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For a Gorgeous Walk That Combines History and Nature, Meander Through Lido Key

By Susan Burns December 1, 2020 Published in the December 2020 issue of Sarasota Magazine

South Washington Drive

Image: Jenny Acheson

For a gorgeous walk that combines history and nature, meander through a historic neighborhood on St. Armands Key and then walk the entire length of Lido Beach. This walk is never too crowded and takes you through some of the most beautiful streets—and beaches—in Sarasota.

A good launching point is at the corner of South Washington Drive and John Ringling Boulevard. South Washington is one of the original streets in John Ringling Estates, a development created by John Ringling in 1924. Ringling, who purchased St. Armands Key in 1917, had a grand dream to turn the key into an upscale destination of world-class shops and luxury homes with “resort features,” as one of his old ads proclaims.

A historic home at 96 S. Washington Drive.

Though he didn’t live to see it, St. Armands fulfilled much of his vision. Lined with flowering trees and beautiful homes, South Washington Drive offers plenty of eye candy. At least five of the original mansions built almost 100 years ago (the lots went for a pricey $3,000 back then) still stand in all their splendor.

Continue heading south across a humped-back bridge over a canal where you’ll often spy kayakers gliding underneath on their way to Sarasota Bay. You’ll suddenly find yourself at a quiet, shady linear park along South Boulevard of the Presidents that takes you to Ben Franklin Drive and South Lido Park. Once you hit the beach, take in the view of Big Pass and Siesta Key. The more ambitious walker can do a loop through the woods at South Lido—there are spectacular views of downtown Sarasota at the end—and come back out to walk north.

As you head back along the sidewalk on Ben Franklin, you can’t help but enjoy the beachy, vacation vibe. You’ll pass sandy tourists in bathing suits, residents walking their dogs, and toned and tan walkers and runners—and you’ll be one of them.

Grab a smoothie at Green Zebra Cafe.

About 1.5 miles after leaving South Lido, you’ll hit North Lido Beach, which thankfully was preserved from development by wise city commissioners in the 1970s. No condos or hotels here; just blissful beach. Make sure to walk the eight-tenths of a mile along the shoreline or on the trails through the uplands to the very end for a view of New Pass and Longboat Key. When you emerge from this natural paradise, cross the finish line at St. Armands Circle, and perhaps relax with a healthy “Green Power” smoothie or, if you really want to celebrate every one of those 10,000 steps, an ice-cold beer.

The coolest rest area ever by Sweet Sparkman Architects

Image: Gene Pollux

Worth Seeing

Five historic homes: 25 S. Washington Drive, 76 S. Washington Drive, 96 S. Washington Drive, 139 S. Washington Drive, 236 S. Washington Drive

South Lido Rest Area: One of the coolest modern public restrooms ever, designed by Sweet Sparkman Architects, is here, and you might need a bathroom break.

New Pass: No amenities here. Except for Saturdays and Sundays, this stretch of beach overlooking the pass between Lido and Longboat Key is blissfully quiet.

The “Yacht” House: Currently under construction adjacent to the North Lido Beach parking lot, this jaw-dropping, 10,000-square-foot behemoth required 149 pilings 35 feet deep, 100 tons of steel and 1,500 yards of concrete.

A gift from John: Circus impresario John Ringling’s imprint remains in the middle of St. Armands Circle. Check out two sculptures he donated in the late 1920s: Discus Thrower is a youthful, ancient athlete throwing a discus, and Mercury is a young gladiator mid-stride. Both bronze casts were acquired from the famed Chiurazzi Factory in Naples, Italy.

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Little Lido Beach House

Welcome to paradise.

 Little Lido Beach House is located one home in from the white sand beaches of Lido Key and close to the fun and excitement of Downtown Sarasota. This cozy beach house is the ideal getaway for your family vacation or friend’s retreat. Three bedrooms and three bathrooms with modern coastal-themed décor gives this property a relaxing beachside atmosphere, and the proximity to the Gulf of Mexico ensures a pleasant sea breeze can be enjoyed while you lounge by the pool or enjoy the views from the rooftop deck.

The home boasts a fully stocked kitchen with beautiful granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The kitchen overlooks the dining area, a small common area and the deluxe living room. The dining room table seats five people and an additional two can be accommodated at the counter. Just through the sliding glass doors in the living room is the private backyard, complete with a shaded patio, BBQ grill and a heated pool and spa with a tiled pool deck. You can have it all at Little Lido Beach House with its prime location, beautiful backyard and many amenities.

Sarasota Vacation Rental Certificate of Registration Number:  VR22-00046

Make Yourself at Home

• Cozy beach house on stunning Lido Key
• 3 Bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with a rooftop deck
• Beautiful private heated pool and spa
• Gulf beach access only a short walk through the sand
• Fully stocked kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances
• 2 King, 2 Fulls, and 1Twin to comfortably accommodate 8 people
• Master suite with beautifully tiled en-suite bathroom, balcony and rooftop deck access

• 3 TV’s, Wireless Internet, Cable and 1 DVD player
• Fully equipped with bikes and kayaks for guests to enjoy during their stay
• Washer and dryer in property
• Only one block away from St. Armand’s Circle shops and restaurants
• Within walking distance to local undeveloped parks for hiking and kayaking
• A short drive to Mote Marine Aquarium and downtown Sarasota

Gulf Front: One House to Gulf Balcony: Yes – Gulf views Beach Distance: One house to beach Beach Access : Yes, one house

Bed Size 1st/Master: King Bed Size 2nd/Master: King Bed Size 3rd Rm: Full, Twin & Full

BBQ Grill: Yes Pool: Yes      Spa: Yes      Elevator: No Internet Access: Yes Wireless Washer/Dryer: Yes Sun Deck: Large deck by pool

BED & BATH DETAILS

On the first floor of the home you will have two of the three bedrooms. There is also a large living room with sliding glass doors leading out to the patio and pool area. The kitchen is located at the front entrance of the home, and just beyond this is a small dining area and a common space where you can enjoy a lovely meal with your family. The first bedroom will have a plush full mattress, personal TV and an en-suite bathroom with a tiled walk-in shower. The second bedroom has a bunk bed with one full mattress on bottom and a twin on top, as well as a small couch. There is also an additional shared bathroom on the first floor with a tub and shower and a second door leading out to the side yard. Upstairs you will find the third bedroom, which is a master suite with an en-suite bathroom and a personal TV. The master bathroom has a beautifully tiled walk-in shower. The second level also has access to a shared balcony, which has a spiral staircase that leads up to the large rooftop deck, where you can enjoy some of the best views in Lido Key. This home sleeps a total of 8 people.

EXTERIOR Relax with a cocktail by the pool in a gorgeous backyard at this property. The entire poolside area is beautifully tiled, and the shaded patio provides a nice reprieve from the sun on hot summer days. You can take a dip in the luxurious spa or spend an evening relaxing on the balcony while you watch the palm trees sway and waves crash on the beach. For an even better view head up the spiral staircase tot the rooftop deck, where you can view the entire panorama. If you would like to venture out this home is in the perfect location. Only one short block away is Saint Armand’s circle, which has the best selection of shops and restaurants in all of Sarasota. You could take your group on a short drive over the bridge to Downtown for some more exploring, or take the little ones to the Mote Marine Aquarium to catch a glimpse at what life is like under the sea. If you’d rather enjoy the natural beauty of Lido key, you can take the bikes and kayaks kept at the property down to the local undeveloped parks for a day of bike rides and kayaking in nature, after which you can take a short stroll from the home to watch the sunset on the beach.

Lido Beach Retreat by FVC

• Description

Save 20% Off Weekly Or Monthly Rates Through September 30, 2024 From the eclectic décor to the convenient location, everyone who comes to Lido Beach Retreat on St. Armands Key will find a satisfying variety of things to enjoy! Offered by FL Vacation Connection, Lido Beach Retreat with four bedrooms is a perfect home for a family vacation. The master bedroom offers a king size bed and an en suite bath. Two guest bedrooms have two twin beds each. The third guest bedroom offers a queen bed. Sit back and relax while taking in the gentle breezes from the canal. Enjoy an icy cold beverage in the screened Lanai while the kids burn off their energy in the pool. Throw in a line from the dock and perhaps catch tonight’s dinner. Feel like a little something different? Take a walk to the beach where digging your toes in the sand or wading in the waters is the biggest decision that needs to be made... well, except for what sunscreen number to use. Feel like shopping? Take a walk to St. Armands Circle and spend some time going in and out of the shops. Maybe even indulge in an ice-cream cone or a cappuccino. At the end of the day you’ll find that retiring to the Family Room is ideal. It offers very comfy oversized leather sofas, one of which is a sleeper. This cozy room is perfect for having family movie nights together. Lido Beach Retreat is comfortable and cozy with a homelike feeling. As the sun sets beyond the canal a feeling of calm will take over. It can’t get any better than this. IF BRINGING A BOAT THERE ARE BRIDGE HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS. NO TRAILERS/BOAT TRAILERS OF ANY TYPE ALLOWED ON PREMISES. PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE FOR A SOLUTION IF YOU NEED TO STORE YOUR TRAILER. City of Sarasota Certificate of Registration Number: VR23-00010

• Air Conditioning
• Living Room
• Wireless Internet
• Extra Pillows & Blankets
• Iron & Ironing Board
• Drip Coffee Maker
• Cooking Basics
• Dishes & Silverware
• Refrigerator
• Kitchen Island
• Dining table

Attractions

• Health Beauty Spa
• Theme Parks
• Recommended

Home Safety

• Fire Extinguisher
• Smoke Detector
• Carbon Monoxide Detector
• Free Parking
• Bird Watching
• Eco Tourism
• Outlet Shopping
• Paddle Boating
• Wildlife Viewing

Entertainment

• Satellite or Cable
• DeepSea Fishing
• Fishing - Surf
• Para-sailing
• Pier Fishing
• Wind Surfing
• Garden or Backyard
• Patio or Balcony
• Fenced Pool
• Fitness Center
• Heated Pool
• Private Pool

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Beautiful home

This is a beautiful home with everything we could hope for or want! The location is simply amazing. It is 1/4 of a mile from the beach and even less distance from the circle. This made going to the beach a couple times a day a fabulous activity...walk in the morning, swim in the afternoon and sunset pictures in the evening! The kids also loved spending time in the pool and playing card games in the screened in patio!

Ideal location

We truly enjoyed out stay! We were a party of 8 staying in the house, which also served as the hub for larger family gatherings over the week between Christmas and new year’s. The well stocked kitchen, beautiful pool and close proximity to St Armand’s made it the ideal location. We will be returning next year!

Dock great for fishing

House was big and set up well for my family. The boat dock was great for fishing early or late in day. Pool was awesome as well. Loved our trip and hope to return next year.

Loved this house and location

Nice house, great location, with all of the supplies you’ll need for a great week near the beach. Be aware, that St. Armand’s circle has many stores but they don’t include a grocery store or pharmacy. The closest Publix is about 3.5 miles away so if you get in late, (as we did), you should keep this in mind to get necessities before you drive out to the key. We loved this house and relaxing in the pool outside at night! Very quiet neighborhood.

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West Oceanfront Magazine

A Newport Beach Lifestyle Publication

Lido House: Everything You Need to Know

“take a picture of the pool”.

S he had a broom in one hand, a bucket filled with soapy washcloths in the other. I had a clunky DSLR camera slung around my neck, click-clicking at nothing (or maybe everything) from a nearby lounge chair. It was too early in the morning for swimmers and this woman, who still urged me to photograph the pool, was the only other person around.

“Did you take the picture?” She asked, genuinely concerned.

“I did, yes,” I assured her. “And I’ll take a few more.”

“Good. It’s very nice here but it’s even nicer on the roof.”

I told her I’d go there next and she nodded, satisfied I’d thoroughly documented the scene. Then she turned to leave, a warm scent of laundry trailing in her wake.

We were, together, at Lido House , the newly opened hotel and lifestyle experience that last month made its Insta-worthy debut on Balboa Peninsula.

It was only my second visit to this latest addition in the Marriott Autograph Collection but just like the first time, I was impressed. The nautical details, the potted succulents, the backlit wall of wine. Every piece of Lido House is a careful articulation of coastal refinement.

There’s also something to be said about a hotel endorsed by its effervescent cleaning staff at 10 a.m. on a cloudy Monday morning.

If you’ve been, haven’t been or plan to one day go, let this post be your editorial guidebook to the sights, sounds and sensibilities of Lido House. 

At Boost Spa, natural botanicals meet innovative wellness technology to create a revitalizing respite. Spa treatments include: seaweed wraps; customized massages; facials and skin therapies; waxing services and more. (View the Boost Spa brochure with a complete list of available treatments here .)

An appointment is required for all services. Call Boost Spa at (949) 662-6170 to book.

Here’s more about booking from Lido House: “We encourage our guests to schedule spa services in advance to ensure your ideal day and time of choice. Please either contact the spa directly or online. If you prefer a male or female therapist, please make your request known when scheduling your treatment.”

Crew Coffee + Cremerie

A boutique coffee shop attached to Lido House, Crew Coffee + Cremerie serves the same blends available at the hotel, plus several flavors of ice cream and chocolate-covered ice cream pops. The interior is more spacious than expected, with a high, domed ceiling, communal tables that offer plenty of seating, neutral tones that calm and relax, and everywhere, splashes of beachy décor.

Crew Coffee + Cremerie is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Lido House has 130 guest rooms that feature luxurious bathrooms and either Juliette or full balconies. Eight suites offer additional amenities, including an expansive living room with patio and a full kitchen.

The Presidential Suite lives up to its grand name with two bathrooms, a dining table that seats 12, a fireplace and an extra-wide balcony.

Five tri-level cottages epitomize beach house living, each with high-end appointments curated by a local Newport Beach designer and served by a Social Captain, assigned to help you navigate your way around the hotel and Balboa Peninsula.

Click here for room rates and view the Lido House brochure here .

Walk around Lido House and you’ll discover that its exterior is as visually charming as the eye-catching design inside. Lanterns hang from thick-trunked trees, green turf lines the park-like grounds, geometric umbrellas provide shade from the sun and wooden chairs dot the space, ideal for a relaxing few minutes with a cup of coffee in hand.

While the hotel isn’t dog friendly, you’ll still find plenty of local pup owners in the morning, hanging with their dogs on Lido House’s lawn.

Mayor’s Table Pacific Pub + Kitchen

The signature restaurant at Lido House sits exactly on the site of the old Newport Beach City Hall, which explains both the monochromatic sea of mayors’ portraits and the name, Mayor’s Table. Much like the coastal decorations, the menu at Mayor’s Table is focused on seafood and includes an elaborate raw bar.

Mayor’s Table also has a private dining room, a chef’s table, an open-action kitchen, and outdoor seating ideal for day or nighttime libations. (We’re big fans of the time-worn books and framed photos that add warm touches of nostalgia in subtle corners of the brand-new eatery.)

Food tip: If you’re an avocado aficionado—and really, who isn’t these days?—we recommend the crispy avocado on Calabrian chili mayo with puffed corn and chili tendrils.

Cocktail tip: The wine list is extensively impressive and the cocktail program at Lido House is sophisticated and robust. (A swoon-worthy wooden bar occupies one end of the restaurant.) If you’re planning to have a drink on the weekend, arrive early. Like its rooftop compadre, Topside, the bar at Mayor’s Table is a scene … and for good reason.

Mayor’s Table is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.; and 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

View the menus:

Breakfast + Lunch Menu

Dinner menu.

Guests of Lido House can enjoy a refreshing dip in the saltwater pool or burbling hot tub; relax on a bevy of sleek, chaise lounges; and find shade under luxe cabanas … all while sipping on craft cocktails from Mayor’s Table mixologists.

Shuttle service is available to transport guests to nearby locations on Balboa Peninsula. Inquire at the front desk for additional information.

Topside Roof Deck

Topside is (most obviously) a beach-inspired oasis on the top of Lido House. The rooftop bar and lounge boasts ocean views, pool views and everywhere, boho-chic design. Play shuffleboard, chill by warm fire pits or amble to a domed-seating area that offers 360-degree views of Balboa Peninsula’s charm.

Hours for Topside:

Thursday  &  Friday :  4 p.m.  – close and  Saturday  &  Sunday :  2 p.m.  – close

Dress Code via Lido House:

“Please no tank tops or board shorts.”

Of note: Topside tends to get crowded on the weekends and for Friday and Saturday night, Lido House has instituted a system for non-guests to visit the rooftop bar. A host stands outside at a small counter and requests a cell phone number from each party. Lido House will text the designated number when it is time for the party to return, receive a bracelet and ride the elevator to the rooftop bar. The line moves quickly to reserve a spot, though wait times can take up to an hour. We highly recommend heading to Mayor’s Table for a glass of vino; the wine makes the wait worthwhile.

Click here for Lido House room reservations: Book a Room

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Posted by: West Oceanfront Editors

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Lido House in Newport Beach: Boutique Style, Family Appeal

• By Tanvi Chheda
• March 29, 2021

SoCal’s family-friendly reputation precedes it, with no shortage of kids’ club-touting resorts strung along the coastline. But newcomer Lido House , now part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection and nestled in Newport Beach’s marina, is different. More of an urban boutique hotel, with an exterior reminiscent of Cape Cod, the property manages to feel both fresh and family-friendly at once. That’s in part thanks to five thoughtfully designed three-story cottages onsite, which prove an ideal setup for parents with young children or larger groups.

Within minutes of the beach (all guests receive complimentary flip-flops!), the marina, the historic Balboa Fun Zone amusement park and foodie eats such as Malibu Farm, the Lido House puts families pretty much in the center of it all.

Review and Highlights of Lido House with Kids

Accommodations.

Opened in 2018 on the grounds of the former Newport Beach City Hall, Lido House compromises a main building with 130 rooms decked out with leather headboards, oak furnishings and marble bathrooms, as well as five 1,500-square- foot cottages. Cottages each feature two bedrooms, a living area, a kitchen and a rooftop deck with fireplace.

Each cottage tells its own story and was uniquely decorated by one of five local interior designers chosen to give the spaces a sense of style and place. For example, the Balboa cottage, designed by Grace Blu Design, includes details such as hand-drawn tile flooring, brightly colored textiles and even a yellow clawfoot tub.

Dining and Amenities

Property amenities include a spa with four treatment rooms; complimentary bikes for exploring; and a restaurant called The Mayor’s Table, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. During our recent stay, we enjoyed a breakfast of avocado toast and granola with housemade vanilla yogurt (which our 6-year-old praised as tasting much like ice cream). There’s also a rooftop bar, a prime spot since it’s the only such space in all of Newport Beach.

Ready to plan a California getaway with kids?

We can help! Our Family Travel Advisors can work with you one on one to book vetted family-friendly accommodations, create a custom itinerary and more. Click to send us a request!

Artwork around the hotel pays homage to Newport’s history. Guests are greeted by a scaled model of John Wayne’s boat, the Wild Goose, in the lobby; while a commissioned piece using Schwinn banana bike seats, meant to evoke memories of riding bikes along Newport Beach’s boardwalk, will catch eyes in the elevator bank.

Things to Do

Lido House offers a beach shuttle for guests to head to the sand. The property can also arrange a range of activities, including boat rentals, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, whale watching and more.

Crystal Cove State Park is a regional gem for hiking and exploring. The El Moro Canyon trail is especially beautiful in spring with wildflowers, but does feature some incline. If visiting with littler ones, consider the scenic blufftop trail that hugs the beach instead.

Once the family has worked up an appetite, head to one of several top restaurants in the area. A favorite of ours, Gracias Madre serves delicious Mexican dishes such as chilaquiles, huevos rancheros and enchiladas, all with a plant-based twist. Wash it all down with some cinnamon-laced horchata. Newport Beach’s outpost of Pizzeria Mozza is also a great place for a fancier dinner once everyone’s cleaned up after fun in the sun.

Relevant Links:

Browse all family-friendly accommodations and activities in California on Ciao Bambino

72 hours in Los Angeles with kids

A grand California family road trip

Disneyland VIP status achieved on Adventures By Disney’s Southern California tour

5 ways to have a luxury Disneyland vacation

Editor’s Note: Lido House provided a media package in order to facilitate our review. As always, all opinions are our own on Ciao Bambino. Photos by Tanvi Chheda and Lido House.

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