One of the best ways to enjoy Anna Maria Island is by getting out on the water. And one of the easiest ways to do that is by kayak. Get up close to an array of wildlife when paddling the salt marches, mangrove tunnels, and other inlets of AMI. We’ll run down some of our favorite spots.
Bayfront Park, 316 North Bay Blvd. in Anna Maria Island, sits where the Gulf of Mexico converges with Tampa Bay. The park has a kayak launch and has awesome views of Sunshine Skyway Bridge and Egmont Key. Beginners will want to stay close to shore as the open bay has strong currents and winds, and boat traffic.
Bimini Bay is a hidden gem, located in the Holmes Beach area of AMI. Protected from the wind and waves, the bay makes an easy paddle for beginners. This is a great spot to see manatees and dolphins while paddling.
A kayak launch at Coquina Beach Park Bayside offers another good place to slip your boat in the water. Head east across the bay or paddle south along the shoreline of Longboat Key to investigate inlets and waterways. Be aware of high boat traffic and the possibility of strong currents in this area.
Emerson Point Preserve also makes a great starting point for an adventure. Use the kayak launch at Riverside Pavilion on the far west end of the preserve or the launch on the north side, approximately halfway inside the preserve entrance.
Skilled paddlers may prefer Neal Preserve, where the launch is located on the south side of State Highway 64, east of the Anna Maria Bridge. The waterway is protected and scenic, but the entire seven-mile trail may be long for beginners. Paddlers enjoy a great mix of tunnels, tidal lakes, and mangrove islands, as well as open bays.
Robinson Preserve offers 40 acres of peaceful waterways for canoeing and kayaking. Located in northwestern Bradenton, the main aquatic entrance is at 9800 Manatee Ave. West. It’s a nice launch site. Be prepared to see dolphins and manatees at play, as well as other wildlife. But, keep your distance. Don’t chase these creatures or feed them.
A few general tips include:
- Always wear a life jacket.
- Kayakers are required to flash a light at other boaters, so carry a flashlight.
- Watch for markers and stay away from boaters.
- Check the local weather before launching.
- Carry a whistle. It’s also a requirement.
- Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated.
If you prefer a kayak tour, book with Beach Bums AMI. Their tour guides paddlers along the red mangroves and into Anna Maria Sound, then passes under the Key Royale Bridge and into Bimini Bay. Beach Bums also rents kayaks and offers free pickup and delivery to your vacation rental.
Do you feel like a tourist when you vacation? Do you want to live like a local? Get up close and personal by actively engaging with the local community.
The first step is where to rent. In some of our communities, your neighbors are locals. Our properties run the gamut from classic beach cottages to large luxury homes. Choose the right fit for your family.
Get up early. Take a walk or a run on the beach. Then grab a pastry and a coffee at the local spot like Cool Beans AMI or North Shore Cafe. Be a repeat customer and get to know the staff. Talk to the locals!
Keep the car parked. It doesn’t take long to get anywhere on the island. Rent a bike or golf cart to take to dinner or shopping. Most everywhere you go has a bike rack, including beach access points. Here’s a tip: Reserve them early. They can sell out in the busy season. Also, be sure to use bike lights at night.
Or take the free Island Trolley from Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach up to the City Pier in Anna Maria. The service starts at 6 a.m. Trolleys typically run at 20-minute intervals until 9 p.m., then every 30 minutes until 10:30 p.m. It’s a fun way to travel on the island and reduces traffic congestion.
If you plan to drink when you go out, let The Monkey Bus take you to the party and home afterward. The free service asks that you generously tip your drivers. Call and schedule a pick up, and the bus comes to you. You can even flag it down if you see it out and need a lift. It runs from noon to 3 a.m. and is brightly painted. You can’t miss it.
And, as a reminder, alcohol is not allowed on city or county beaches at any time.
While we are talking about the beach, renting a beach cart or having your beach gear set up is well worth it. Trust us on this. The locals know!
Here’s an eco-friendly tip: Use a red beam flashlight for beach walks. They keep sea turtles from mistaking lights for the moon. Also, if you see a staked area on the beach, these are turtle nests. Leave them alone.
We probably missed some things. Let us know how you made yourself at home on Anna Maria Island.
Get ready to celebrate the nation’s birthday with an amazing beach vacation on sunny Anna Maria Island. What better place than the beach to enjoy the All-American holiday? This year, July 4 falls on a Tuesday, which means spreading out the celebration over a five-day (or longer) weekend.
The Fourth festivities on AMI do not disappoint.
Starting things off is the AMI Privateers 4th of July Parade, a massive procession that rolls at 10 a.m. from the Coquina Beach north boat ramp staging area along Gulf Drive. The parade stretches the length of the beach, ending at City Pier Park in Anna Maria. Get there early if you want to get a good spot. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the free parade and catch some beads. Just beware: Many of the floats-riders have a history of bringing out their water guns so you might get wet!
The Fourth of July wouldn’t be the same without seeing the sky light up with a big bang. Join the locals for the Sandbar Annual Fireworks Spectacular on the north end of the island, a family tradition. The firework display is a public event that starts at about 9 p.m. Find a spot on the beach, north or south of the Sandbar Restaurant. Parking onsite will be limited so keep the car parked at your vacation rental and take the free Island Trolley or the Monkey Bus.
Keep the celebration going. Beach Retreats Vacation Rentals has amazing introductory specials on all our new inventory all summer long!
Barefoot Bliss in Holmes Beach features three bedrooms/baths and sleeps six. The fully equipped kitchen has stainless steel appliances and broad countertops that make meal prep a breeze for your holiday meals. Lounge around the private pool and enjoy the outdoor space. The home also features an outdoor grill, perfect for barbecue or burgers!
Swept Away on Longboat Key offers five bedrooms and sleeps 10. This luxury home has 4,300 square feet of living and vacationing space and sits on a private street with private beach access. Everyone will love the private resort-style heated pool that features an oversized sun shelf in the pool. It even features a three-hole putting green.
Customized services such as beach set-ups, luxury picnics, and grocery delivery make your Fourth vacation stress-free and enjoyable.
Dining out is a big part of any vacation. But eating out with kids can sometimes be a challenge. When you visit Anna Maria Island, dining out doesn’t have to be a carefully navigated excursion. Beach eateries offer a family-friendly atmosphere with menus to match your kids’ tastes.
Rod and Reel Pier, 875 N Shore Drive in Anna Maria, is one such place. The Rod and Reel serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can catch a sunrise or a beautiful Florida sunset. This unassuming spot prepares simple coastal favorites and offers a friendly staff and the entertainment of a fishing pier.
Another restaurant where you can fish is City Pier Grill and Bait, 100 N. Bay Blvd., in Anna Maria. City Pier Grill is more than a snack shop, but not quite a full-service restaurant due to outdoor seating. Order blackened fish tacos, a Cuban sandwich, or a delicious burger.
For breakfast, check out The Donut Experiment, 210 Pine Ave., where kids can watch doughnuts being created right before their eyes. The doughnuts are made fresh, and you pick the toppings and flavors. It’s a fun experience for the whole family. And the doughnuts are delicious!
For a homemade pie, visit Pizza Social, 308 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria. Hand-crafted, wood-fired pizza is on the menu at this easygoing eatery, with its cozy dining area and super friendly staff.
The location of Sandbar Seafood & Spirits, right on the sand at 100 Spring Ave. in Anna Maria, is perfect for families. Kids can play in the sand while you wait for your food. The menu lists a full range of seafood fare, chicken tenders and burgers.
Another surf side spot is Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, 4000 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, where there are lifeguards on duty, outdoor showers for washing off the sand, and even changing rooms if you want to get out of the swimsuit. The menu includes breakfast, sandwiches, seafood platters and salads. And there’s a shop that serves hand-dipped ice cream.
As you can see, there are plenty of options for a great family meal during your summer vacation in Anna Maria Island.
Treat dad to a legendary vacation with an Anna Maria Island getaway for Father’s Day, coming up June 18.
You will feel at home at one of our phenomenal properties in Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, and Lido Key. You can sip your morning coffee while watching a sunrise or watch the kids play in the private pool.
Gulf Shore Retreat with four bedrooms and four baths is just a hop, skip and a jump from the beach. It is one of the properties with a private heated pool. And Dad will love firing up the gas grill while enjoying the large outdoor deck and gulf views.
Once you get settled in, rent a golf cart from Beach Bums AMI for easy transportation around the island. Golf carts are the easiest way to explore the seven miles of Anna Maria Island. Take the golf cart when you head out shopping or to dinner. Choose a four, six or eight-passenger cart for fun adventures.
Next, take dad fishing with AMI Charters Saltwater Adventures. The waters around AMI are teeming with fish, whether you go offshore or choose to fish in one of the bays. Charters range from a two-hour family trip to eight hours of Tampa Bay fishing.
If your father is high-energy, book a Jet Ski tour. The Yamaha Waverunners can seat up to three, with no charge for extra riders. Bring a photo ID. If you prefer a more laid-back experience, take out one of the Hobie Wave sailboats and get a free lesson thrown in. Experienced sailors may prefer to rent an 18-foot catamaran.
You can also paddle Anna Maria Sound on a kayak tour with Beach Bums AMI. You might spot dolphins feeding in the shallow waters or see manatees in the no wake zone, a popular hangout for our underwater friends.
Book a tee time at Manatee Golf Course, between Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria Island off State Road 70 in West Bradenton. The course is gorgeous, and the challenging layout will test even the most advanced player.
If there are youngsters in your group, opt for 18 holes at The Fish Hole miniature golf, 115 Bridge St. in Bradenton Beach.
Wind down with the No Shower Happy Hour from 3-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Slim’s Place, 9701 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria. Slim’s, voted the No. 1 sports bar on the island, serves a mouth-watering Philly cheesesteak, a pulled pork sandwich with slaw, a juicy cheeseburger and more.
Dad is sure to love an Anna Maria Island Father’s Day vacation. It’s a little more legendary than a tie.
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, a perfect time for a beach getaway. Whether you take advantage of the three-day weekend or stretch the vacation, Anna Maria Island makes an excellent destination.
Nestled between bays and the Gulf of Mexico, Anna Maria Island offers a laid-back, serene spot for your beach stay. It’s a place where old-Florida charm meets the 21st century. Where flips flops are still en vogue, but your vacation property provides high-speed Wi-Fi.
Beaches
As for reasons to visit, we’ll start with the most obvious – our beaches. Bean Point, Anna Maria Beach, Manatee Beach and Coquina Beach each offer beautiful surf and sand with a unique flair. At Bean Point, you can see where the Gulf meets the Bay. Anna Maria Island is off-the-beaten path. It’s quieter than other beaches. Manatee Beach is a family favorite with bathrooms, showers and a playground. Coquina Beach offers the usual facilities but tends to be less crowded than Manatee.
Memorial Day Salute
The City of Anna Maria holds a Memorial Day Patriotic Symphony Salute from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at City Pier Park on Monday, May 29. The one-and-a-half-hour-long event is free to attend. Celebrate with music, a flag presentation and refreshments. Put this one on your to-do list, as Memorial Day is a time to honor our fallen service men and women.
Take Advantage of the Grill
For a lot of people, the Memorial Day weekend means barbecue. Several local parks offer charcoal grills and picnic areas, so you can grab ingredients from a local grocery store and fire up the grill. Many of our properties have a grill on site and kitchen tools for preparing ribs, brisket, or chicken.
Shop the Avenue
Pine Avenue in Anna Maria offers an array of specialty stores and boutiques where you can browse to your heart’s content. Or explore the Historic Bridge St. District in Bradenton Beach. Walk the pier, take in the view, and celebrate the holiday at one of the local restaurants.
Get on the Water
Is it summer if you haven’t been on a boat yet? AMI Saltwater Charters offers fishing trips, sunset cruises, and kayak tours. From a two-hour kids’ fishing trip to an eight-hour flats skiff excursion, choose an outing that fits your family.
An AMI beach vacation is a wonderful way to welcome the season if we do say so ourselves.
Make plans to celebrate your No. 1 mom on Mother’s Day, May 14, with an Anna Maria Island beach getaway.
We have spectacular, multi-family homes so invite everyone, even the in-laws. Anna Maria Island offers some of the most beautiful beaches and we have properties with water views.
Don’t let your mother lift a finger during her vacation. Use The Loaded Kitchen to stock your fridge and pantry. Choose the items from a grocery list. The Loaded Kitchen team will deliver your items to your vacation rental before you arrive. After all, the last thing you want is for mom to run to the store.
Take your dinners up a notch with a personal chef. The Traveling Gourmet prepares a customized meal for your special event. Or plan a lunch, brunch or dessert spread. The chef will send menu options for your get-together. Make it an hors d’oeuvre party, buffet-style family meal, or a personalized meal. It is up to you. And your mother, of course.
When you head to the beach, mom should not have to carry gear. Use CabanUp to deliver and set-up your tent, chairs, table, and beach toys. Their team will have your set-up ready at the beach by about 10 a.m., with your name clearly labeled. Just walk up and enjoy your day. You might want to bring sunscreen. Their team will remove the gear at the end of the day.
Mother’s Day represents one of the busiest days for dining out. So it is perfect that Anna Maria Island has so many delicious restaurants. The menu at The Waterfront Restaurant & Craft Bar offers fresh classic American seafood, steaks and salads prepared in beautiful presentations using the freshest ingredients. Shrimp and grits, wasabi-crusted tuna, grouper cakes, and Scottish salmon are among the highlights. Sandbar Seafood and Spirits, The Porch Restaurant, and Beach Bistro offer other excellent choices.
Pamper your mom with a spa day at Body & Soul spa and wellness center, 9805 Gulf Drive in Anna Maria. Special packages include a massage, facial and pedicure. Let the mom in your life prop her feet up and relax.
When it comes to choosing a spot for your family’s spring vacation, no destination offers more than Anna Maria Island for a family-friendly spring getaway. It’s a premier vacation spot for multiple reasons, but we’ve narrowed down the list for you.
Enjoy Beautiful Beaches
Our gorgeous beaches offer soft, white sand, beautiful views, and warm Gulf water. What more can you ask? Pick a spot at Bean Point, Anna Maria Beach, Manatee Beach or Coquina Beach for prime time in the sun and surf. Don’t worry about packing gear. CabanUp will deliver, set up and remove chairs, umbrellas and other beach equipment at the destination of your choice.
Ride A Horse on the Beach
Did you know you can ride a horse at the beach? With C Ponies, your family can mount up and take a magical ride into the bay. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure your family will love. Note: The hour and a half excursion is for ages 10 and over.
Take a Family-Friendly Boat Tour
There is nothing like reeling in your first fish when you’re a kid. Make this year’s spring vacation memorable with an AMI Charters fishing excursion. Don’t want to fish? No worries. AMI Charters also offers boat tours for cruising and watching for dolphins!
Bring the Dog
If Fido is part of the family, by all means, bring him (or her) along. Beach Retreats offers several dog-friendly properties.
Play a Round of Miniature Golf
Play 18 holes at The Fish Hole on Historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. The beautiful course offers fun for the entire family.
Leave the Shopping to Someone Else
You can have the fridge and pantry stocked upon your arrival. The Loaded Kitchen team handles your grocery shopping from start to finish so you can relax and enjoy your vacation.
Fish from a Pier
Bring your rod and reel to cast from one of AMI’s piers. City Pier has been a landmark for AMI for many years. Get your bait and tackle at the bait shop, then enjoy fishing from the pier, open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Rod and Reel Pier also offers fishing for a small fee.
What else do you need to know to book your vacation property? Book your family-friendly spring getaway today with us!
It’s time to pull out the pastels. Easter is just around the corner on April 9 this year. Hop over and enjoy an Easter Vacation Anna Maria Island!
Book a great vacation rental like our four-bedroom Surf-Side Beach House at Holmes Beach.
The property is right across the street from the Gulf of Mexico, about a one-minute walk to the beach. In addition, the property offers a private heated pool in a backyard oasis. It’s also less than a five-minute walk to the Homes Beach city center. What better place to relax? If you’re looking for something smaller, reserve Meant to Bee on AMI, a two-bedroom home a few blocks from the beach and a half-mile from historic Pine Avenue on Anna Maria Island. You can take the free trolley to Bean Point or historic Bridge Street.
Of course, you’ll want to hang out at the beach.
There are several spots to pitch your beach umbrella. Reserve beach gear from CabanUp, who will deliver, set up and remove at the end of the day.
Next, get in on an Easter egg hunt. It’s a holiday tradition, after all. Sandbar Seafood & Spirits, 100 Spring Ave. in Anna Maria, holds an annual event. The hunt is free and open to children 10 and under. Bring a basket so you can collect all the eggs you find. After the hunt, enjoy other Easter-themed events happening on nearby Pine Avenue. The Easter egg hunt is usually held the Saturday before Easter, but watch for updates.
Attend a sunrise service on the beach. The 58th Easter Sunrise Service takes place at 6:30 a.m. on Easter, April 9, at Manatee County Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. Bring a blanket or beach chair, and ride the free trolley to the service, hosted by six island churches.
Dine on a delicious Easter brunch. Reserve a table for a three-course brunch (served 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) or dinner with all carte dessert menu (served 5-9 p.m.) at The Chateau on the Lake, 15 Allens Way in Holmes Beach.
Or, enjoy your own brunch with Traveling Gourmet Personal Chef. Chef Molly will prepare a special meal, including a buffet-style spread that can be prepared to match your family’s favorites. Suncoast Cuisine also offers a personal chef service with a range of options for parties of 12 or less.
Book an egg-cellent Anna Maria Island vacation rental and get ready to enjoy your Easter holiday.
One of the most amazing parts of a beach vacation is enjoying the delicious fresh seafood. Anna Maria Island offers an abundance of seafood harvested right here in our local waters. That means you can savor the freshest shrimp, fish, and oysters during your stay. Let’s explore some of the best spots for seafood on AMI.
Sandbar Seafood & Spirits
For generations, people have come from around the world to the Sandbar to experience a meal like no other. Get your toes in the sand and enjoy the brilliant views, while dining in a family atmosphere where you can create fantastic memories. Order the fish tacos or blackened fish sandwich. Save room for dessert. The Key lime pie is amazing.
The Waterfront Restaurant
Escape to an Old Florida atmosphere at The Waterfront Restaurant and experience the laid-back way things used to be. You can’t go wrong with the grouper. Order as an entree or a sandwich. The view is amazing as well.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier
The Anna Maria Oyster Bar has been around for more than 25 years, serving delicious food in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Located on the historic Bridge Street Pier on Bradenton Beach, the Oyster Bar is a casual seafood restaurant with a beach vibe. Start with oysters (after all, it’s in the restaurant’s name). Fantastic views here, too.
City Grill & Bait
City Grill & Bait is located on the Anna Maria City Pier, a local landmark. The pier has been around since 1911 but was rebuilt in 2020 due to hurricane damage. Since the reopening of the Pier, City Grill has focused on food quality at the family-friendly restaurant. Favorites are sandwiches made with locally-caught Mahi or a grouper cake. Or try the fish tacos or jumbo shrimp.
Rod & Reel Pier
The Rod & Reel Pier is a two-story, newly renovated restaurant, directly out on the Gulf of Mexico. This is another spot that provides an Old Florida experience. Upstairs is a family-friendly dining room. Order Peel & Eat shrimp, an oyster po-boy or an old-fashioned seafood combo of grouper, shrimp, and scallops, available grilled, blackened, or fried.
The Porch Restaurant
The Porch’s menu has something for everyone in the family, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free choices. The building at 9707 Gulf Drive, was built in 1913. The atmosphere is half the charm at this upscale restaurant. While not technically a seafood restaurant, The Porch serves a delicious fresh catch entree, and you can top your salad with shrimp.
As you can see, there is no shortage of delicious seafood available when you visit Anna Maria Island. The hard part is choosing where you’ll dine each day.