The year-round sun and warmth of Florida makes it the ideal destination any time of year you need a break. Enjoy a vacation full of sand, water, sun, and fun with loved ones when you head to the Sarasota and Bradenton area, a Florida mainland destination that provides the ultimate experience in Florida beach vacations with plenty of fun. While you’ll want to spend plenty of time outside, there will be times you need to “beat the heat,” and take cover in the shade, water or indoors and relax.
Beaches
An escape to a beach location like Bradenton and Sarasota means spending plenty of time on the beach, no matter what time of year you come. It’s one of the best ways to beat the heat. Spread your beach blanket and plant your umbrella for some time in the shade near the water. Step out into the sun and sunbathe or change up your exercise routine with a walk or run on the beach. If the shade of your umbrella isn’t enough, take a dip in the Gulf.
Breweries, Distilleries & Wineries
Take some “adults only” time and also beat the heat on a visit to the area’s wineries and distilleries. There are several distilleries that call Bradenton and the surrounding area home. Stop by venues like Naughty Monk Brewery, Darwin Brewing Company, Loaded Cannon Distillery, and more.
Wine lovers can make a stop at Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard. Their wines are made from grapes grown at the on-site vineyard. Go on a tasting or tour or book a special event. Once you’ve tried everything, choose your favorite wines or spirits to take back to your rental to pair with a home-cooked meal.
Boat Tours
A great way to get to know the area you’ve decided to call home for a while is to get out and explore. While exploring on land is easy – just hop in your air-conditioned rental vehicle, get familiar with the surrounding waters, too. There is an array of companies that offer tours of the waters of Bradenton and Sarasota.
Guides are full of information on area history, ecology, trivia, and more to add to your experience. Keep your camera ready and your eyes peeled for glimpses of sea life including dolphins, manatees, rays, and more! Book a private tour for you and your loved ones and pack a picnic. The air and water are a bit cooler out at sea, so you’ll get a break from the hotter weather near the shore.
Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
Head indoors, beat the heat, and learn something new. Florida is brimming with some of nature’s best. From the beautiful scenery of the Gulf coast to inland lakes, from wildlife that live on land to the wildlife that live in the waters, Florida’s incredibly unique ecosystem is as enjoyable as it is educational.
For some indoor fun if the sun’s a little too intense – and a little learning – head to the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. Formerly known as the South Florida Museum, there are permanent exhibits as well as a variety of rotating exhibits, so no two visits will ever be the same! Visit the manatee habitat where you can learn about manatee rehabilitation and meet the manatees or visit the planetarium for a show that illuminates your whole universe.
Water Activities
If the waters of the Gulf seem to be calling your name, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy and beat the heat. Swim in the waves of the Gulf or take a lesson or rent some gear for activities like stand up paddleboarding or kayaking. Zip across the water on a jet ski or explore below the waves on a snorkeling or SCUBA adventure. Take to the water for a fishing excursion, either to the depths of the Gulf or just casting a line from the shore.
The Ringling
Art, history, circus memorabilia, gardens, a historic theater, and more all come together for an unforgettable experience. You’ll be able to explore all that and more when you visit. The property preserves the legacy of John Ringling, one of the five brothers who formed the Ringling Brothers Circus, and his wife Mable.
Wander the property and visit the State Art Museum of Florida, two circus museums, an education center, the historic Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, Bayfront Gardens, and the historic Asolo Theater. The number and variety of interesting venues will allow you to beat the heat and explore the magic of the circus. The grounds and gardens are always free to visit and admission to the Museum of Art is free on Mondays.
Beat the Heat in One of Our Bradenton or Sarasota Rentals!
Beat the heat, relax, and enhance your vacation and book a private vacation rental provided by Anchor Down Vacation Rentals. We offer units as small as one bedroom for a sweetheart or solo adventure, all the way up to eight bedrooms for fun with all your loved ones.
Make a home-cooked meal in your unit’s fully equipped kitchen and enjoy it in the spacious living/dining areas or relax in a private bedroom. Gather the group and watch your favorite movie or TV show. Enjoy beautiful Florida weather and spend some time outside on a private patio, deck, or balcony, many covered and shaded from the heat.
Contact us today!
The year-round sun and warmth of Florida makes it the ideal destination any time of year you need a break. Take some time away this summer to enjoy all it has to offer. Enjoy a Bradenton and Sarasota summer vacation full of sand, water, sun, and fun with loved ones, a Florida mainland destination that provide the ultimate experience in Florida beach vacations with plenty of fun. Not only do they have their own beaches, they’re close to several barrier islands that offer a different beach vibe to experience.
Beaches
An escape to a beach location like Bradenton and Sarasota means spending plenty of time on the beach, no matter what time of year you come. That’s especially true during the summer when the weather and the water have warmed up. You and your loved ones can spend a little extra time out in the sun and in the water. Sunbathe, change up your exercise routine with a walk or run on the beach, go for a swim, or explore on a snorkeling or SCUBA adventure.
Breweries, Distilleries & Wineries
Take some “adults only” time this summer and visit the area’s wineries and distilleries. There are several distilleries that call Bradenton and the surrounding area home. Stop by locales like Naughty Monk Brewery, Darwin Brewing Company, Loaded Cannon Distillery, and more.
Wine lovers will want to make a stop at Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard. Their wines are made from grapes grown at the on-site vineyard. Go on a tasting or tour, or book a special event. Once you’ve tried everything, choose your favorite wines or spirits to take back to your rental to pair with a home-cooked meal.
Boat Tours
A great way to get to know the area you’ve decided to call home for a while this summer is to get out and explore. While exploring on land is easy, get familiar with the surrounding waters, too. There are an array of companies that offer tours of the waters of Bradenton and Sarasota.
Guides are full of information on area history, ecology, trivia, and more to add to your experience. Keep your camera ready and your eyes peeled for glimpses of sea life including dolphins, manatees, rays, and more! Book a private tour for you and your loved ones and pack a picnic. Select companies allow you to bring your favorite alcoholic beverages.
Beach Horseback Ride
Saddle up and head out on a different kind of adventure. While a trail ride along area trails frequented by hikers and bikers may be what you’d anticipate, you can saddle up for a stroll near the water’s edge instead. There are several companies in the area that provide horseback rides that blaze a trail along the beach. Some tours allow the horses to venture out into the water for an extra splash. Whichever company you choose, advanced reservations are required, and they’ll need details like rider height, weight, and age so they can pair each person with the horse that fits their needs.
Summer Events
Along with all the regular activities and attractions to see and do this summer, there are some special events, too. Holiday celebrations like Memorial Day and 4th of July join special celebrations of circus life, powerboat racing, fishing, and more.
The Keys
Off the coast of Sarasota, Bradenton, and the surrounding area is a group of barrier islands that protect Sarasota Bay from the crashing waves of the Gulf of Mexico. Head to Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key, or Siesta Key for a unique Florida experience. Each island has its own unique flair along with plenty of Florida fun like parasailing, boat tours, and more for a fun and memorable day trip. You’ll also experience Florida fun without the traffic of the mainland.
The Ringling
Art, history, circus memorabilia, gardens, a historic theater, and more come together for an unforgettable experience. You’ll be able to explore all that and more when you visit. The property preserves the legacy of John Ringling, one of the five brothers who formed the Ringling Brothers Circus, and his wife Mable. Wander the property and visit the State Art Museum of Florida, two circus museums, an education center, the historic Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, Bayfront Gardens, and the historic Asolo Theater. The grounds and gardens are always free to visit and admission to the Museum of Art is free on Mondays.
Summer Fun in Bradenton & Sarasota
Enhance your summer getaway and book a private vacation rental provided by Anchor Down Vacation Rentals. We offer units as small as one bedroom for a summertime sweetheart or solo adventure, all the way up to eight bedrooms for summer fun with all your loved ones.
Make a home-cooked meal in your unit’s fully-equipped kitchen, and enjoy it in the spacious living/dining areas, or relax in a private bedroom. Gather the group and watch your favorite movie or TV show. Enjoy beautiful Florida summer weather and spend some time on a private patio, deck, or balcony.
Contact us today!
The year-round sun and warmth of Florida make it the ideal destination any time of year you need a break, and the heat and fun get turned up in the summer. Pack your bags and gather your loved ones for a fun and exciting summer vacation full of sand, water, and sun, as well as a special event or two added to the itinerary. This Florida area has a myriad of festivals and events in Bradenton and Sarasota for you to enjoy during your well-deserved summer break.
Summer Circus Spectacular
Circus fans will no doubt be making at least one performance part of their summer itinerary. The Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling have once again come together to present performances from some of the finest circus artists around the world. Performances take place daily, June 9 – August 12. Adult admission is $20 and children are $13.
Bradenton Summer Market
The market takes place monthly throughout the summer. Browse local arts and crafts, homemade goodies, and treasures, and even score some locally-grown fresh produce. Plan your visit around the dates, or make sure to incorporate them in your itinerary if they’re happening during your trip. Dates this summer are June 24, July 29, and August 26. Tickets are available online at the Ringling website.
Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival
The 38th annual event is the second-longest-running US powerboat race, with racers battling against the waves along Lido Beach. See a variety of watercraft, including Class 1 and Super Cat crafts, as well as Super Stock and Mod V boats. The competition takes place June 30-July 2.
Sarasota Slam
Marina Jack in Sarasota hosts the annual event, which includes a junior angler division as well as adult categories. Adults can enter the Billfish, offshore, or inshore competitions. Print and fill out the entry form on the tournament website and bring your fee and entry form to the captain’s meetings, or email a copy to the sponsor, the Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association. This year’s tournament takes place August 4-12 at Marina Jack.
Red, White, and Blueberry Festival
The Fiorelli Winery in Bradenton is back with its one-of-a-kind festival. Enjoy live music, delicious offerings from food trucks, drink specials, craft vendors, pony rides, and plenty of family-friendly fun. They top it all off with a fireworks display celebrating the patriotic holiday. The free event takes place 6-10 p.m. on July 1.
Bradenton Marauders Bark in the Park
While some baseball fans vacationing in Florida will want to check out a Miami Marlins or Tampa Bay Rays, enjoy a minor league game right in Bradenton, and bring your pet! The team will be hosting a total of ten “Bark in the Park” events throughout the summer where you can bring your well-behaved, leashed pet to enjoy the game with you. There’s a special Bark in the Park homepage with all the details, including dates. The games are at LECOM Park in Bradenton.
Suncoast Summer Fest 2023
The 3rd annual event kicks off the summer season and includes a series of special event fundraisers to raise money for local children, teens, and adults with special needs and their families. The events take place at various locations around Sarasota, with the kickoff event on June 23. Other events that make up the festival include the 7th Annual Bob Rizi Memorial Golf Classic on June 23, July 4th Bayfront Fireworks, the “Waves & Wheels” Summer Fest Party on June 30-July 1, and the “Waves & Wheels” fun run on July 1. Wrap up the fun with the Charity Poker Tournament on August 26.
Sarasota Improv Festival
The 13th annual festival brings together top improvisers from across the U.S. and around the world. The fun and silly weekend is a whirlwind of spontaneous comedy that will leave you in stitches. The festival features over 20 troupes, 80 artists, and 29 performances in the three-day run July 20-23. All performances are at the Florida Studio Theatre in Sarasota.
Celebrate in Bradenton and Sarasota Throughout Summer
Enhance your summer festival or event experience this year with a stay in a private vacation rental provided by Anchor Down Vacation Rentals. We offer units as small as one bedroom, all the way up to eight bedrooms so you can invite all of your family and friends to enjoy the summertime events and the beautiful Florida weather. You’ll be spending most of your time at your event, but you’ll want to build in plenty of time for lounging around your rental. After a long day of event-filled fun, make a home-cooked meal in your unit’s fully equipped kitchen, and enjoy it in the spacious living/dining areas, or in a private outdoor space. Relax in a private bedroom, or gather the group, pop some popcorn, and watch your favorite movie. Choose a premium unit for perks like double ovens, flat-screen TVs, a private pool, and more. Include the whole family by inquiring about select rentals that allow your furbabies to stay.
Contact us today to book your stay for a summer vacation you’ll never forget!