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South Lido Park, Lido Key, Sarasota, FL

Ben Franklin Drive goes all the way to the south end of Lido Key, and ends at the parking lot of South Lido Park. Admission is free, and parking is free.  On the way you'll pass big hotels like the Harley Sandcastle. South Lido has several nice hotels right on the beach. At the park there are lots of picnic tables, playground equipment for the kids, decent bathrooms, and picnic tables on the bay side, and overlooking Big Pass. Water currents are very strong here and I would not advise swimming. However, you will see some people venture into the water. There are NO lifeguards at this beach. It's nice for having picnics, letting the kids run around and play, sunbathing, and just enjoying the view of Big Pass and northern Siesta Key across the way.

There are lots of raccoons at this park. They are not afraid to come out when people are around. Under no circumstances should you feed or attempt to play with the raccoons. They are wild animals and they do bite. It is against the law to feed them and violating this is considered serious. They can be a nuisance. There is a nature trail here, plenty of vegetation, and lots of healthy natural food for the animals. They don't need human junk food.
Do you have all the beach gear you need to be comfortable during your beach vacation? I've got some great suggestions & tips for you. Have a look at some beach chairs, umbrellas, totes, floating chairs, towels, kids gear, and a LOT more!
 


Above: the Gulf beach at South Lido Park is very wide now.

  

Above: plenty of free parking, some of it is even shaded.

Above: South Lido has more shaded picnic tables than most beaches.

Above: this raccoon was out looking for food in the middle of the afternoon.
Absolutely stay away from and do not feed raccoons, they bite.

Above: this is not a joke. The water currents here are VERY strong.

Above: the scenic view of Big Pass and Siesta Key. The photo does not do it justice at all.
Big Pass is a beautiful waterway and the view here is very nice. The fishing is good too. Be
sure to bring the fishing poles to keep the kids busy, since they should not swim here.