You’ve been waiting your entire life for a summer vacation in Sarasota (or at least it feels that way) and as time creeps by ever so slowly, it is time to start nailing down the details. Perhaps you have made a vacation bucket list, writing things down as they occur to you, eager to cross off every item during your trip of a lifetime or maybe, you just keep a mental list in your brain, knowing that even as the list grows longer, you will continue to add to it, even as the wheels are touching down on the landing strip at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. And quite possibly, you will save the link for this guide to planning your summer getaway, knowing that no one knows the area as well as Rent the Keys and that your stay with us is destined to be filled with adventures both thrilling and comfortable!
Lido Key Mangrove Kayak Tours, 190 Taft Drive in Sarasota, (941) 650-2241
Summers in Sarasota can get more than a little hot and sultry and we often look for ways to keep cool, including this serene and peaceful activity. A kayak tour of the mangroves, tropical plants that can survive loose sandy soil and the salty waves that accompany big storms, will allow you to be outside marveling at the beauty of Florida’s watery miles, while staying cool under the canopies created by the mangroves. Sarasota Paddleboard Company sponsors fantastic tours of these fascinating “tunnels” lasting just two hours, or, you can take a self-guided tour that will last about 3 hours. Either way it’s a wonderful summertime experience you won’t soon forget.
Shopping at St. Armand’s Circle, 300 Madison Drive
Shopping adventures are great ones to have at any time of the year, but when the day is warm and the deals are hot we are sure you will appreciate the chill of air conditioning as you partake in the thrill of the hunt for something fabulous. Offering unique boutiques that sell everything from clothing and shoes to jewelry to fun and wonderful gifts, St. Armand’s Circle also offers a selection of restaurants (the Blue Dolphin Café is a local favorite) and salons, spas, and medical centers, including wellness centers, plastic surgeons, and an Urgent Care that we hope you never need.
Watch a Play at Urbanite Theater, 1487 2nd Street
From May 31 to June 30 this local performance arts theater is presenting a rather frightening play, Oak, written by award winning Chicago playwright Terry Guest, providing an entertaining way to explore the cultural side of Sarasota. Airing Wednesday through Sunday from 8 to 10 PM, the play taps into the fears of every parent, perhaps inspired by the PSAs that were once aired in the USA, asking families if they knew where there children are. Well written and excellently executed, we can’t wait to enjoy a weekend night being frightened by this awesome play.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens, 3701 Bayshore Road, Open Daily 10AM until 4 PM
Best enjoyed in the morning hours in the summer months, it may be time to take a walk on the wild side with a visit to the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Offering over 10 acres of gardens and 200 species of native and exotic animals, this family friendly attraction has been a local favorite for over 70 years. Enjoy an up close and personal peek into the world of jungle birds, wildlife, and reptiles with shows that take place on a daily basis, get your picture taken with a parrot or an alligator (don’t worry, no limbs or lives have ever been lost!) or simply enjoy a summer stroll along the jungle trails that lead visitors past amazing animal exhibits and through serene garden spaces.
Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy, 2121 N Tamiami Trail, Open Thursday through Saturday 1-4
Museums can be fun and art can be whimsical, both of which can be discovered with a visit to the Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy. You will know you are in the right place when you come across the giant Flamingoes posing on the Lookout and when you step inside, we dare you to try not to giggle. This museum provides a collection of over 1700 pieces guaranteed to make you smile and although it is free to explore, donations are greatly appreciated.
Staying Chill with Rent the Keys
Your favorite adventures, however, may be the comfortable and cool ones you enjoy inside the air conditioned coolness of your Sarasota sanctuaries, napping under the breeze of softly whirring ceiling fans, putting together complex puzzles at large tables with the family, or slipping into the cool depths of your private pool. All the comforts of home and all the modern conveniences travelers need and deserve can be found in our luxurious and stylish summer sanctuaries. Contact us and reserve your favorite today!
