“Why do people visit St Armands Circle?”
The answer is simple.
…for the best shopping experience of their lives!
St Armands Circle is an ‘island’ located in Sarasota Bay.
But there is more to St Armands Circle than just shopping.
You can think of this article as your blueprint. You will learn about the best shops, restaurants, hotels, and activities.
Ready to make St Armands Circle a vacation to remember!?
Then keep reading…
A Complete Breakdown of St Armands Circle
Your St Armands Circle Shopping Guide
Shopping is the focal point of St Armands Circle.
For the best shopping experience, check out the stores below:
Crossings at Siesta Key
Opening Times
Monday: 11am – 7pm
Tuesday: 11am – 7pm
Wednesday: 11am – 7pm
Thursday: 11am – 7pm
Friday: 11am – 7pm
Saturday: 11am – 7pm
Sunday: 12 – 6pm
Crossings at Siesta Key is located directly in front of St Armands Circle.
It’s an indoor shopping mall so that you can escape the Florida heat.
Once you get inside, you’ll be blown away by how gorgeous everything is. Natural light passes through the large glass ceilings.
…but you’re not interested in the lightning, right!?
You’re here for the shopping!
There are numerous shops to explore. Gyms, spas, clothing stores, and jewelers are all on the list.
Here are the most popular amenities:
There is also a cinema in Crossings at Siesta Key.
…not just a basic one, either.
It has large reclining chairs, eye-catching decor, and a luxury lounge.
Check Out the Best St Armands Circle Shops
If you’re in St Armands Circle, you’re already in the shopping district.
St Armands Circle is a shopping center in itself!
The island has countless shops.
…and not just boring ones.
The best thing about St Armands Circle is the shop diversification. You can find Tobacconists, Spanish restaurants, Luxury Jewelers, art museums, and more.
After your spending spree is over, Lido beach is a stone’s throw away.
Because who doesn’t like relaxing on the beach after a day of shopping!?
Best Restaurants at St Armands Circle
What’s the best thing besides shopping on vacation?
Fooooood!!!
Here are the best restaurants…
Crab and Fin Restaurant
Opening Times
Monday: 11:30am – 9pm
Tuesday: 11:30am – 9pm
Wednesday: 11:30am – 9pm
Thursday: 11:30am – 9pm
Friday: 11:30am – 9:30pm
Saturday: 11:30am – 9:30pm
Sunday: 11:30am – 9pm
To experience the best of St Armands Circle, don’t forget to visit Crab and Fin Restaurant.
Located at 420 St Armands Circle, it’s smack bang in the middle of the island.
Here are some popular menu items:
- Crab cake
- Calamari
- Oysters
- Yellowfin tuna
- Portuguese octopus
Crab and Fin are also known for excellent cocktails. Palmona martini, Ringling Old Fashion, and Frozen Lido Sunset are our recommendations.
You can get all cocktails at half price between 4 pm – 6 pm.
…but only at the bar.
Happy hour is not applicable when having a meal.
Columbia Restaurant
Opening Times
Monday: 11am – 9pm
Tuesday: 11am – 9pm
Wednesday: 11am – 9pm
Thursday: 11am – 9pm
Friday: 11am – 10pm
Saturday: 11am – 10pm
Sunday: 11am – 9pm
Another all-time favorite among tourists is Columbia Restaurant.
It’s a Spanish restaurant that opened its doors in 1905, making it one of the oldest around.
But here’s where Columbia really shines…
If you make a reservation at 5:30 pm, 6pm, or 6:30 pm; you can enjoy a Flamenco show after your meal.
Keep in mind the Flamenco shows are on Tuesday to Saturday.
…and the Saturday show is later (9:30 pm).
So how about the food?
Previous customers have nothing but good things to say. The menu is diverse, delicious, and caters to vegetarians.
In addition, the large portion sizes keep you full!
St Armands Circle Hotels to Consider
Find the perfect accommodation, and your vacation becomes one to remember.
…that’s what we think!
We have compared the most popular hotels near St Armands Circle. Discover our findings below:
Lido Beach Resort
For easy access to St Armands Circle, we recommend staying at Lido Beach Resort.
It’s a short 15-minute walk away.
There is also a shuttle service to St Armands Circle.
The hotel itself is clean, has large rooms, and has breathtaking views. After your shopping spree, you can relax in the hot tub, swimming pool, or on the private beach!
There are two swimming pools at Lido Beach Resort. One is for adults, while the other is for families.
That means you can swim in peace!
However, there’s an even better reason to stay at Lido Beach Resort.
Previous customers explain how you can see the most beautiful sunsets.
…that’s what we’re talking about!
Lido Islander
Is Lido Beach Resort out of your price range?
…Lido Islander is an excellent alternative.
It’s about half the price of Lido Beach Resort, and still only a few minutes away from the beach.
You can also reach St Armands Shopping District in only eight minutes.
Apart from the odd complaint, the rooms are mainly clean. Most rooms have a microwave, a small fridge, and a coffee pot.
Things to do at St Armands Circle
Your time in paradise wouldn’t be complete without some activities planned, right!?
Here are some things to do in St Armands Circle.
Relax on Lido Key Beach
The main attraction is Lido Key Beach.
It’s only a 13-minute walk from St Armands Circle.
So why is it loved by so many?
…is it the clear blue waters?
The pure white sand?
Warm waters?
It’s all of the above.
…but most importantly, watching the sunset.
Lido Key Beach has some of the most amazing sunsets you will ever see. Make sure you check them out.
If you’re staying at Lido Beach Resort, you can enjoy the sunset from your hotel room.
Don’t feel like watching the sunset?
Another popular activity at Lido Key Beach is water sports. Surfit USA is located a street away from the beach.
They offer surf lessons at Lido Beach.
At $100 for a 1-hour private lesson, make sure you don’t leave your wallet at home!
You can, however, get lessons for $75 when booking for 2 people.
Enjoy a Massage at Aquasandz
Opening Times
Monday: 9am – 6pm
Tuesday: 9am – 6pm
Wednesday: 9am – 6pm
Thursday: 9am – 6pm
Friday: 9am – 6pm
Saturday: 9am – 6pm
Sunday: Closed
What’s the best way to relax on vacation?
…a massage, right!?
To enjoy some pampering, we recommend heading over to Aquasandz Nails & Spa.
Not only can you enjoy a hands and feet massage, but also the following:
- Acrylic nails
- Waxing
- Pedicures
- Manicures
- Hot stones
- Nail art
They also offer treatments for men.
Men’s nail care and beard trims are also available.
It’s important to look good on vacation, right guys!?
FAQ
Which Beach Is Better: Siesta Key or Lido Beach?
For a less crowded experience, Lido Beach is your best friend. It’s also closer to St Armands Circle; 13 minutes walk, to be exact.
On the flip side, Siesta Key Beach is much further.
By car, it takes more than 25 minutes. The good news is the drive is very scenic.
…and paradise awaits you upon arrival.
How Many Stores Does St Armand Circle Have?
There are 126 stores at St Armands Circle.
