach is simply called Lido beach. Just a half mile west of St. Armands Circle, there is over 3,100 feet of beachfront (a heated swimming pool) and lots of parking. North Lido Beach features 3,000 feet of secluded shore, with little parking and no lifeguards or facilities.

Back to nature: Nature trails run through each park. The southern trail runs along a sandy-soiled coastal ridge with a thick growth of Australian pines. Along the northern trail, you'll discover a mangrove swamp (with a canoe trail) and tidal swamp forest. The north beach has been kept in a wild state for the birds and other wildlife. Nude sunbathing was allowed as late as the 1980s and it is said that although it is illegal, it still goes on.