South Lido Park

At the southern tip of Lido Key is South Lido Park, a 100-acre wildlife preserve along Big Pass with 640 feet of undeveloped gulf front beach. Tall shade trees, cool breezes and ample picnic tables make this an excellent destination to spend the day grilling, swimming and fishing. The Gulf side waters are calm for swimming. Sea grass beds team with life in the deeper water at the north end, which is excellent for fishing. If you like to kayak, a self-guided canoe tour will take you through the mangrove swamp or for a paddle around St. Armands Circle. Two nature trails are great for taking the family on a short adventure. You never know what you will see here, dolphins, manatees, ospreys, wading birds and raccoons are all common visitors to South Lido Park

Joan M. Durante Park

Town of Longboat Key The Joan M. Durante Park is a 32 acre site wetland restoration project. The park offers a unique look at the Sarasota bayfront environment. A wetland and coastal hammock forest provides acces to a diverse mix of plants, animals and ecosystems typical of coastal Southwest Florida. The park is a wonderful example of a coastal environmental barrier island. As you walk along the trail there is environmental education trail markers as well as plant identification signs.