Lido Beach on the Florida Gulf Coast | A Chill Beach Vlog

[@johngrossbohlin7582]

Not for everyone, but the coolest place I camped in FL while on a bicycle trip was the Everglades Back Country. I got a back country permit at the park and rode out into the backcountry on an old road. Very cool! Second best place was in the Keys about half way out... there was a campground where I had my tent facing west with the Gulf no more than 10 feet away. Great sunset!

[@renoflames]

Excellent video

[@tacoma_jon]

This takes me back to your adventure days in central California

[@kellyhays23]

Ahhhhh I miss those days! You’re an OG subscriber if you remember those haha thanks for sticking around 💛

[@tomtomdishman4029]

I stay at Flamingo RV PArk in Jacksonville FL. It's beautiful there. i have watched your hiking videos but today is the first time i have wrote you. i wish you love in the Sunshine state! You are a beautiful person Kelly.

[@torrencel.2662]

Cool! Welcome! I've lived in central Florida all my life. One of my favorite things is being within a couple hours of so many great beaches on either coast. The Space Coast ( East- Atlantic Ocean) or west coast (Gulf of Mexico). In Florida when someone references the "West Coast", they're likely talking about the Gulf of Mexico. Not Cali & Pacific Ocean! Lots to do here besides all of the Theme Parks, but those are great too. Enjoy!

[@lucindaturnis6605]

Ya definitely have to check out some of the springs while your in Florida!

[@kellyhays23]

Stay tuned! I have a few trips already planned :)

[@bryanford1139]

Kelly Hayes Hikes the beaches of Florida!!! Nice! :)

[@vibelife5133]

Camping at Fort DeSoto, Sebastian inlet, Anastasia state park, Tamoka state park, Ocala forest at Alexander springs, salt springs, juniper springs, silver springs, ginnie springs

[@jamesadams2334]

You are in a very nice area. Lido is nice. Siesta Key is also beautiful with nice beaches. I used to live on Anna Maria Island in the town of Anna Maria. I lived there for 5 years and it was amazing. The whitest sand I've ever seen but that was in the late 80s. It's still that way but so crowded now and no parking, too much traffic. The most beautiful pain in the ass I've ever been to. geek

[@printerror]

I miss Anna Maria so much. I will go back someday! (and not recognize any of it!)

[@pawpawmike7372]

Its good to see that beautiful smile again.

[@kellyhays23]

😁

[@joemeloche277]

Kelly, I live in Palm Harbor Florida. Just south of us is Clearwater Beach it was at one time the #1 beach in the nation. It can get busy for spring break but the fluffy white sand is so worth the visit. Just north of Clearwater is Dunedin, Florida and Honeymoon island is a nice get away from the crowds. The north end of honeymoon beach is the best. Welcome to Florida. I watched all your AT vids and I am planning on doing the Georgia section in the fall. Love the videos… Joe

[@kellyhays23]

Thanks for the tips Joe! I’ll have to check those places out next! Thanks for watching 💛

[@finsian3749]

Love Lido Beach, south Lido especially. White sand, wide beach... beautiful. Try Siesta Beach next time. Its always on the top beach list in the US. Welcome... and enjoy.

[@kellyhays23]

Thanks!

[@loreleilietzenmayer8903]

We have been going to Siesta Key for 30+years, 2weeks in May. The best sand by far, but all of the west coast fla beaches are great! Your best friend is going to be sunscreen because that Florida sun is no joke. !

[@charlesb4267]

I don't expect I was the only one who suggested you hit up some ocean beaches but was not expecting your very next video to be on the beach !. I'd have a hard time handling that heat though to say the least. When I was there in Florida it was right around New Years and in the Daytona area and no the water was not as warm as I would have liked but I liked the air temperatures both day and night as I was tenting it.

[@nyevegas4015]

There was a lot to unpack in this video but I almost lost it with the underwater sunglasses. 😂

[@kellyhays23]

😂😂😂

[@KevinChristiansen-i2q]

Great video Kelly

[@Josephhikes]

Looked like a pretty nice quick get away to me. I started my day watching, your buddy Sunshine hiking on the PCT and then Honey Bee hike the AT, and you hang out at the beach. I’ve been all over the country today . 🤠👍

[@kellyhays23]

Haha that is awesome!

[@gregboulanger817]

Lido has been a favorite for me for quite a few years. Swim out to the sandbar down the end where no need goes, pretty neat.

[@BillMeyerComm]

My 1st watch after your hurricane video caught my eye and I love your style! I did my wandering earlier in life from the East Coast, mid-west, then West Coast, now back East. I did it my way. Major props to you for your warm casual convo style and I'll be checking out your PCT vids next!!! Glad your safe after all the excitement. I have a time share in Ft. Myers Beach I'd offer ya, but, it is not in any condition for habitation for a while we've been told...

[@kellyhays23]

Hey bill! Thanks so much for watching! Sorry about your timeshare! Hoping it gets fixed up for y’all soon🙏💛

[@gilbolhuis7697]

I love it, to just wing it and see where you end up and what happens. That's definitely the Florida life glad to see you enjoying it. I love the Gulf Coast for some reason just seems to be a bit more relaxed. But I have to agree 95° is too hot to camp...lol but then again I am olden....

[@ljpugsley2757]

When you and James are ready...do the FL Trail...super wet in places but can do in 3 mos.. Jan-Mar is only doable time for it. Short hike is 64 miler Ocean to Lake Trail. Pretty wet too...heh...this is FL. 😊

[@kellyhays23]

Yessss it’s high on our list! Might be happening soon…

[@DS-go8mn]

We're in the 34237 area and love it... bunch of airbnbs sprinkled around us and they are always booked. Lots of them selling for half a million dollars in such a lovely area with Lido only minutes away.

[@bwell111]

good times, nice and relaxing at a beautiful place. thanks

[@jimweagant8920]

It’s good to see you back on here looks like a nice time

[@LostBoy1026]

I lived on Lido for 10 years! Very cool beach you should go and hike the Lido trails on South Lido. I miss it so much! Love the videos!!

[@johnmys5am]

The Little Manatee River State Park has a 6 mile loop hike with a one single camp site off trail about .02 that you have to reserve. Fire ring, picnic table, great flat spots with plenty of firewood. Not many people opt to camp there because you have to hike 2.4 miles to get back there. I was practicing for the AT on that little trail. The cool thing is that it's a loop hike and the trail head is just down the road from the main entrance. When you hike out the next day, all new scenery back to your car. (almost hate giving this spot up!)

[@kellyhays23]

Oh heck yeah that sounds awesome!! Guna check that out for sure

[@wendypelaez9305]

Try St George Island!!!! Pristine and white sand, no high rises. Parking is easy, and food is great! No crowds, no traffic.

[@Djhikes63]

I'm loving these Florida vibes! Great video

[@kellyhays23]

Thanks for watching Debra!

[@peter5045]

I live in FL. A great place to go camping is Fort Desoto in FL. There are some videos out about it. I have a reservation at the end of the month myself.

[@kellyhays23]

Oh heck yes I will def be checking this place out!

[@peter5045]

@@kellyhays23 I'm going with my family on the weekend of the 30th of this month if you and James wanna join me and my wife and son (4yrs old) to check it out you are more then welcome to join us! Just let me know

[@peter5045]

Also there is another campground you can only get to by walking. It's an island and more laid back I think its past Clearwater, Caladesi Island state park I believe.

[@Onewholovesrock]

Agreed. Ft. Desoto is pretty damn cool!

[@shoppysharp9355]

Turtle Beach on the south end of Siesta Key is a nice free public beach, I don't think the sand is as manicured as Lido Beach. Lived in Sarasota for 8 years about 20 years ago. To me Crescent Beach had the best sand but its so built up crowds are frequent. South of Sarasota in Venice at the end of Harbor Dr S you can find Casperson Beach Park (was free) not super white, a more of a natural sand but it is super fun to find fossilized sharks teeth in the sand. We live in Connecticut now but we still have a quart jar 80% filled with sharks teeth (many different sizes).

[@kellyhays23]

That is soooo cool! I’ve recently been doing a ton of research on shark tooth hunting/fossil hunting in florida! This is definitely on my list

[@sammymartinez556]

Kelly always nice to follow u on on yr adventures.. beach look wonderful 👋👋❤️😊

[@kellyhays23]

Thank you for coming along!

[@MaxZomboni]

You found a fantastic place to spend the winter. 😎👍

[@mitchthornton1820]

Just came across this channel , really enjoyed the video looking forward to binge watching to catch up , very cool lady and extremely easy on the eyes …

[@southflorida4life930]

Go to Fort Desoto. Awesome camping and spectacular beaches.

[@jduggan4129]

Beaches are beautiful and the water is so warm. Keep loving it. Love you guys California Joanna

[@davidlooney3018]

Check out cape San blas and port st joe if not too far away. Laid back like Florida use to be. St George island across the bay is awesome has a state park 👍

[@kellyhays23]

This sounds awesome!!!

[@DS-go8mn]

Not far from my place over by Browning and Tuttle Streets. The vacationers love to go to Lido cuz it's close (Lots of busy airbnb's on my street.. they seem to be always booked. The last two Airbnb houses sold for over $550,000 and those were built in 1958)

[@erikrenner]

Check out Fort Myers Beach. You can take the trolley over from the park and ride…$1.50 roundtrip. You could go to Marco Island too. There’s Lover’s Key also. Sanibel Island. Captiva. You can camp on Sanibel Island. I live in Fort Myers.

[@glennlawrence7251]

I watched and commented on your AT posts and your PCT hiking ... Nice to see that you are posting again even if the subject is not to my taste ... I hope you hit the trail again at some point... Your AT journey was just wonderful 👍

[@kellyhays23]

Thanks Glenn! & no worries, More hiking content is def in the works! Thank you for the support!

[@brenthiteoutdoors]

Lido is an awesome place....I will be going there next month! I am going to spend 3 days in Orlando and then 4 days in Sarasota! Great area! Thanks for sharing your adventures!

[@RayDeer]

My wife and I watched all of your AT videos. You are quite an inspiration. Love to see you are in Florida now. We live in Sarasota, FL. Hit us up for a meal if you are ever coming this way again. -Ray & Sheri

[@kellyhays23]

Oh wow that would be so fun!

[@printerror]

I love this one, thank you Kelly. I used to live just over on the other side of the Causeway and worked in Ledo Key. It's a wonderful place and I look for excuses to go back. ENJOY!

[@kellyhays23]

So cool!! Such a wonderful area

[@printerror]

@@kellyhays23 It really is. Check out the Main Bar Sandwich Shoppe on Main Street in Sarasota if it's still there. I ate about a million Alexander The Great's there!

[@printerror]

@S C It used to be a double helping of ham and an Italian dressing salad in a pita. Sooooooo good. Everything there was amazing though back in the day.

[@Johann-4354]

Kelly, enjoyed this and as for beaches you'd enjoy, the northern start of the Florida Trail is one of the sweetest beaches I've been to... It's wide, deserted, small dunes, and just plain beautiful. I 🙂 think, you'd like it. Feeling better NOW, after the bout with covid? You seem to have more energy.

[@kellyhays23]

Sounds good I will have to check it out! And yes energy came back about 4 months after. I feel normal again

[@Johann-4354]

@@kellyhays23 So glad to hear that you're doing better. You looked so down on that last video while on the pct. Hope you're able to get back to it someday.

[@sgbawg0]

Perfect beach - Venice Beach. 10 miles south of Sarasota. Free parking. Nice sand and surf. Brand new (renovated) pier - with the restaurant Sharkies at the start of the pier. And its right next to a general aviation airport so I can also watch planes land and takeoff.

[@JerryyCorneliuss]

Princess going to the beach

[@judybryan9575]

Hi Kelly...we truly enjoy your videos! That mule trip in Bryce Canyon was amazing, and a bit scary! Pinellas County is beautiful, we have wonderful beaches, St. Pete. Beach is one of our favorites. You should make a trip to Fort De Soto Park, there are remnants of the fort and housing built during the Spanish-American war (1898,) a ferry to Egmont Key if you wish, kayaking, fishing, and miles of beautiful beaches. It also has a wonderful campground that can be very busy. And while you are here, check out Weeden Island, it's great place to kayak! Enjoy your time in Florida!

[@kellyhays23]

Thank you for watching Judy!!!! Fort de Soto sounds incredible! I’m excited to make it down there one of these weeks!

[@rickrack4812]

You should try Carl Johnson State Park at Lovers Key.... Easy parking but the traffic means you need to go there early because you have to go through either Bonita beach or Fort Myers Beach to get there. ... not too many people but wild wife and white sand... Is pretty much secluded except for the kayak rentals.

[@baldelliraymond9347]

Just got back from Lido Key. Awesome beach! Sand and water are beautiful, lots of manatees

[@user-David-Alan]

I think it is so cool you are in Fla. Just make sure you have that sunscreen on. If you can get a line to Quicksand, he knows a lot of places to camp in Fla. Also, if you get to St. Augustine this old man would be happy to take you to lunch. Please stay well and be safe. Cooler weather is on the way. Did you know your sunglasses were on you underwater?

[@kellyhays23]

Oh that would be fun! Thanks David! & I don’t think I realized at the time 😆😂

[@willjam465]

While I like Lido, I prefer Siesta Key Beach. It is busier by the main public beach, but you can find some less crowded areas away from it. St Armand’s Circle is a cool place to walk around. Big fan of Kilwin’s. If you get back there, I recommend Dry Dock Waterfront Grill on Longboat Key.

[@tblmt]

That was super chill. Thank you for the relaxing video. :)

[@joej6510]

Fish eating Creek campground is a good place. You can bring your kayak also. Also may want to try Highland Hammock campground. Both are within 30 minutes from where you are.

[@summitsandiego3160]

You are so awesome. I am so glad I stumbled across your channel on my hiking journeys. Your adventures are amazing and informative. It’s cool not to have a plan. Keep it going your fans love it!!!

[@kellyhays23]

Thank you so much!

[@sandrap3047]

That water looks beautiful! Go to Sanibel Island if you want to pick up sea shells! It’s called the Sanibel Stoop because so many people are bending over picking up sea shells.

[@kellyhays23]

I hope I can make it down there while I’m here. I went to sanibel in high school and had the absolute best time sea shell hunting!!

[@charlesjohnson9662]

If you have time don’t forget to visit north Florida, Tallahassee area. St George’s Island south of Tallahassee, and so many crystal clear rivers (eg, St Marks, Wakulla, Wacissa) and springs.

[@vadaboy]

I hope James can join you some time soon. Glad you two are staying in touch. Stay safe.

[@kellyhays23]

He’ll be here in a few weeks and we have an epic adventure planned! Stay tuned!!

[@ge3466]

Over here in Citrus County (Inverness) (70 miles north east of you) you can float with the Manatees. They have signs for the tourist saying be careful of the Gators, but I don't think we have lost one yet...Gators that is. Welcome to Florida.

[@ronmerrell5426]

Hopkins Prairie Campground in Ocala Forest is on the Florida Trail. Hike some of the beautiful prairie heading north from the campground. The campground has a huge bat house on the north side and it is really neat to see thousands of bats heading out in the evening.

[@kellyhays23]

Okay this sounds amazing

[@steverensh]

How about hiking some section of the Florida trail while you are there. Like the Ocala national forest section which seems to be a favorite, or maybe a bit further north, the Suwanee river section.

[@kellyhays23]

Definitely a plan for that in the works

[@manwithrake]

you can camp in Sebastian on the river and sky dive across the street

[@jonlaster6805]

Always love to see where you're next adventure is, keep it up!

[@kellyhays23]

Thanks for coming along Jon!

[@sandrap6321]

Lido Beach is usually way less touristy/crowded than nearby Siesta Key. Best kept secret. Checks all the boxes.

[@LostBoy1026]

i lived in Sarasota but was on Lido most of the time

[@nickhikesinthewoods6150]

Living that good life Florida is awesome

[@jongrosberg2053]

Nice Kelley! I lived in Clearwater Florida for 20 ish yrs.. Mom is still down there. Not sure what part of central Fl. You’re in but Ocala national forests Juniper springs is worth the trip. Very unique to Fl.. Safe travels!

[@kellyhays23]

Oh you will love some of the upcoming videos then! I absolutely loved Clearwater! Juniper is def on the list!!

[@jongrosberg2053]

Looking forward to your upcoming Florida videos. My old stomping grounds. I’m in Vermont now. Watched you and James hike through on your At vids. Especially the inn at Long trail. Super close to me in Plymouth Vt. Missing the quack quack in the background.😀 all the best!

[@chrissaunders8284]

Looks like you had a great day. I couldn't tell that you had been burned; I hope it wasn't bad. I've been to that same beach. There is an aquarium nearby that is great. Also, there is an electricity plant that discharges water. The water is very warm so the manatees hang out in that area, especially when the temp drops. It is called TECO and it is south of Tampa and North of Ruskin.

[@MRR_Shadowolf]

What a relaxing day trip to the beach! Great video editing and clarity as always, enjoyed hearing the waves break on the shore. Safe Travels Nine Lives!

[@kellyhays23]

Thank you for watching!!

[@nickwisor6165]

With that checklist you might want to check out Anna Maria island

[@jasunto]

Checkout Siesta Key Beach, You won't be disappointed. Venice Beach is pretty cool too, but Siesta Key has the perfect sand that's always cool on your feet.

[@leahreigle470]

Myakka state park is cool for camping or camp on one of the little islands near Boca Grande ( Dog island)

[@natenord1130]

Wiggins pass beach near ft meyers is great

[@mr.e0311]

On a less thirsty note, you should check out honeymoon beach. you have to walk alllllll the way down to the end to get away from the crowd tho.

[@97warlock]

Lido use to be a topless or nude beach back in the day, learned that the hard way lol. didnt know & started seeing all kinds of things ya cant unsee.

[@EVERYDAYBEACHLIFE]

Love your content! Just subscribed 😊

[@iconiaman]

Lido. Great beach. Little rough on the floor of the gulf, but overall, awesome

[@jamiegarrett3187]

Kelly, I wish you would have gone 1 mile south to South Lido. So much nicer with an estuary, bathrooms, picnic tables, grills and a beautiful pathway through the woods.

[@kellyhays23]

Next time for sure!

[@deshawniskeng-mixedmediatv]

Absolutely gorgeous wow...cool video

[@peter5045]

Another place to camp is on an island. You can boat over or take a ferry ride. Anclote Key Preserve State Park. I'm sure that will be a fun adventure to check out while in FL

[@kellyhays23]

Thank you!

[@peter5045]

@@kellyhays23 you're welcome 😊

[@Rangband1]

Rock springs run kayaking there are some primitive camp spots along the way

[@janelbrady5342]

I’ve done random trips like that as well and not figured out the rest… lol. I feel ya. Still good vid.

[@813kengarcia]

Ayyyy! Glad I popped back in here, welcome to Florida! You picked a great spot in Lido. There's so much to do here in FL that it gets overlooked like hiking, camping, and paddle boarding/kayaking. And if you make boat friends that's also cool since you'll see the beach from a different perspective. Plus it's cool to chill out on a sandbar or remote island. Can't wait to see more!

[@danielcgomez]

Hi Kelly! Nice to see you again!

[@kellyhays23]

Hello!!!

[@brianferris1233]

God bless you thank you for sharing your time and sharing your videos 🙏

[@MegaMastiffman]

Get a kayak trust me but just keep finding places till ya get one that’s mostly secluded now no one is around the cooler it gets though the more people there will be. Englewood beach is a hidden jem but look into a kayak and kayaking that’s the best way to go with all the little islands around.

[@kellyhays23]

I brought my kayak to florida with me and have lots of adventures to come in future episodes

[@michelahattox5511]

Ft Desoto for sure!

[@pronetowander2153]

Glad you had a good day off, I thought it was funny when you loaded up all that gear, and I laughed at myself and said if you’re going to put skis on top of the car

[@kellyhays23]

😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣 I really debated taking all that footage out but had to leave it in so y’all could get a laugh out of me packing up my entire life for nothing

[@lawrencefox563]

Looks so beachy!

[@BluInfinity]

The key to avoiding burns is to reapply sunscreen, especially after going in the water. Gulf water is consistently clearer than the Atlantic coast but definitely give the other side a shot

[@alliesandow7016]

Lido is my favorite beach in that area! I live in Osprey.

[@jasonjones5213]

Great to see you are still posting.It should be interesting, I know nothing about Florida.

[@mickaelmick5397]

Enjoy and nice new goggles diving 😋

[@keithhendrix8375]

Great content and nice editing!

[@LeviSpangler]

Your editing skills are definitely improving! Loving the videos. Keep up the good work!

[@kellyhays23]

Thank you!!

[@michelahattox5511]

Also you should check out weeki watchi….literally my happy spot!

[@scottstaples7366]

Hi Kelly. I felt the need to comment on this video. As I have been following your channel for a while. I am always amazed by you and your determination and stamina to participate in such intensive hikes. Today seeing you on Lido beach was a real joy. Not just because of your wonderful presence. But to think how it must feel for your feet. How many thousands of hiking trail miles your feet have travelled. Then, now to see you walking in the warm Florida sands and sea barefoot. It must be so comforting and therapeutic for you as well. You have amazing feet. Take care and continue on with you incredible channel. Thanks...Scott Nova Scotia Canada.

[@kellyhays23]

Wow thank you so much scott! Getting to go to the beach has been a great change of pace and blessing. I debated even posting this video bc it I felt it wasn’t all that exciting like the content I have been posting, but it’s great to know you appreciate it. Thanks so much of your support !

[@Phoneixghost]

Damn shes sooooo dreammyyyy❤❤❤

[@MattAustinGaming]

Sweet! love it down there...i'm about to start a series on camping at every campsite in Arkansas with ratings, wish me luck!

[@kellyhays23]

Heck yes!!! Looking forward to those videos!

[@MattAustinGaming]

Yeah we've camped nearly every weekend this summer and going again this weekend to Brady Mountain on Ouachita so might as well get some content out of it 😁

[@GoldenRayz]

Great video Kelly 👍 first time watcher.

[@herenow4317]

I'm not sure what you say, but you are sure fun to look at, thanks

[@bryanturk4354]

Have a salad at the Columbia restaurant in st. Armand’s. If you get a chance go check out the point of rocks on siesta key! Lido beach is great!

[@Harpmando]

Hi Kelly. Great video! That looked like a very nice mellow beach. Was the water warm?