Skip to main content
ami beach

Search Rentals

Search Real Estate

Beat the Heat: How to Stay Cool in Summer

With the start of July, summer is officially here! And boy, is it hot!

The AMI weather forecast predicts temperatures in the high 80s and low 90s for at least the first half of the month. But vacation is all about having fun in the sun, right? Right!

So today I’m here with my best tips for staying cool – literally and figuratively 😉

10. Inside Attractions

The hottest time of day is mid afternoon, around 3:00 p.m. This is the perfect time to head indoors for entertainment. Bask in the air conditioning while learning about the island’s history at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum. The museum was originally constructed as an ice house in the 1920s – what better place to cool off!

9. Shopping

Is it really a vacation if you don’t get a souvenir? Escape the heat by browsing local Anna Maria shops to find the perfect token for your trip, or gifts for friends back home.

8. Ice Cream

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream! This frozen treat is definitely my favorite way to cool down. With so many options, you could visit a new place for ice cream on the island every day: Two Scoops, Small Town Creamery, Joe’s Eats and Sweets, AMI Creamery and Bakery, and Holy Cow Ice Cream. Holy cow, I think it’s time for me to get some ice cream now! Tell me in the comments where your favorite place is on the island to get ice cream!

7. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Just because you’re in the pool or ocean all day doesn’t mean you’re getting enough water. Always keep a water bottle on hand. On especially hot days, make sure you have ice water too. For a treat, put soda bottles in the freezer the night before to enjoy the next day on the beach!

6. Eat Smart 

Eating lots of fruits and veggies (especially fruit) with high water contents is an easy and delicious way to stay hydrated. You can freeze your fruits to keep them cold even longer and for extra refreshment.

5. Hat and Sunglasses

You’ll stay cool and you’ll look cool with the right accessories. The perfect beach combo!

4. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is soooo important. We all love a good vacation tan, but it’s important to do it safely. Make sure you have the correct SPF for your skin type and remember to reapply!

3. Swim in the ocean

Well of course! That’s the whole reason you’re on vacation on Anna Maria Island, right? Set up on the beach for the day (with an umbrella for extra shade) and take a dip every time you feel yourself getting too hot.

2. Swim in the pool

Any pool will do, and we have lots of properties with pools access! In fact, we even have one of very few properties on AMI that has a cool pool. That’s right – it can be cooled to your preferred temperature! The coolest way to beat the heat, for sure.

1. Swim in the ocean

…again! You can’t have too much ocean time. You just can’t. Mix it up by going night swimming, sunrise swimming, sailing, kayaking – just as long as you’re in the water!

Well, that’s my list of the best ways to stay cool to keep your vacation from overheating. Tell me in the comments your favorite ways to beat the heat – and try not to get sunburned out there!