St Armands Circle at a glance
St Armands Circle is a shopping and dining area with galleries, statues and the Circus Ring of Fame. It sits on Lido Key, an island near Siesta Key, and Lido Beach is within walking distance. From downtown Sarasota you reach it over John Ringling Boulevard and the causeway. North of the Circle the road continues toward Longboat Key, and south of it lies Lido Key.
Lido Key is also where some kayak tours start. If you plan to paddle the mangroves, see our guide to Siesta Key boat tours.
Shops, dining and the Ring of Fame
Shops and restaurants line the Circle, and you will also find galleries and statues. The Circus Ring of Fame is one of its sights. For circus history in a museum, see our page on the Ringling Museum.
Opening hours differ from shop to shop, so do not count on every business being open at the same time.
Our pick: Lido Key mangrove tunnels
Our take: St. Armands Circle sits on Lido Key, which also has mangrove tunnels, and this tour paddles them with a local guide.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Sarasota and Lido Key tours
Boat trips, kayak outings and city tours around St Armands Circle, Lido Key and Siesta Key, with live prices and availability.
Lido Key and Lido Beach
Lido Beach is one of the lifeguarded beaches on the county list, along with Siesta Beach and Venice. Flags still decide the day. A double red flag means the water is closed to swimming, and a purple flag warns of dangerous marine life.
The city rebuilt the beach with new sand, and the work was finished in May 2026. Dune work is planned for late 2026 with a target of spring 2027, so some dune areas may be marked off. Follow the signs and stay out of roped sections.
Sea turtles nest on the Gulf beaches from 1 May to 31 October. Keep lights off the sand at night, take furniture and gear off the beach, fill in holes and stay at least 50 yards (about 46 m) from turtles.
Parking at St Armands Circle
Approximate rates in 2026. Check the current rate at the sign at your space.
| Where | Rate |
|---|---|
| Street spaces | About $1.50 per hour |
| Fillmore lot | About $1 per hour |
| Garage | First registered hour free, the next hour about $2, then about $1 per hour |
Paid hours depend on the space. The city's paid hours for street spaces are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. as of 2026, and some lots may have longer hours. Read the sign before you walk away. For most visitors, the garage is the simplest choice, because the first registered hour is free.
Getting to St Armands Circle
By car and by bus.
By car from Siesta Key
The Siesta Key trolley stays on the island, so plan to drive between Siesta Key and Lido Key. Our getting there page covers the bridges.
The free Bay Runner
Route 78 is free. It links downtown Sarasota, St Armands Circle, Lido Beach and Ted Sperling Park. It runs Sunday to Thursday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
From downtown Sarasota
Drive over the causeway or ride the Bay Runner. For the bayfront, gardens and downtown parking rules, see our guide to things to do in Sarasota.
Paddling from Lido Key
A local outfitter runs kayak outings from 190 Taft Drive on Lido Key. The guided mangrove tour takes 2 hours and costs $65 for adults and $55 for children up to age 12. A kayak rental for 3 hours costs $49 for a single and $75 for a double. These are 2026 examples, and fees may come on top. Check current prices when you book.
Kayaking here is a different day from the beach. Add the drive to Lido Key and the time to park, and check the meeting point before you book. More options are in our guide to Siesta Key boat tours.
More to plan
Pick the next stop.
St Armands Circle and Lido Key: frequently asked questions
Where is St Armands Circle?
It is on Lido Key, reached from downtown Sarasota over John Ringling Boulevard and the causeway. Lido Beach is a walk away.
How much is parking at St Armands Circle?
Rates in 2026 are about $1.50 per hour on the street and about $1 per hour at the Fillmore lot. In the garage, the first registered hour is free, the next costs about $2 and later hours about $1 each. Check current rates at the sign.
Is there a free bus to St Armands Circle?
Yes. The Bay Runner, route 78, is free and serves downtown Sarasota, the Circle, Lido Beach and Ted Sperling Park.
Can you swim at Lido Beach?
Lido Beach has lifeguards, but the flags of the day decide. A double red flag means the water is closed to swimming.
Is this the official website of St Armands Circle?
No. This is an independent guide. It is not run by the St Armands Circle merchants, the City of Sarasota, Visit Sarasota County or any tour operator.