Are you in need of a little rest and relaxation? Take a trip to a quaint barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. Lido Key is a small island roughly two miles to the west of the downtown area. People from all walks of life travel to this island oasis to escape things such as harsh northern winters, extreme boredom or the constant rat race of large cities.

You can stay as busy or as bored as you want in Sarasota, Florida. Vacationing on Lido Key provides easy access to all of the amenities and activities of Sarasota. Some people arrive with the thought of just relaxing on the beach while others need new and different activities every day. Here are several things to do while on Lido Key.

1) Lido Key beach is the main reason people vacation here. The beach is gorgeous and long enough for a good run or a romantic walk with a loved one. Grab a chair, umbrella and some refreshments and spend the day listening to the soothing waves of the Gulf of Mexico.

2) Swimming in the Gulf of Mexico or in a swimming pool is a great way to enjoy your vacation on Lido Key. Forget about all of your worries. While in the water there are no cell phones to answer, no emails, no text messages or anything else to nag you. Take a dip in the water and forget about everything annoying.

3) Need a thrill? Go parasailing. You get strapped to a parachute and then get pulled by a boat attached to a rope. I have not done it but want to. This is a great way to get fabulous views of the water, beach, Sarasota and the barrier islands.

4) Go for a power walk or bike ride around St. Armands Circle. There are some great real estate on Lido Key to check out. The water and beach views are also a treat.

5) Spend a half a day or so at the Mote Marine Laboratory. This is a large marine life research facility. The general public has access to see marine life like sharks, dolphins, manatees and sting rays up close. Your kids will love it.

6) If you want to see more nature rent a kayak and take a trip around Lido Key. There is a nature preserve on the south end of the island that is perfect for cruising around. You can get up close and personal with nature.

7) Splurge a little bit on your vacation and go grab an ice cream on St. Armands Circle. Visit Ben and Jerry’s, Kilwins, Big Olafs or Scoop Daddy’s for a delicious ice cream while you walk around “The Circle”.
Enjoy a coffee at Starbucks. It is always fun to sit outside and enjoy a beverage while people watching. There are plenty of people to watch cruising around St. Armands Circle.

9) This is a vacation after all and to really relax you should get yourself a massage. Head over to The Met Spa and indulge in a nice deep tissue massage.

10) Eat, drink and be merry on St. Armands Circle. There are several fabulous places to enjoy a meal or a drink. Yearning for some Spanish Food? Grab a bite at the Columbia. Finger foods? Cha Cha Coconuts is just right. Lively atmosphere with good seafood? Try out Tommy Bahamas.

Lido Key is a wonderful vacation destination. It is also a great place to live or own a second home. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money there are some very affordable condos on the island. You can now find some under $300,000. Not bad for a luxurious, relaxing island destination.

Marc Rasmussen has a blog about 101 Things to do in Sarasota, Florida