I was searching Google for summer vacation destinations, scrolling Facebook, liking Instagram posts, and pinning on Pinterest (otherwise known as procrastinating the inevitable pile of laundry). This article from BuzzFeed caught my eye. Mark Joyella wrote, “31 Ways It Truly Sucks to Live in Florida in the Summer. ” Mr. Joyella, you made me laugh, and I get every single point that you made.

However, I Truly Love Living in Florida in the Summer.

I agree summer has its own set of challenges; scorching heat, drowning humidity, aggressive bugs, daily rain. Don’t forget Hurricane Season. But, what Mr. Joyella thinks “sucks,” I kinda love. I promise the good outweigh the bad. Here is why.

35 reasons why I absolutely love summer in Florida.

Affiliate Disclosure: There are affiliate links throughout this post. This means if you click on a link and purchase a product through that link, then I will receive a small commission for the referral. And that is kinda cool.

#1 You are right, Mr. Joyella, it rains every frigging afternoon.

However, it never lasts too long. You don’t even need an umbrella. I don’t own one. Wait a few minutes, and the rain will have passed. What I love about a quick rain shower is sitting on the back patio listening to and watching the raindrops. It is peaceful for me until the sauna hits once the rain has ceased.

#2 School is Out for Summer.

The best part of the summer is that I don’t have to get two grumpy kids up and ready for school every day. OK, I guess that is worldwide and not just for Floridians. But still, it doesn’t suck.

During the school year, life gets so busy that time gets away from us. We miss out on some fun activities locally but make up for this during the summer.

#3 The Beach

Need I say more? Who doesn’t love a day at the beach? According to the Florida Department of State, Florida has 663 miles of beach. White sand, salty air, the sound of the ocean, and a refreshing dip in the sea. And maybe one of those fun, fruity, umbrella drinks or an ice-cold beer. What is not to love?

Summer.
Beach chairs and beautiful ocean scene.

#4 The Springs

We live in North Central Florida. It is a little less than two hours to get to a beach. But, we are right around the corner from some crystal clear, refreshing springs. There are so many activities surrounding the springs. And many different springs to choose from.

Here is a fantastic article from Authentic Florida listing 15 Favorite Freshwater Florida Springs, including my personal favorite, Three Sisters Springs. I agree that Three Sisters Springs may be the most beautiful Spring in Florida.

Summer.
Manatee in the Springs in Florida.

#5 Canoeing

Canoe rentals are everywhere. Enjoying a peaceful canoe trip down a river, in the springs, or the ocean. Yep, it is hot, so dive in to cool off.

Book a one-on-one canoeing photoshoot HERE with Viator.

#6 Kayaking

Single or double kayaks are lots of fun. The kids love this, although they are still kinda slow. Pack a picnic and enjoy the nature Florida has to offer.

Summer In Florida.  Kayaking the Springs.

You may also book this tour that includes Bioluminescence kayaking at night.

#7 Tubing

Tubing Ichetucknee Springs in North Central Florida is somewhat of a right of passage for all University students in the area, although a favorite past-time at any age. Floating down the river with your friends, drinking a beer, laughing. How much fun is that?

#8 Hiking

Grab your water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, and some comfortable shoes, and go for a hike. Paynes Prairie and San Felasco in North Central Florida are two perfect places to take a quick walk in the summer. Here are 16 epic hiking spots in Florida, according to Only In Your State. There are also great affordable walking tours including this one.

#9 Scallop Season

Small, quaint, and friendly little fishing villages on the Gulf Coast of Florida host scallop season during the summer months. Scalloping is one of the best family-friendly activities in Florida. The water is clear and refreshing. You are one with nature and will see dolphins, starfish, and maybe even manatees. Best of all, you get to eat your catch with some delicious melted butter. If you have not been, it is a must in the Florida Summer.

Florida Summer.
An Open Scallop

#10 Water Parks

I would avoid the Orlando, Florida theme parks during the summer. It can reach over 100 degrees, and that is just not fun and can be somewhat dangerous. But, there are always water parks. Check out Aquatica or Typhoon Lagoon in Orlando, our family favorites.

#11 Summer Movies

Everyone knows that the best movies are released in the summer. A movie and some popcorn is the perfect way to take a break from the heat.

#12 Sunrise at Paynes Prairie

A North Central Florida thing, Paynes Prairie is a 21,000 acre Florida State Park located in Micanopy, Florida. Watching the sunrise over the prairie is special. I save this for the summer because afterward, the kids can go right back to sleep.

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    #13 The Pool

    We are almost two hours from the beach, but the pool is a close second. Tons of use in the summer, not so much in the winter. I love jumping in after I am near heatstroke after a long, humid run.

    #14 The Pool Deck

    I place this separately from the pool because it is different. The pool deck is for grilling and drinks. Let the kids be kids in the pool, and the adults be adults on the deck.

    #15 Grilling

    What’s a summer party without lighting up the grill? Steaks, hot dogs, burgers, chicken, and pineapple. Plus, my husband’s favorite, Beer Can Chicken (just kidding, it’s not his favorite).

    Summer.
Burgers on a fired up grill

    #16 Summer Drinks

    Stay hydrated with cold water during the heat and humidity of the Florida summer. But, that’s not what I was referring to. We can all agree that cold beer, margarita, sangria, or mojito will cool us off quite nicely in this sweltering heat. That is what summer is all about.

    Summer in Florida.
Mojito on the beach

    #17 4th of July

    Ahhhhh, America’s Birthday. Put it all together, pool deck, grill, ice-cold adult beverages. Add a bit of fireworks over the ocean, and you’ve got a good ole fashioned 4th of July bash.

    Summer in Florida.
Fireworks in the sky

    #18 Summer Reading

    Not that I have more time to read in the summer, but I always pack a book for the beach, the river, the pool deck. Always. The NY Times has a great list of reads from Thrillers, Sports and Travel to Historical Fiction, and even Cooking. Check out this fantastic list here.

    There are many ways to use summertime to reconnect and relax.

    I make a bucket list each summer with my children so we can put away our devices, get out and explore locally, and spend some quality time together as a family. Elease from The Sunny Side Lifestyle Co. created this beautiful blog post, 100 Sunny Ways to Embrace Summer. I loved this so much; I asked her permission to share.

    #19 Summer Concerts

    There is always a list of fun summer concerts in Florida. Who doesn’t want to see Weird Al? OK, I don’t, but here is a thorough list of Florida concerts this summer.

    #20 Wildlife

    It’s more than alligators that come out in the summer in Florida. Think manatees, turtles, and lots of beautiful birds — Dolphins swimming off the coast, starfish, and sand dollars on the shore. AND scallops.

    Florida Summer.
Two Turtles on a rock in a pond

    #21 Watermelon

    There are many health benefits of watermelon besides being fantastic for hydration. Watermelon is low in calories, yet high in Vitamin C and Vitamin A.

    Fun Fact: You can spike a melon with vodka. Cut a hole in the watermelon, fit a funnel into the hole, and slowly pour in the vodka. You can leave it in the frig overnight, or even better, two nights. Just label the watermelon for “Adults Only.

    #22 The Humidity

    Summer.
Florida Summer Humidity.

    I have a love/hate relationship with humidity. I hate it for obvious reasons; it is drowning, suffocating. But, I love it because I don’t have to do anything with my hair except wash it, and maybe brush it. There is no reason to spend the time when I will look like the Lion King in minutes anyway. Put up in a twist tie or a cap and off I go. Five minutes, I am done.

    #23 College Baseball

    We live in a college town and our local team typically plays well into June almost every year.

    #24 College Softball

    Our college softball team has been in the College World Series for many years in a row, so we get to cheer them on well into June. We do this in front of our TV in the air conditioning and comfort of our home. Only once since 2008 has our softball and baseball team been done by June 2. Oh, and last year (2019).

    #25 Hurricane Parties

    Florida Summer

    We do not take this lightly. I have been through several hurricanes while living on the east coast of Florida. My in-laws recently endured Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, a Category 5 Storm, worst in the island’s history. The aftermath of this storm was devastating, and clean up continues to this day.

    However, when a hurricane is approaching, we know about two weeks ahead of time, so we have plenty of time to panic, I mean plan. There is a bit of nervous excitement leading up to the date of the storm. We fill our gas tanks, get cash, clear out the supermarket of batteries, candles, liquor, and beer. Stock the house with jugs of water, canned foods, and charcoal.

    And hunker down.

    Here are the Five Things That You Can Do to Prepare for a Hurricane from http://www.organizeandprepare.com.

    We take hurricanes seriously.

    And guess what usually happens? Right. Nothing. Well, except for a Hurricane Party. The town shuts down for a day, and we play. No school, no work, no sporting events. Total shut down. And secretly, it’s a little bit exciting. We spend downtime with friends and family. AND…we are ready for the next one to come through.

    Summer in Florida.
Original Hurricane Cocktail Recipe

    #26 Flip Flops

    Admittedly, Flip Flops are more of a year-round kind of thing for Floridians.

    #27 Jorts (Jeans + Shorts=Jorts!)

    I know. I know. Make fun if you will.

    We love our jorts down here in Florida.

    Not on dudes, though.

    #28 Tank Tops

    Tanks, Flops and Jorts. It is the summer uniform of Floridians.

    Florida Summer.
I'd rather be tailgating in Jorts.

    #29 Popsicles

    My freezer is full of these sugary treats for the kids. Have you tasted a popsicle lately? It’s no wonder why kids love them. They are delicious.

    #30 Jello Shots

    Popsicles for the kids. Jello shots for the adults.

    Summer In Florida.  Jello Shots.

    And there is more!

    #31 The Traffic

    School is out, and people are traveling away from Florida. The snowbirds head north, thus creating a bit of a break with the Florida traffic every summer.

    #32 NCAA Track and Field

    In the past ten years, the University of Florida Men’s Outdoor Track and Field team has won the NCAA championship four times. The games always start in June and are televised so we can watch in our air-conditioned home. Summer sports are the best.

    #33 SEC Media Days

    SEC Media Days returns this year the week of July 15, a week where there isn’t much else going on in the world of sports. SEC Media Days never fail to deliver a bit of excitement from the SEC football coaches. Always a storyline, always some smack talk. All of this prepares us for the upcoming football season (in the comfort of our air-conditioned home).

    #34 Opening Day for College Football

    The Best Summer Treat of All.

    College Football Starts early with the kickoff in late August. Down here in Florida, we will dress in our jorts, tanks, and flops. Pack coolers full of beers, jello shots, and Sangria. We like to call it, “The Traveling Tailgate.” Head over to the stadium to spend the day with family and friends and cheer on our team. The final bits of summer in Florida fading away.

    #35 The Airports: Last, But Certainly Not Least

    There are plenty of international airports within a couple of hours wherever you may be in Florida. So, if you need to escape the heat, grab your passport and catch a quick ride out. Make sure to check flight tickets at great prices here.

    So, you see, between the beach, the springs, the rivers and prairies, movies, pool decks, and parties, we have a ton of things to love about Florida in the Summer.

    Florida Summer.

    What do you love about Summer in Florida?

    Traveling Party of Four
    Traveling Party of Four
    Florida Summer.  Marriott Rewards.
    Florida Summer.  Ebags.
    Florida Summer. Expedia.com