The St. Armand’s Circle is a prime attraction located near Lido Beach and the city of Sarasota. The “Circle” is known for its premier shopping, plentiful activities and things to do, fine dining, luxurious wellness spas and stellar outdoor entertainment which attracts all types of visitors from locals to tourists. Here you’ll learn about everything the Circle has to offer!
St. Armand’s Circle Shopping
The shopping at St. Armand’s Circle has everything you could want from beach bum souvenirs to designer shops or quaint boutiques – there is something for every eye in the 150-store selection. Some shops of note include the Armel Jewelers, the Dream Weaver Collection which includes handcrafted apparel, the Bennington Tobacconist where Dad can get an old-school cigar, and the beachwear favorite Tommy Bahama.
Restaurant options at St. Armand’s Circle
If you love food, St. Armand’s Circle is definitely a destination you want to check out on your vacation to Sarasota. For fresh Florida seafood, stop at the Shore Diner, a modern restaurant that uses some creative touches on classic dishes and cocktails. The Crab and Fin, the Surf Shack, the Tommy Bahama restaurant are casual places for seafood.
And the Café L’Europe and Le Macaron bring some classic European fare and pastries to the Florida coast. While the Blue Dolphin café and La Creperie Café does all things breakfast. A nod to Latina flavors of the South, the Columbia offers Cuban style dishes. And try Venezia or Le Colonne Resturant for delicious Italian cuisine.
Can’t decide what to eat? The Circle does offer a Key Culinary lunch tour where a guide takes you on a tour of the best happy hour dishes and drinks from a variety of different restaurants.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a beach destination without the cold sweet treats that are needed to cool off after a day in the sun.
Check out Settimi’s for great gelato, the Big Olaf Creamery for traditional ice cream, the Daiquiri Deck for frozen drinks, and Kilwins or Scoop Daddy, which are both kid-friendly ice cream, candy and sugar heavens.
For a little touch of luxury and relaxation, make a reservation at the Met, which functions as both a high-end spa and hair salon.
Enjoy Lido Beach Park nearby
Of course, the nearby Lido beach park is a must-do activity for outside daytime entertainment but the nightlife in the Circle also cannot be missed. Stop by the 15 South Ristorante Enoteca for Latin jazz and patio dancing or the Terrace at Surf Shack for late night drinking and revelry. Lynches Bar and Grill or The Tavern and Whiskey Bar offer a traditional cocktail menu and bar scene on the St. Armand’s Circle.
A variety of family friendly events to enjoy
Depending on what time of year that you visit St. Armand’s, it has a variety of family friendly events that take place annually. In the winter months, there is the Ring of Fame Induction which pays homage to circus artists and then the Winter Art Festival, which honors local and widespread artists.
In the spring, two automotive events for the car aficionado include the Exotic Car Festival and Classic Corvettes on the Circle (for the autumn visitor there is the Auto Rama on the Circle or Ferraris on the Circle).
In the summer months, the annual Boat Show and the Craft Festival take place in St. Armand’s. For the fall, enjoy the Fright Night (a Halloween themed event in October), the Art Festival in November and the Holiday Night of Lights in December.
