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.