We saved two trips for one post since it was the same location but different times of the year. White sand, blue water, offshore fishing, and sun was our desire, so we headed to Siesta Key/Lido Beach for our honeymoon in February 2021 and again in September for our 6 month anniversary. February was our first time there and we couldn't wait to go back! Southwest now has service from Columbus to Sarasota but at the time of our first trip they didn't. We flew into Tampa which is an hour drive to Siesta Key but the scenery is beautiful so it didn't seem like an hour. Our hotel was on Lido Beach just 3 miles away from Siesta Key. We felt like we had the best of both worlds staying in Lido and visiting Siesta. Siesta can be crowded. Lido is smaller and more quaint. I recommend renting a car because once on the Keys there isn't access to gas stations, groceries, fast food etc. within walking distance. Lido offers a free shuttle from hotels to St. Armands Circle where shops and restaurants are located. The Circle is a must if you are in the Sarasota area. Another must is Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB). It is a tradition to leave a dollar bill on the ceiling and walls. The server will bring a marker and stapler, you bring the dollar bill. After just 6 months our first dollar bill was buried and couldn't be found. Siesta Key is known for white sand and blue water. At times, the water looks green but is still clear. The emerald green water reminds me of the water at Dale Hollow. I am definitely a fan of water I can see through! I guess I want to know what is chasing after me when I'm swimming in the ocean :) Lido Beach has sand nearly as white. There are areas that are great for shell and sand dollar collecting. In addition to the boat we chartered that Bobby will talk about later, we rented a 2-person kayak to explore Sarasota Bay in February. We rented it for 4 hours but 2 hours was plenty of time. It is work paddling through the mangrove tunnels. When we returned the kayak early, they said most people don't stay out the entire time. We saw live starfish! A first for both of us. It is not uncommon to see manatees but unfortunately, we did not see one. Look closely for the starfish in the picture. To learn the importance of mangroves, follow this link www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/florida/stories-in-florida/why-mangroves-important/
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