Lido Key

We traveled west from the Myakka State Forest towards Siesta Key, rated the #1 beach in the US and #3 beach in the world by someone.  When we arrived however, the beach parking lots were so packed we decided to try our luck on Lido Key instead.  We read that Lido Key has the same gorgeous beaches as Siesta but without the throngs of tourists.  We were not misled; Lido Key was a much quieter and more relaxing experience that Siesta Key.  We found street parking near the beach and spent the afternoon enjoying the water and relaxing on the beach.

Afterwards we headed to Lake Manatee State Park for the night.