Sarasota Neighborhoods

Known for North Lido Beach just a quarter-mile northwest of St. Armands Circle; Lido Beach—which has cabanas you can rent, a concession stand and restrooms—about a half-mile southwest of St. Armands Circle, and South Lido Park. The beaches at the south end of the park are bordered by the Gulf of Mexico, Big Pass, Sarasota Bay and Brushy Bayou; there’s a picnic area and views of the Sarasota skyline. At the north end of the park you can hike a nature trail and shoot postcard worthy photos from scenic overlooks.

Familiar to generations of Floridians as a prime family vacation spot, there’s a full palette of resorts and beach condos available for rent on this 8-mile-long barrier island. The cool, white quartz sand snuggles up to the calm, warm Gulf while the interior teems with exotic flowers and birds (check out the rare and spectacular five-foot-tall Florida Sandhill Cranes, with their fiery red crests). Each spring, gifted artists gather to compete in the Siesta Key Sand Sculpture Contest. If you’re looking for a little privacy, try the smaller, less-crowded Turtle Beach and if you’d rather be on the water than off it, you can parasail, sailboard, fish or snorkel.

This island is named for the Frenchman who purchased property here in the late 19th century, Charles Amand. His name was misspelled on the property deeds, and that’s the name that stuck. St. Armands Circle, a large roundabout ringed with more than 130 boutiques, restaurants and specialty shops, is the main attraction here and a lively gathering place both day and night. There’s some very pricey real estate just off the Circle but you can walk the sidewalks and enjoy the cafés and galleries for free.

The northernmost of Sarasota’s barrier islands, Longboat has a full complement of high-priced  homes along with miles and miles of white sand beaches. Rent a boat at Cannons Marina, play a few rounds of golf at Islandside golf course, or just do what beach vacations were meant for: nothing.