The Fourth of July is one of the most exciting times to vacation on Anna Maria Island! With family-friendly parades and festive activities, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy.
First, book a well-equipped, premier vacation rental in Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, or Bradenton Beach. The Once Upon A Tide in Anna Maria Island offers four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, a private pool, ping-pong table, bikes, and tons of beach gear. Turtle’s Bay, a three-bedroom rental in Holmes Beach, also offers a pool in a backyard oasis. Of course, all our vacation rentals provide every amenity you need to make your stay comfortable.
Make your stay easy with The Loaded Kitchen, which will deliver groceries and dry goods to your vacation rental before your arrival. You pick the items, and they deliver, providing you with a hassle-free Fourth vacation.
It’s hot in July so spend as much time as possible in the water. However, if you prefer not to haul beach gear during your holiday, CabanUp will set up chairs, a cabana, and beach games for a fantastic day at the beach.
Don’t wait until the Fourth to see fireworks. The Beach House Restaurant kicks off the holiday with fireworks starting at 8 p.m. on July 3. The event is free to the public, with plenty of spots along the beach for watching the display.
A great way to cool off on Independence Day is the fun and festive Anna Maria Island Privateers annual 4th of July Parade, also deemed the Southeast’s largest water fight! The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. on July 4 from Longboat Key Marina, across Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach, then goes through Holmes Beach and ends on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. More than 100 parade participants go to battle against the crowd of thousands in a massive water fight, so bring your water guns and expect to get wet! The Anna Maria Island Privateers is a non-profit organization in Manatee County that supports youth through scholarships and activities.
The parade ends at the Anna Maria City Pier, a great place for a Fourth of July beach picnic. Chill the watermelon and enjoy! Or take the party back to your vacation rental, where you can make use of the outdoor grill for burgers and hot dogs.
Make it an All-American celebration this summer on Anna Maria Island.