Make Full Moon Magic in Sarasota

Gathering to celebrate the day dripping into night is a well-loved Sarasota ritual. By twilight, locals and visitors alike are drawn to the sparkling shorelines to witness a kaleidoscope of colors streak the sky before the sun melts into the horizon. The ritual is even more spectacular when paired with the monthly one – when the fire of the setting sun balances for a few breathtaking moments with the unbelievable hugeness and luminescence of a rising full moon. The opportunities to experience this natural phenomenon in all of its glory are seemingly endless in Sarasota. 

To experience Sarasota is to experience nature at its best. We play in sun-bathed warmth on miles of soft sand beaches and tree-lined rivers and bays by day. Then we gather in whispers to watch as the sun drops into glory against a rainbow of colors over the Gulf of Mexico or any of Sarasota’s numerous bays and estuaries. 

A famous Siesta Key Beach sunset

Our sunsets are world-famous. The drama intensifies tenfold when the setting sun occurs in concert with the showy rise of a glittering full moon—albeit Flower, Wolf, Super or Harvest. Full moons occur when the Moon is in direct alignment with the Earth and Sun creating a circadian rhythm and synchronization in nature.   

A full-moon phenomenon may be witnessed from many swoon-worthy vantage points in Sarasota. Choose your backdrop for experiencing the magic of a Sarasota moon according to taste. View via kayak in the middle of Sarasota Bay or on a guided trek through one of our many beautiful parks. A Sarasota moon rise is sure to illuminate memories that last you a lifetime.

Family Full Moon EcoWalk – UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County

Families with children of all ages can experience and learn about the moon each month thanks to a program led by the local Cooperative Extension Service. UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County educators lead family-friendly moonlight walks in local parks and natural areas. Participants are guided along pathways, learning about the night sky and animals and plants that call Sarasota home. 

Instructors choose paths with varied terrain, surfaces and changes in elevation. Check online for monthly events, trail conditions, details on accessibility and to confirm schedules. Minors must be accompanied by an adult guardian. 

6700 Clark Road (Twin Lakes Park, Green Building), Sarasota, FL 34241 

Full Moon Cruise – LeBarge Tropical Cruises

For an easy-going, fully-escorted cruise of Sarasota Bay with drink in hand and tunes on deck, make sure to book a full moon cruise with LeBarge Tropical Cruises. LeBarge is a boat outfitted like a floating island fully decorated with real palm trees for an island vibe and energetic live entertainment on deck.

Locals and visitors catch the last rays of sunshine as they bask in the light of the rising moon all from the comfort of the barge’s multi-level deck. Local bands provide the tunes for moon cruising and dancing. A full menu and bar complete the experience.

2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236 

Moonlight & Melodies – Sarasota Opera

To celebrate your love of opera with the magic of the moon, make sure to check out Sarasota Opera’s Moonlight & Melodies events. This dining-with-opera singing event in the lovely Sarasota Opera House Courtyard is one of the most romantic settings in Sarasota.

Each one of these events is uniquely designed as a fine dining experience accompanied by song.  Examples include an upcoming intimate fine dining experience celebrating Verdi's life in Parma and a later event transporting guests to Mozart's Vienna.

Check the Opera calendar for Moonlight & Melodies dates, seating and availability. Bravo!

61 N. Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236 

Astronomical Discoveries - The Bishop Museum of Science & Nature 

Did you know The Planetarium at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is the premier astronomy facility on Florida’s west coast? 

Head further north of Sarasota for an immersive "moonlit" experience in the 50-foot full-dome theater, equipped with incredible Digistar 6 software and a dual projection system. Star-gazing lovers can view stunning astronomical images, watch live presentations or catch a full-dome movie, such as Dark Side of Light, which dives into light pollution and how we can bring the night sky back! 

The size of The Bishop's dome alone enables a breathtaking, dark-sky environment while its state-of-the-art software further highlights our space explorations and lunar discoveries. 

Entrance to The Planetarium is included with the price of admission.

201, 10th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205

Create Your Own Moon-rise Ritual

For a more independent and ethereal experience, create your own moonlight magic at one of Sarasota's many public beaches and bayfront parks. 

Photo courtesy of Rita Mann

Some say capturing the moon’s light is capturing its energy, helping us to feel more connected or “in flow” with the universe. Others say that water charged with moonlight supports intuition and inner wisdom. No matter where you fall in the spectrum of beliefs, watching a moon rise over Sarasota’s beautiful landscape is undeniably special. Capturing its light in a bottle can lend to a more lasting memory of the experience. 

Grab your favorite oversized beach blanket and a group of friends for a moon-rise picnic. Pack empty, lidded jars filled with water (recycled pickle jars work well) and items to light and decorate your blanketed space…party lights (solar or battery-operated tea lights stay lit against Gulf breezes), flowers, music, a favorite poem or book and drinks and snacks. Pick a quiet, beautiful spot on the beach to spread your blanket. Create the ambiance you want by placing your decorations and the jars around the blanket.

When you’re settled, spend a moment in silent gratefulness before removing the jar lids to make sure you capture every drop of light as the moon lifts from the horizon into visual space. Once the moon has lifted, place the lids on the jars and like magic! You have a special gift of Moon Water in a bottle you can then label and gift away or keep as a reminder that we are at one with our universe and its many rhythms.