St. Armands Circle Sarasota is a shopping and dining district on St. Armands Key, with boutiques, restaurants and galleries arranged around a central park. You can stroll the pedestrian promenades, then head south toward Lido Beach for a coastal outing.
- Location: St. Armands Key, Sarasota, Florida
- At the center: Circle Park and the Circus Ring of Fame
- Getting around: free parking is available on the Boulevards of the Presidents; an open-air trolley serves the district
Where is St. Armands Circle?
St. Armands Circle sits on St. Armands Key, between Sarasota and Lido Key. State Road 789 leads north toward Longboat Key, John Ringling Boulevard runs east toward Sarasota, and Lido Key and Lido Beach lie to the south.
The City of Sarasota describes the Circle as the realization of John and Mable Ringling’s vision for an upscale residential and shopping district. In 1926, the Ringlings had a bridge built to connect St. Armands Key and Bird Key to the Sarasota mainland.
At the district’s center, Circle Park is ringed by pedestrian promenades. The Circus Ring of Fame around the park honors more than 150 circus performers and executives.
What can you do around the Circle?
St. Armands Circle brings together more than 140 boutiques, restaurants and art galleries, according to the City of Sarasota. Browse the shops and galleries around the promenades, or make a meal part of your visit.
Circle Park gives the district a central point for a walk. The surrounding promenades connect the park to the commercial streets, while the Circus Ring of Fame adds an outdoor feature to look for as you move around the Circle.
How can you combine the Circle with Lido Beach?
Lido Beach is south of the Circle, and Visit Sarasota County describes the beach as within walking distance. You can spend time around the shops and park, then continue toward the coast; the City identifies Lido Key and Lido Beach as the route south from the Circle.
For a broader look at the coast, Sarasota beaches including Siesta and Lido offer useful context for planning beach time alongside this stop.
Where can you park, and is there local transport?
Nearly 200 free, unrestricted parking spaces are on the North and South Boulevards of the Presidents, one block from the Circle. In adjacent neighborhoods, the City publishes a one-hour parking limit Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; that limit does not apply on Sundays or city holidays.
The City also advises drivers to follow posted signs, since some parking rules may not be posted. Parking arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go.
A complimentary open-air trolley serves downtown Sarasota, St. Armands Circle and Lido Key seven days a week until midnight. It gives you a way to connect the district with downtown and the nearby coast without moving your car between stops.
Planning a visit from the Sarasota motel area
St. Armands Circle is about 4.8 miles from Deluxe Inn. You can browse rooms at this Sarasota motel when planning a stay in the area, then make the Circle part of an outing that also includes Lido Beach.
FAQs
What is St. Armands Circle known for?
It is a shopping and dining district with more than 140 boutiques, restaurants and art galleries, centered on Circle Park.
Is St. Armands Circle close to Lido Beach?
Yes. Lido Key and Lido Beach are south of the Circle, and Visit Sarasota County describes Lido Key Beach as within walking distance.
Is parking free at St. Armands Circle?
The City identifies nearly 200 free, unrestricted spaces on the North and South Boulevards of the Presidents, one block from the Circle. Follow posted parking signs, as some rules may not be posted.
Does a trolley serve St. Armands Circle?
A complimentary open-air trolley connects the Circle with downtown Sarasota and Lido Key, operating seven days a week until midnight.