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Summer in Sarasota
With dreamy sunsets and serene beach vibes, summer in Sarasota feels simply delightful.
Nestled on Florida's Gulf Coast, Sarasota calls summer travelers to enjoy a blend of pristine beaches, inspiring cultural experiences and colorful outdoor adventures.
Siesta Key shines with award-winning white sands and vibrant village life, while Lido Key and Longboat Key provide serene retreats with upscale dining and shopping. Casey Key and Manasota Key cater to those seeking tranquility and natural beauty, perfect for wildlife watching and beachcombing. Venice charms with its beaches scattered with shark teeth and historic downtown. The Bay park, located along Sarasota Bay, offers walking trails, fitness classes and other community events.
Known as Florida's Cultural Coast®, Sarasota boasts The Ringling museum, Selby Gardens and performing arts galore. Festivals celebrate arts and culture, fresh, local fare and community spirit year-round, including Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week every June.
Things to Do During the Summer in Sarasota
Summer Outdoor Activities
Enjoy outdoor pursuits under the summer sun at local parks and trails. Myakka River State Park features dozens of miles of hiking trails, including a Canopy Walkway suspended 25 feet above the ground and offers a stunning 360-degree view of the park. Rent a flat-bottomed boat to spot wading birds eye-to-eye — and maybe an alligator or two. At Red Bug Slough Preserve, wander miles of hiking trails, or bring the little ones to the playground.
The Bay park, a free public greenspace along Sarasota Bay, features acres of inviting, spacious lawns, and accessible walkways, kayak launches and playgrounds, plus an amphitheater that frequently hosts fitness classes and movie nights. During the summer, enjoy Sundays at the Bay (free live musical performances each Sunday) and pop-up events like silent discos.
Sarasota Area Beaches
A day at the beach is practically a necessity when you’re summering in Sarasota — and the county’s six islands offer plenty to choose from. Siesta Key Beach, world-famous for its cool, white quartz sand, encompasses about 101 acres. Younger kids can explore a large playground, while teens face off at beach volleyball and tennis courts. On Sundays, join the Siesta Key Drum Circle, which always attracts a colorful cast of characters.
At Venice Beach, hunt for seashells and shark teeth, dive into warm Gulf waters or stroll along seaside boardwalks. While Lido Key offers gorgeous white-sand beaches, the island also features Ted Sperling Park, where visitors can rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards to explore lush, tropical mangroves, and St. Armands Circle, an indoor/outdoor shopping and dining plaza with a distinct European feel.
Family-Friendly Things to Do in the Summer
Searching for family-friendly things to do during summer break in Sarasota? The Ringling, once home to circus entrepreneur John Ringling, hosts several family programs during the summer. The Summer Circus Spectacular showcases circus artists from around the world in a kid-friendly show. Enjoy flying trapeze acts, comedians and aerial silk artists. Other family programs include toddler storytime, family art making and teen mindfulness groups.
Jumpin Fun Inflata Park offers an indoor reprieve, with plenty of thrills for kids and teens. Strap in for the AirRider Zip Rail Coaster, suspended 30 feet above the ground, or play an exhilarating game of Dodgeball on the Xtreme DodgeBall Court. At TreeUmph!, children ages 5 and older can swing from tree to tree on an aerial obstacle course.
Sarasota Summer Events
Sarasota Summer Festivals
Sarasota comes alive during the summer, with exciting events celebrating art, music and the community. The Sarasota Music Festival by Sarasota Orchestra brings nearly 500 internationally renowned artists and musicians to perform chamber music at the Symphony Center. All are welcome to enjoy artist showcase concerts on Thursdays, chamber concerts on Fridays and orchestral concerts on Saturdays.
During the summer, The Bay offers free music concerts on Sunday afternoons. Discover talented local artists across all genres — and don’t be afraid to get up and dance!
Sarasota Fourth of July Fireworks
Looking for Fourth of July fireworks in Sarasota? Nathan Benderson Park hosts Fireworks on the Lake, with live music, fun and games, and festive food and drinks. Bayfront Fireworks Over Sarasota Bay — a free public event — lights up the night sky with colorful displays over the bay. Catch the show from Island Park, Bayfront Park, Downtown Sarasota rooftops and the Ringling Bridge. For fireworks over the beach, head to Siesta Key for the annual July Fourth Siesta Key Community Fireworks.
Sarasota Summer Weather
Summer in Sarasota brings warm, sunny days from June through August, with daytime temperatures ranging from the upper 80s to low 90s (31–34°C). Don’t forget an umbrella, because afternoon showers are common — but typically brief and give way to clearer skies and Gulf breezes. Pack plenty of sunscreen, a hat and a water bottle, because the UV index can reach high levels, especially on Sarasota’s sun-warmed beaches.