Tips for a fabulous Sarasota Beach Day

The weather can be very unpredictable during the summer season!
The weather can be very unpredictable during the summer season!

*Check the weather forecast! Heavy rain is very common on the Gulf Coast during the summer season! Nothing quite ruins a beach day like a random thunderstorm! Keep in mind that the heaviest rain falls from June-September.

*Bring plenty of sunblock and an umbrella to protect yourself from the harsh Florida sun.

*Be aware that while the outside temperatures are still moderately warm during the winter season, the water temperatures are often much cooler! So plan on another activity like beachcombing, relaxing with a good book, or visiting at sunset for the incredible views.

According to City-Data.com, here are the highs you can expect throughout the year: low 70’s from December-February, mid 70’s in March, low 80’s in April and May, low 90’s from June-September, mid 80’s in October, and low 80’s in November. In my opinion, the later summer months are just too hot and the water doesn’t do much to cool you down. Even though the winter is more crowded, I prefer the milder temperatures for beach strolls.

*Pick up a Shark Teeth sifter at a local Walmart or at one of the various gift stores in downtown Venice. If you prefer to go on the cheap side, bring a general household cooking strainer. They both work pretty much the same!

*Visit during the off season for cheaper hotel rates. Winter is much more crowded than the summer season due to an abundance of snowbirds and tourists escaping the cold in other areas of the country. The late summer months and early fall months, especially August, September, and October, are typically the least crowded.  High season is typically from January-April when all the snowbirds come down from up north.

Nearby activities to check out

*Oscar Scherer State Park, located in Osprey, is a quiet little park with nice picnicking areas and several miles of scenic, mostly shady trails. Great lake views and the occasional alligator sighting!

Pretty views of Lake Osprey at Oscar Sherer State Park in Osprey, Florida

*Big Cat Habitat – This non profit organization saves cats, bear, and any other exotic animals in need of a home.

tiger on stand

*Myakka River State Park – One of the most beautiful parks in Florida! The hiking trails here are wonderful. The setting is beautiful, especially on the mile loop around the park (which you can either drive or bike). Boat rides are well worth the small admission price (much cheaper than the Everglades and still plenty of gator sightings!).

Birdwalk at Myakka River State Park in Sarasota, Florida

*St. Armand’s Circle – A charming dining, shopping, and entertainment area in Sarasota which makes for a great alternative once you tire of the beaches. Be sure to stop for lunch at Columbia’s, Florida’s most popular Cuban restaurant, famous for their delicious Cuban black bean soup.

Columbia Restaurant in Sarasota, Florida - St. Armand's Circle

Have you visited any of the above mentioned beaches and attractions? What are some of your favorite Sarasota area activities?

Addresses

Siesta Key: 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key, FL

Casperan: 4100 Harbor Drive, Venice, FL 34285

Venice: 101 The Esplanade, Venice, FL 34285

Crescent: 6499 Midnight Pass Rd Sarasota, FL34242

Lido: 400 Ben Franklin Drive, Lido Key, FL 34236

Turtle: 8918 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota, FL 34242