Beat the Heat: Summer In South Florida

Endless daylight, laid-back pace of life, time spent in the sun! Summer in Florida always makes me a bit nostalgic for the quintessential summers I spent in the pnw as a kid, but this year I’m aiming to shift my focus onto all the wonderful things SoFlo has to offer. I’m maximizing time outside before the midday sun kicks in & exploring new and old establishments with lots of A/C. My themes of the summer: relax & rejuvenate, embrace the community, beat the heat.

1. get outside early

One of my favorite weekend activities is to hit the beach early. The temperature is usually lovely in the early morning & there’s never an issue with parking or overcrowding. Something about the salty air feels like a cleanse and the rhythmic crashing waves always bring me a sense of calm. Most of the parking meters on Palm Beach Island don’t start collecting until 8am, so parking is essentially free in the early morning! The beach off Dunbar Road on Palm Beach is dog-friendly as well! If I can’t make it to the beach, I love a brisk morning walk or boardwalk bike, ideally before 9am.

2. SOAK UP SOME A/C

As a new-again Florida resident, I am trying to be more creative and intentional about visiting local attractions & seeing what is available in the community. I love that many establishments offer summer specials with discounted ticketing to incentivize locals to visit in the offseason. A museum visit, trip to the zoo or botanic garden, or stroll through an antique shop are all on my radar this summer (+ they offer lots of aircon to combat the summer heat). The Norton Museum of Art offers free admission to Palm Beach County residents on Saturdays through August 30, 2025, making it the perfect time to visit. With five permanent collections (displaying over 8,200 pieces of art) as well as rotating exhibits, this activity could easily fill up your afternoon. Some of my favorite exhibits were from the European collection, as I love the Impressionist & Renaissance Eras. The iconic Henry Morrison Flagler Museum also boasts an impressive tour of Henry Flagler’s personal home from the early 1900s, and gives a look into wealthy life in the Gilded Age. The home sits on the Intercoastal overlooking downtown West Palm, offering captivating views inside and out.

The norton museum of art

henry flagler museum

3. Spruce up your Space

Utilize time inside to refresh your space! Rearrange decor on a shelf, print new photos for frames or shift around some furniture to change the energy & flow of your home. Second-hand stores often have great offerings after spring-cleaning so it’s the perfect time to go vintage shopping or look for new pieces! When in need of inspiration come a change of season, I encourage myself to reach for a kitchen appliance I hardly use. This year we’ve been using our Beast Blender so much for breakfast smoothies. It’s holds 1 large serving or 2 share sizes, blends efficiently, and looks sleek enough to store on the counter.

4. BE A WATER BABY

One thing I LOVE about summer in FL is that it’s never too chilly to get in the water. The ocean is loaded with tons of minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium which are great for skin elasticity & healing any cuts or injuries. If you have a pool nearby, swimming is a great low impact exercise + aids in improved sleep and mental clarity.

Staying hydrated is also critical! Infusing with your favorite fruits and herbs, buying bubbly, or adding an electrolyte packet always helps me to drink more water.

5. STAYCAY OR VACAY

When in doubt, plan a trip or venture off for a day in your own town! Curate your day: think of a fun activity or attraction in the town you’re visiting, research any new shops or resturants, and make time for leisure! Summer is perfect for a proper vacation if you can take time, as the weather is generally nice across the country!

xx,

Lilly