17 Reasons Why There's Nothing Better than a Sarasota Summer

A lot can be said about summers in Florida – the most obvious being that it’s hot. And while I would certainly agree with that, I am a huge fan of being in Sarasota during the off-season. Here are 17 splendid reasons why: 1. Crazy Cool Sunsets. Our summer sunsets are truly awe-inspiring to behold. The weather patterns over our warmer months create a kind of playground in the sky. The colors and the clouds form a vibrant canvas that only Mother Nature herself can imagine.

  2. Savor Sarasota. The most amazing week of food from some of our area’s best restaurants – all at discounted prices! While the official restaurant week has passed, many have extended their offerings through the month of August. Find out which ones here.

3. Suncoast Super Grand Prix. Taking place June 28^th – July 6^th, this grand prix is one of the biggest races on the Super Boat International circuit. From parades, to block parties, and of course the race itself, this event (which benefits Suncoast Charities for Children) turns out to be one of the major must-sees of the entire year. Visit their website.

4. Spectacular Thunderstorms. Florida is surrounded by water and in the heat of the summer that means late afternoon rain storms. They come and go quickly.  They nourish the land. They provide a beautiful backdrop as we look out the window and listen to the sound of the falling rain.

5. Clouds. Our summer rains make for some cloud formations that are truly spectacular. Every day it’s like a new wonder of water vapor.

6. Fourth of July Fireworks. There’s nothing quite like seeing the excitement of fireworks over the water, and the Gulf Coast has some impressive settings for this patriotic pastime. Whether you are viewing them from Sarasota Bay, Siesta Key, the south Venice Jetty, Lemon Bay, the Manatee River, or Anna Maria Island, there’s no better place to enjoy the lights with loved ones. 7. Banyan Theater. Among the many arts and culturing offerings we have in the off season, one of my favorites is attending shows at the Banyan Theatre.With a mission to produce intelligent, significant plays in the summer, the Banyan offers thought-provoking professional theater starting June 28^th through August 24.“The Price” by Arthur Miller opens this Saturday.

8. Sarasota Improv Festival. Top acts from all over the country converge at Florida Studio Theatre for two-nights of comedy. Improv workshops and performances on the Cabaret stage will keep audiences laughing well after the show is over. Visit the Florida Studio Theatre website for more information.

9. Warm Gulf Waters. If you’re feeling the call of the Gulf, you can arrive at the beach, throw your towels and things onto the sand, and literally run at breakneck speed straight into the water. There is no need to dip your toe in and get used to the temperature before immersing yourself entirely.  The Gulf is like warm bath water and it is absolute heaven.

10. Get a seat at your favorite restaurant. Less people also means you can typically show up at your favorite restaurants sans reservations. Bon appetit!

11. The taste of ice cream. It’s warm outside, and nothing goes with heat better than an ice cream cone! If you needed an excuse to go to Kilwins on St. Armands Circle and eat their Superman ice cream (which tastes like rainbows by the way), summer is the perfect one! 12. Long Days. With daylight hours lasting longer in the summer (ranging from nearly 14 hours in late June to over 12 hours in September) there is more time to play! After work you can go fishing or to the beach - with plenty of time to walk along the water, go for a swim, and take in the sunset.

13. Flip flops, shorts, and tank tops. Sarasota is laidback all year, but summer is the time to really embrace the tropical lifestyle.  Cute summer dresses with wide brimmed hats, tank tops, flip flops, and shorts are typical weekend wear.

14. Less Traffic. In the height of season, dealing with traffic during a drive onto any of our barrier islands may have you wishing you could swap your car for a boat. In summer, the traffic flows across the region as freely as the breeze from the Gulf.

15. No school. Kids around the Gulf Coast rejoice with summer activities. They go to camp, enjoy the outdoors, watch movies, and build sandcastles. And a bonus for adults - no school buses means an even shorter commute!

16. Summer Specials. Restaurants, boutiques, stand up paddleboarding…there are all sorts of opportunities for scoring a great deal you won’t find during winter and spring.

17. Love the Locals. It’s understood that almost everyone in Sarasota over the summer lives, works, and plays here year-round. From shopping at the Farmer’s Market, to getting your hair cut, to ordering a delicious coffee at Perq Coffee Bar, a certain kinship can be felt among us as we go about our day.

If you are looking at Sarasota homes for sale and thinking of moving to the Gulf Coast, it’s a good idea to visit during the summer months and see for yourself what it’s like. I’ve learned that those who start as snowbirds eventually wind their way into being a kindred local. What do you love about Sarasota summers? Let us know in the comments.