Summer might seem like a lifetime away.

We’ve all been through so much these past 18 months, we want nothing more than to enjoy some time away with the ones we love.  If Covid has taught us anything it’s that “stuff” isn’t really important – it’s the feelings we get spending time with the people we love.  It’s making memories; watching sunsets, hugging grandkids and sharing laughs. It’s time to make those memories again!  Don’t miss out on the vacation home of your dreams – What’s on your wish list for the perfect home?  Our homes shine with state-of-the-art kitchens for the perfect family meal, sparkling pools and heated spas, outdoor cabanas with big screen TV’s for fun game day viewing, peaks of the Gulf of Mexico, nanny suites, and lots of extras!

Consider putting the gift of travel under the tree this year!

Check out a few of the houses sure to check every box on your summer wish list:

https://beachretreatsfl.com/Slice-of-paradise/ This 4 bed house has ensuites bathrooms for every bedroom plus 2 half baths (one that’s right off the deck so no running through the house soaking wet!) New owners have gone all out with brand new furniture, a full interior and exterior paint and tons of extras! And can we talk about the backyard!?! The pool is an absolute showstopper.

https://beachretreatsfl.com/Surfside-Beach-House/Just a hop, skip and a jump into the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.

This stunner has it all! Custom kitchen, stunning interior design, gas range with all the kitchen amenities you could ask for. This beauty is just a block from the Gulf of Mexico, west of Gulf Drive, nestled on a quiet street.  The 4 cruiser bikes will let you explore all of what Anna Maria Island has to offer!

Laid-back and natural, Anna Maria Island is just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Tampa but feels like a world away. A seven-mile strip of beautiful white-sand beaches lines the barrier island of Anna Maria Island between the turquoise Gulf of Mexico and peninsular Florida.

Along these 7 miles, 3 cities govern this little Island. It does seem crazy that 3 cities, all with different regulations, can work harmoniously together, but it works! In fact, it can be hard to tell where one neighborhood ends and the next one begins. Here is a guide to the unique cities of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton.

Anna Maria Island

The city of Anna Maria rests on the northern end of the island and consist of beautiful Pine Avenue with lots of wonderful shops, salons and fantastic little eateries. The City of Anna Maria is also home to the brand-new City Pier and the Rod and Reel Pier – both with stunning views and old Florida food.

Holmes Beach

In the middle of the island is Holmes Beach; This is where the main public beach, with beach parking and volleyball courts and the beach side café can be found.  This is also where the island’s only grocery store can be found.  Some of Holmes Beaches hidden gems are Skinny’s Burger joint and the West Coast Surf Shop.

Bradenton Beach

On the southern tip of AMI is Bradenton Beach. From beach to bay is only a few blocks wide.  You can wake up to the morning sunrise and watch the sunset all from your rooftop deck.  Bridge Street is a hustle bustle of bars, restaurants and shops.  This “up and coming” area is earning rave reviews from visitors who want a little more excitement than laying on the beach all day.

All of Anna Maria Island’s Gulf beaches are publicly open with multiple access points.  Anna Maria Island also offers a free trolley. Several trolleys loop the island from Coquina Beach on the southern tip in Bradenton Beach up to the City Pier in the City of Anna Maria on the northern end of the island on a daily basis. The trolleys also run on most holidays.  So sit back, relax and enjoy all that Anna Maria Island has to offer.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND AND SEA TURTLES:

The Island Turtle watch explains that five species of Sea Turtles swim and feed around Anna Maria Island. The most common nester on our shoreline is the Loggerhead. It has a reddish-brown shell and is named for its large head. Adults can weigh between 200 and 350 pounds and can reach 3 feet in length.

From May to October Sea Turtles, visiting summer guests and island residents share AMI and call this island home. These turtles are quite a site to see! Late in the evening the mother sea turtle will make her way onto the shore, dig a hole and lay her eggs. If you are walking the beach in the early morning you may be lucky enough to witness her making her way back to the Gulf of Mexico. If you don’t see her, you will definitely see her tracks heading back to the water.

HOW THEY NAVIGATE THEIR ENVIRONMENT:

Turtles use their natural instincts to find their nesting areas through the reflection of the moon and stars on the surface of the water. From May 1 – Oct 1 all lights on the beach and surrounding areas must be changed to red bulbs.

DOING YOUR PART:

You can do your part by removing all items from the beach at the end of the day (chairs, umbrellas and any trash) and being sure to fill in any holes dug on the beach. Baby sea turtles can fall into holes and die because they are unable to climb out.

They would be happy to have you join them while you’re visiting – just reach out to them!

AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR ECOSYSTEM:

Sea turtles clearly play an important role in our marine ecosystems. Each sea turtle species uniquely affects the diversity, habitat and functionality of its environment.

Anna Maria Island has always been famous for its outdoor dining options. Who doesn’t want to dine with their toes in the powdery white sand and the sun warming their face? As vacationers venture back to the island ready to enjoy some much deserved, safe, relaxation.

From laid back to super chic here are a few of Beach Retreats favorite places to dine Alfresco.

Hungry for breakfast? The best pancakes on AMI? Head over to the Anna Maria Island Beach Café at Manatee Public Beach.

On the water and feeling famished? Located on the very northern tip of Longboat, there are docks available for guests. At Mar Vista there’s seating on the covered deck or under a canopy of buttonwood trees. Shore offers 400 feet of waterfront with lots of outdoor dining.

The Beach Bistro is one of the most famous restaurants in Southwest Florida. For a grand celebration or romantic evening out, this place can’t be beat.

The Beach House boasts a recent multimillion-dollar makeover. Each visit feel like a trip to a trendy, tropical resort getaway. Exclusively outdoor dining (for now) to keep staff and customers safe. This is the spot for a happy hour cocktail and to watch the sun disappear into the Gulf of Mexico at the end of the day. Tables are dotted along the beach in full sun or shade – your choice.

Looking for a killer craft cocktail? The Waterfront is a fan favorite. Amazing food and the craft cocktails are fantastic! “Overlooking Tampa Bay and the newly reconstructed Anna Maria City Pier, The Waterfront occupies an adorable former home with open-air patio dining providing spectacular views” Wade Tatangelo Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

The Rod & Reel Pier has a serious Old Florida feel.