Now that Memorial Day is behind us, summer is officially here. Now is the time to start making plans and finding fun and engaging activities to do in Sarasota this summer. This can be tricky because you have to find the right balance between enjoying the good weather and staying out of the heat. Luckily, Sarasota offers both indoor and outdoor activities that are fun, entertaining, and help us expand our cultural horizons, including some that do all three at the same time. With that being the end goal, here are some fun places and activities around Sarasota that are worth exploring this summer.

Mote Aquarium

The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is one of the best places in Sarasota to go for both visitors and residents. It’s conveniently located close to City Island and the Sarasota Bay Walk, so it’s a great refuge if you’re enjoying some time outside and need a break from the heat. The aquarium itself does a lot of great research and contributes to ocean conservation, making it wonderful to support. But it also provides a fun time, featuring endless fish and marine animals, not to mention manatees, otters, and other mammals at the Marine Mammal Center. The aquarium is a great place to spend an afternoon anytime of year, including the summer months.

Local Casinos

For anyone who has a little cash burning a hole in their pocket and is looking to have some fun, Sarasota is home to several casinos worth visiting. On top of offering plenty of card games and slot machines, these casinos are guaranteed to be air-conditioned when the summer heat becomes too much. If you want to take a road trip, the entire southeast has some world-class casinos that go the extra mile. Just do a quick search for casinos near me to find a casino that fits what you want.

Sarasota Opera House

For a mix of culture and entertainment, the Sarasota Opera House might be the best option in town. The venue is small but spectacular, and the shows are always worth the price of admission. Throughout June, there are shows virtually every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. There are also films and other events at the opera house the rest of the summer, so you’re bound to find something you’ll enjoy.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

As long as you can tolerate the summer heat in Sarasota, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a must-visit spot. Even Sarasota residents need to make sure they pay a visit at least once a year. It’s more than just a beautiful garden that’s perfect for a relaxing stroll. There is also a gardening museum onsite to help you learn more about the tropical plants you’re seeing. The botanical gardens are also located right on the bay, so between the plants and the views, you can’t beat a trip to the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

Burns Court Cinema

Movie theaters have always been a great way to beat the summer heat, and in Sarasota, Burns Court Cinema is the best place to do just that. The theater offers a mix of new movies, classic films, and overlooked foreign flicks. Throughout the summer, you’re bound to find a few movies you’d like to see on the big screen, along with delicious popcorn and drinks, courtesy of the Sarasota Film Society.

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

While you don’t have to wait until the summer to visit Sarasota’s best art museum, it can be a good way to beat the heat. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art includes dozens of exhibits, as well as an outside sculpture garden and the gothic-style Ca’ d’Zan house. This allows you to spend a little time walking outside to enjoy the Florida sun, but also get out of the heat to enjoy the interior art exhibits. The Ringling Museum of Art is truly the best of both worlds, not to mention a place where those who appreciate art can spend a whole day and still want to come back.

Sarasota Farmers Market

There is nothing better to do on Saturdays in Sarasota during the summer months than go to the farmers market. Unfortunately, it only runs from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, which doesn’t give you much time to check out all of the vendors. There are typically around 80 vendors lined up along Lemon Avenue, selling everything from banked goods to coconut water. While fresh fruits and vegetables are the highlight, there is a diverse range of products available. Once June arrives and it’s officially summer, fruits like watermelons and cantaloupes are in season and ripe for the picking. If you can, arrive early to beat the crowd so you can get everything you want before vendors run out of their best items.