Beautiful shopping area with restaurants and a great atmosphere . Highly recommended.

St. Armands Circle on St. Armands Key began as a dream of John and Mabel Ringling, the circus magnets who made Sarasota, Florida, their winter home in the early 20th century. Their vision was for an upscale residential and shopping district that could serve as a commercial hub for the wealthy visitors and residents of the area. Their vision turned out to be St. Armands Circle, a premier destination for arts, dining, shopping and recreation. Today, it is home to more than 140 upscale boutiques, award-winning restaurants and post art galleries in an open-air, European-inspired setting, the jewel of Sarasota. Circle Park and the surrounding pedestrian promenades feature many of the Ringlings' original statues, which were carefully restored in 2008. Visitors and residents also have come to revere the Circle's Circus of Fame, which honors over 150 of the most influential performers and executives who helped produce The Greatest Show on Earth, including Emmett Kelly, Clyde Beatty, Cecil B. DeMille, Paul Binder, Bello Nock, Nik Wallenda and the King Charles Troupe.

Easy to reach from Lido Beach. Nice shops nearby. We bought some small souvenirs and had ice cream at Ben and Jerry.

Plenty of parking, 1.00 per hour which is cheap. Lots of restaurants and shops. If that's your thing you'll like this place, if not avoid.

Reasonable parking about 90% of the businesses were back in business. My bride found several boutiques that were just her style. Wallet well dented. Happy wife.