St. Armands Circle
A circular shopping district designed by John Ringling. Boutiques, restaurants, and ice cream shops ring a central garden lined with palms, making it a favorite spot for an evening stroll and dinner.
St. Armands Circle sits on the causeway linking downtown Sarasota with Lido Key. John Ringling planned it in the 1920s around a circular garden of palms and sculptures, with several streets radiating outward. Roughly 130 boutiques, galleries, clothing stores, seafood restaurants, and ice cream shops line the circle. A Circus Hall of Fame plaque walk honors circus legends. Browse in the daytime, dine on a restaurant patio in the evening, then walk a few minutes to Lido Beach for sunset. This is Sarasota's classic half-day itinerary. There is a free parking lot and a paid garage, and parking is tight on summer nights. Note that some shops may still be under renovation after the 2024 hurricane.
Opening hours
Open all day; shops approx. 10:00–21:00
Nearby sights
- Lido Key Beach
- Lido Key Mangrove Tunnels
- Bayfront Park & Unconditional Surrender
- Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
- Sarasota Jungle Gardens
- Siesta Key Beach
- The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
- Turtle Beach (Siesta Key)