South Lido Beach(Ted Sperling Park, South Lido Nature Park)

Located at the southwestern end of the island of Lido Key, South Lido Nature Park has a one-mile-long and narrow situated at the western end of the city of Sarasota and faces the Gulf of Mexico. Also known as Ted Sperling Park, South Lido Nature Park is spread across 100 acres – it has beautiful white sand, is backed by many mangrove trees and old fallen tree stumps. South Lido Nature Park is filled with families, boaters, kayakers, paddle boarders, and fishermen. South Lido Nature Park is a family-friendly beach as it features spacious picnic areas and is a 15-minute walk from the very famous St. Armands Circle area.

South Lido Nature Park offers many amenities including restrooms, outdoor showers, shaded picnic areas, barbecues, trails, a playground, and a volleyball court.

There are many fun activities at South Lido Nature Park including surfing, kayaking, boating, canoeing, paddle boarding, fishing, hiking, wildlife watching, birdwatching, and picnicking. Please note that swimming is not allowed here because of high waves and strong rip currents.

Getting to South Lido Nature Park is very easy – the beach’s free parking lot is situated at 1100 Ben Franklin Drive and is within walking distance from the beach.

If you are looking for attractions near South Lido Nature Park, you can drive seven minutes to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium that is home to sea creatures including jellyfish, great white sharks, captive killer whales, rockfishes, African penguins, and the Pacific Sea nettles. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are spread across 15 acres and feature preserved collections of more than 20,000 plants including orchids, bromeliads, banyans, bamboo, wildflowers, a butterfly garden, a koi pond, and an edible garden. The historical Sarasota Opera House has been the performance stage for many world-renowned artists including Elvis Presley, Will Rogers, Charlton Heston, and Dorothy Lamour. Another great attraction near South Lido Nature Park is St. Armands Circle which is well-regarded for its shopping centers, boutiques, ancient shops, and restaurants.

If you get hungry, there are many restaurants within a five-minute walk of South Lido Nature Park. Drift Kitchen and Bar is an Italian-American restaurant emphasizing on seafood, craft cocktails, and has an extensive wine list. Another good restaurant near South Lido Nature Park is the vegetarian-friendly Cafe L'Europe which boasts its award-winning American-European cuisines and wines.

If you are looking for a hotel near South Lido Nature Park, there are many hotels within a 10-minute drive. Spread across 440 acres, The Resort at Longboat Key Club is a 4-Star beachfront hotel featuring a golf course, spa, gym, an oceanside pool, six restaurants, 20 tennis courts, and bike and water sports equipment rentals. The 3-Star pet-friendly hotel Lido Beach Resort has a pool, bar, gym, convenience store, and two restaurants with one on the roof. If you are looking for affordable hotels near South Lido Nature Park, the 3-Star Sandcastle Resort at Lido Beach offers a lounge, pool, gift shop, and restaurant – and Holiday Inn Sarasota - Lido Beach welcomes pets and has a poolside bar, restaurant, and fitness center.