Shake things up this year for your New Year holiday celebration by spending it in a warm, tropical locale. Create a holiday the family will long remember with an Anna Maria Island vacation.
The best reason for an Anna Maria Island vacation is the moderate weather, which makes it a true winter wonderland (in our opinion). You don’t have to bundle up for New Year’s Eve fireworks. Daytime temps are in the mid-70s, while it only drops to the mid-50s at night, so enjoy festivities without donning a scarf and hat.
Those mild temps and less crowds make it a perfect time to enjoy our spectacular beaches. Bean Point is a peaceful spot where you can see the Gulf meet the Bay. Anna Maria Beach, also on the north end of the island, has the Rod and Reel Pier for fishing. Manatee Beach is a family-favorite close to Holmes Beach, while Coquina Beach at Bradenton Beach provides the longest stretch of sand on the island.
Start your celebration by watching as the sun sets on 2022. A stay in our four-bedroom Reef Romance property puts you a short walk from the Atlantic shore. The three-bedroom Beach Paradise on Longboat Key is another property a short walking distance to that gorgeous sunset.
Local and visitors enjoy ringing in the New Year at The Beach House Waterfront Restaurant in Bradenton Beach. Guests enjoy a meal, then watch the sky light up in a colorful display. If you don’t want to reserve a table, nearby beaches also offer great views of the fireworks.
Watch the Pineapple Drop at midnight during the Downtown Sarasota Pineapple Drop & Block Party. The festivities take place from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. Enjoy a full day of fun with carnival rides, live music, plenty of food and drink, and more.
Start 2023 with the Shamrock Shiver at noon on New Year’s Day at Clancy’s Sports Bar & Grill, 6218 Cortez Road West in Bradenton. The event collections donations for charity. Get there early for the pre-party. If you don’t want to brave the water, no worries. Enjoy a traditional New Year’s Day meal at one of the delicious area restaurants.
Do something different this year with an unforgettable Anna Maria Island experience.