Any vacationer looking for great arts and attractions near Lido Key will not be disappointed upon checking out the following four great spots. Please take your time to plan and visit them while you’re exploring the other fun things to do in this area! These activities will help you and your family have an unforgettable trip.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
First off, there’s the one and only Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus. The gardens offer 15 acres of pure botanical beauty for you to experience, all of which you are more than free to take photos of while inside. You can walk through the whole collection at your own pace and take in every sight, sound, and smell as you do so; that’s how you make the most of it. Open daily 10-5, you can’t miss out on its unique artificial-reality contemporary art exhibit, its display of orchids, bromeliads, epiphytes, etc.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
One of the biggest local theatres around, at a total of 80,000 square feet, the astounding Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall holds a total indoor seating capacity of 1,741. Here, you can check out amazing live shows based on real TV programs, from time to time, such as The Price is Right Live, where contestants can come on down, spin the wheel and cross their fingers in hopes of taking home a nice prize).
They also teach Broadway-style dance in the form of their numerous Dance Series, which you can sign up for any time, either online or right there in person. You may also view performances like Alice in Wonderland (just called “Alice” here), Kenny G, An Officer and A Gentleman, and many more. Come in from 10-6 any day (but closed Sundays) to ask about any program, showing, ticket, or season pass. Their admission & info booth is loaded with all you need to know, and its receptionist is always friendly and helpful!
Lido Shores Neighborhood
Found right in stunning Sarasota and a brief walk from your Lido Dorset condo or rental home, this lovely little ‘tucked in’ neighborhood is safe and quiet, yet at the same time, full of life and vigor. It’s even got plenty of great nightlife activities for you to check out. Here in Lido Shores, your first stop ought to be the New Pass Grill & Bait Shop whenever you need a quick bite and pick up any supplies (like tackle, if you want to fish nearby later…. a terrific fishing area, by the way!). Here, they serve up their “World Famous, Award-Winning” New Pass Burgers any day from 10:30-5.
Stop by the Mote Laboratory & Aquarium and Gift Shop (open all 365 days, 9:30-5), where you can learn incredible facts about the local sea turtles, jellyfish, and more.
Downtown Sarasota
You’ll find plenty of color and life right here in the downtown area, both day and night, a good sign for any tourist city. A few highlight spots to not miss are Payne Park, McCurdy’s one and only Comedy Theatre, Owen’s Fish Camp, and Circo (a Tex Mex style restaurant, top-rated). If you like to jog, hike or skate, then that first spot is perfect for you; Payne’s has plenty of green, open-air space the public can enjoy at no cost. The theatre holds stand-up comedy nights, musical and non-musical plays, cabaret floor shows, etc.
As for Owen’s, this is perhaps a top spot for dine-in or take-out Butter Hollandaise plates, which they serve fresh and fast. It opens 4-9:40 p.m. daily, closing Fridays/Saturdays at 10:30 p.m.
If you’re ready to appreciate all the stunning art Lido Key offers, book your trip through The Lido Dorset today! With countless amenities, an unbeatable location, and passionate management, we guarantee your trip will be one you’ll never forget! Get in touch with our friendly staff at 941-388-1404 or info@lidodorset.com.
