Although living in Florida has always had us locals surrounded by some sort of body of water, nothing beats going to the beach, especially with summer break coming up. Most people may not know Sarasota, a small, up-and-coming town on the water just an hour south of Tampa, but those who do know that there’s no beating the coastal shores of the Gulf that Sarasota has to offer.
As someone who has lived in Sarasota for most of my formative years, I tend to pick up on how to give myself the perfect beach day. Tourists think they know all there is to know about the beach, but we Floridians know that the perfect beach day takes loads of prep. Considering the beach is just 20 minutes from my humble home, I’d say I’ve learned the ins and outs of beating snowbird traffic and finding just the right spot to set up camp.
early bird gets the best spot
The most important rule in any beach outing is to go early. Florida has become the ultimate hangout spot for summer because of our crisp beaches, so if you don’t go early, good luck finding a suitable spot to set up close to the water. I’ve always preferred to be at the Siesta Key parking lot no later than 9:00 a.m.
If you’re going to spend the morning and afternoon at the beach, it’s important to bring sustenance while baking under the summer sun. My go-to has always been a Pub sub with a different array of fruits, but whatever you’re in the mood for will work well, as long as you make sure to eat.
The sun is especially killer down in Sarasota in the summer, so it’s crucial to hydrate. Nothing beats an Arizona Iced Tea while lounging by the water, making it feel like a tropical paradise.
soaking in the sun safely
Some would much rather shield themselves from the UV rays while having their beach outing, but not me. Once UV hits six or higher, that’s prime tanning time, baby.
As a veteran beach tanner, I’ve learned what works for my skin and what doesn’t. My favorite products that have shown the best results for my skin have been the Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil that I put on after a nice layer of sunscreen. For those with fairer skin who want to try tanning, I’ve learned that lying in the sun is just as important as putting on sunscreen before. You might not feel the burn at the beginning, but you’ll definitely feel it the next few days. I use Neutrogena’s Sun Rescue Replenishing Lotion, and that has been my holy grail for years.
Even if you don’t think you burnt yourself, don’t forget to do after-sun, it helps refresh your skin and keep it from drying out. Coming from a girl with severe eczema, any chance I get to replenish my skin with moisture does wonders for my skin.
end the day with a sweet treat
The best way to end a perfect beach outing is by finding a sweet treat after lying out in the hot sun. Sarasota is no stranger to cute local shops that sell all the best craving foods. I’ve always been an ice cream girl after the beach, something cool to help balance out the heat radiating off my skin. Plus, everyone knows that the next thing to do when coming home from the beach is to take the nicest, longest shower you’ve probably had in weeks.
Although I may be biased, Sarasota has never given me a bad beach day. Sure, there’s been crazy traffic and boiling weather, but if you’re prepared, you can make any day at the beach the perfect day.
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