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?
#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.
#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.
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.
#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
#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.
#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).
#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.
#17 4th of July
Ahhhhh, America’s Birthday. Put it all together, pool deck, grill, ice-cold adult beverages. Add a bit of
#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.
#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
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
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.
#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.
#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.
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.
I love the Florida heat!! I grew up in Michigan, so that’s all that needs to be said about that!!
I cannot imagine, Michigan. Snow and freezing cold, it is only fun to visit!
Some great points about Florida summers. I’ll have to say the springs and tubing are my favorites!
Definitely ours, too.
Reading this has made me green with envy! Where I live has its good points but living where you do does sound an all round way to live a happier life…
I visited Florida when I was 3, I don’t remember much but I remember that it was a happy holiday with loads to see and do.
Living in a warm climate just make life feel better I think.
This is a great post, very informative and a very positive advertisement for Florida. Enjoy your Summer you lucky lot! 😘
Thank you. It is truly pretty amazing — year round.
I love this post so much because it’s ALL true! I especially love #26. I have permanent flip flop tan lines on my feet!
So true! 365 days a year.
Buzzfeed is so salty, all the time. I don’t know that I’ve experienced Florida in summer–I think we always went in winter as a kid. It sounds like Florida summers are similar to North Carolina summers, only we wear flip flops and shorts here year round 🙂
I know, I thought the article was a bit salty, that was my inspiration!
Great post! Being from Buffalo, NY I LOVE the Florida heat! Can’t wait to do some of the things mentioned when I’m in Florida next month. 🙂
Yay! Where are you going in Florida? Have fun and travel safely.
While we’re all complaining about the heat, it’s nice to see some reminders that we really do live in paradise! Thanks for sharing!
We sure do. Minus hurricanes and sinkholes:)
663 miles of beach? Wow – love it! Would love to retire one day in a beach house. Great article, thank you!
The coast is beautiful, some areas are still not populated. I would love to retire on the coast, too. We are inland, about 2 hours from the coast, but I grew up on the beach. I miss it.
living in florida, myself, there definitely is a ton of stuff to do if you love the outdoors. keeping the kids active and outdoors is the key because it is easier for them to sit inside and play video games because “it’s too hot outside”… wah wah! we love the beach and the springs and hurricane parties. we don’t like hurricanes, traffic or the Gators!!!!
love the article though 🙂
Seriously, but they whine about everything! I try my best to have a balance with the kids; thankfully, there are plenty of things to do outdoors, year round.
Love Florida in the Summer! Those white beaches are my favorite.
Mine, too, Kimmy!
Wow! This is a super cool and cute post! I was kinda prepared to be bored—35 sounds like a big number—but the way you hit each point and quit it kept it light-hearted and entertaining! Thanks for sharing and I hope you don’t mind if I try a similar idea for our location—Detroit. 😀
It didn’t start at 35, just kind of grew. Glad you liked it and excited to read your Detroit post!
Beautiful post with stunning images! I wish I can visit Florida at least once!
It is beautiful. But, summer can be trying!
Wow, there’s so much to do! I’ve never been to Florida, but it’s definitely on my list of places I would like to visit at some point.
It is packed with things to do, inland and coastal. You will love it. But, summer is tricky!
All so true. Florida is usually my go to vacation spot in the United States. There is so much to do there.
There are tons of things to do and the weather is (almost) always perfect.
YES! Florida is everything I equate with summer! You cannot beat the beaches and all the water activities! I love everything on this list.
You really cannot beat it. We love it and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
Good to know! I may move to Florida eventually, so it’s nice to know that even though the weather can be sketchy, it’s a good place to live!
It is a great place to live. Awesome for raising kids.
I would love to go to Florida someday. If there I anywhere I really want to go, I think Florida is right up there on top. Thanks, for all the great inspirational ideas and stay safe hun!
Thanks, Jenn. We still have a few days left of hysteria!
I think I would so love the kayaking!
It’s beautiful The springs are refreshing a full of wildlife.
Beautiful pictures and amazing descriptions of all that Florida has to offer … cant wait to plan my next trip!!
Thank you. I love to travel, but I also love when I get home!
I absolutely love FL but not the humidity. I hope you are all safe with the upcoming hurricane and it doesn’t damage the beaches too much. We are planning on coming down there soon to enjoy the wonderful sunshine, seafood, beaches, Disney, and more. So I am praying for the state of FL.
Thank you. And yes, the humidity is brutal at times. You just have to be prepared. I think you will love it down here.
Great post! I just love Florida as well! Will have to go back there soon 🙂
Thank you. There are so many reasons to love Florida, even in the summer.
We used to live in Florida and I loved it year round! We would definitely move back someday. I remember the first month or so not being used to the heat and feeling like we were melting, but then after a while 72F became chilly. 😂 Thank you so much for sharing your list and have a wonderful weekend.
I feel ya, 72 is brisk for us, and we are all in scarves and boots.
Jenny I love your positivity! I live in St. Pete and don’t enjoy the charms of FL as much as you do. Lol
I find the frequent red tide and Vibrio vulnificus outbreaks to be reasons to avoid the beach. 😬 We are planning to move in the next couple of years to a place with all four seasons. Not just one long endless summer. I want to not have to wear my jorts when I decorate my Christmas tree and crank on the AC to pretend it feels like Christmas. Or having to cook my Thanksgiving Turkey outside because it makes the house too darn hot. There are barely any days you can stand to turn of the air and open the windows.
It is SO crowded here. We would like a little land in KY or TN to start a hobby farm. I think I’m a displaced farm girl. Haha. Great writing though!
You are so right on all of those accounts. We lucked out with the red tide issue, being in the middle of the state. But, yes, it doesn’t seem right decorating the Christmas Tree in Jorts and a tank top does it. I hope you live your dream out in Kentucky, it is beautiful there. Thanks for stopping by, my fellow Floridian.
You’re making me want to jump on a plane and go!
Yes, come on over. Now that you are thoroughly in the know.
Love spending time in Florida! My absolute favorite place!
It is a great place to call home. I love to travel, but always love to come home.
I think I can agree with all of your reasons….except the humidity, ha!!! I have visited in the summer when it was like 99% humidity. No way!! I’ll take my SoCal dry heat any day, but love the vacay there!
I know, girl. That humidity can be brutal. It is nice for the skin, but the Lion King hair, I could do without.
I love my my state and summer is my favorite season though it lasts all year mostly…LOL!
Haha, yes it is year-round summer.
Do you live in Gainesville? Just a guess after reading this post. haha I miss Florida, but I always joke to my fiance that I pretty much live in the Florida of Australia now!
Yes, we are in Gainesville. We love it. I grew up in Melbourne, Florida (not Australia).
We are traveling to Florida for spring break- and I take my hurricanes very seriously too 😊 I’m getting really excited for our trip now!
Yay! Have fun. You will love it.
I absolutely agree! My list would include Margaritas, rather than Jello Shots, but otherwise we may be soul sisters. Great job selling our blistering summers to others.
Yes, it is blistering, for sure. It is not for the faint at heart, but I love it.
I liked the beach and water parks – I wish I had made it to more water parks in Florida but my wife was not a fan! I was looking for “road trips” and “Florida Keys” as I enjoy those things during Florida Summers as well – it makes me miss being in Florida this time of year as we approach Summer. Back in Australia we are headed for Autumn!
The beach isn’t for everyone. We all love it, even after watching “Jaws!” We just did the road trip down to the keys and had a blast. Definitely recommend that ride once in your life.
All great reasons why I love Florida, too! Paynes Prairie is indeed a delight though I never watched a sunrise there when we lived in Reddick. We did watch a lot of sunsets over Lochloosa and Orange Lake. Magical!
Truly magical. And the sunset over Paynes Prairie is pretty amazing, too.
Wow I love this post! I used to vacation to florida during the summer – and I love living in florida during the summer just as much as i enjoyed vacationing here (i just wish i didn’t have to work haha). But there is so much to do in this state – even when it is hot (and for someone who is literally always cold, I love it that much more)! Thank you for sharing, my friends always think im crazy when I say that I like the Florida summers!
Mine, too. It is not for everyone, that is for sure. But, I love it.