Anna Maria News

Anna Maria Island is known for its piers. It has three main piers that stretch out over the Gulf of Mexico waters, and each has something different to offer. Anna Maria Island piers are perfect places to enjoy a cold dessert, watch the sun go down, eat tasty seafood, or even do some pier fishing.

Here is a brief introduction to the three Anna Maria Island piers to visit while on vacation.

Anna Maria City Pier

The island’s historic City Pier is the longest on the island at 700 feet, a long finger dipping into the turquoise gulf waters.

The City Pier has been victim to many tropical storms over the years, and was badly damaged by Irma in 2017. The pier is currently being rebuilt from the last major onslaught of weather, and is close to pedestrians for a period of time.

When it reopens, expect a lively hub of activity, especially during high season. Both visitors and locals love to visit the City Pier to watch the sky burst with color over the bay – on clear days, you can even see the Sunshine Skyway Bridge that connects St. Petersburg to the north with Bradenton and Sarasota to the south.

You’ll find the Anna Maria City Pier at 100 S. Bay Blvd., just south of Bayfront Park.

The Rod and Reel Pier

Head a few blocks north on the same side of the island and you’ll find the Rod and Reel Pier, a 350-foot wharf where you can eat great seafood and go pier fishing.

The Rod and Reel Pier is also the name of the restaurant that sits at the end of the pier on top of the blue water. This two-story restaurant is newly renovated, but still retains the charm and flavors of Old Florida. This eatery serves only the finest local fish and seafood – a mix of traditional dishes, local favorites, and famous Rod and Reel specials. The fried grouper, seafood omelette, and crispy fries are just a few of the menu favorites.

Pier fishing is popular activity on this wharf, particularly among young kids. Rent a rod or bring your own, and drop the line into the blue waters below. Keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins and slow-moving manatees in the water below. They are curious, social animals that often pay pier-goers a visit.

The Rod and Reel Pier is located in the city of Anna Maria at the northern tip of the island at 875 N. Shore Dr.

Bridge Street Pier

Historic Bridge Street is Anna Maria Island’s bustling shopping and dining area – all at the foot of the Bridge Street Pier.

The pier was once part of the original – and only – bridge onto Anna Maria Island before the island was developed and other access roads were built. The pier is located south of the Cortez Bridge which offers a southern access to the island from the mainland village of Cortez. It is an historic pier on the bay side of the island, with white-painted railings, a clock tower, and a covered area with benches.

Grab a cone and watch the sailboats bob in the harbor beside the Bridge Street Pier. Keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, and pelicans catching their next meal, while the kids enjoy some catch-and-release pier fishing. Then, head to one of Bridge Street’s restaurants for a scrumptious meal.

Find the pier at 200 Bridge St., in Bradenton Beach, a quick trolley ride from many local vacation rentals.

The perfect place to take an evening stroll, the Anna Maria Island piers have become gathering spots for vacationers and locals. You can read more about AMI’s activities and attractions on our website. While you’re at it, browse our list of luxury rental properties to find your next vacation paradise.

Powdery white sand, swaying palm trees, crystal-clear turquoise waters – what could be a better backdrop for saying “I Do”?
There are plenty of reasons to get married on Anna Maria Island. If you’re looking for a relaxed beach environment with high-quality food and a touch of elegance, this island might be the right place for you and your partner.

Below is a guide to Florida destination weddings on beautiful Anna Maria Island.

Why Get Married on AMI?

Florida destination weddings are a popular choice for many who want to get married with their toes in the sand. There are lots of benefits to hosting this special day on Anna Maria Island. Here are just a few of them:

They’re cheaper. First off, destination weddings tend to be cheaper than local ones. With a number of Anna Maria Island vacation rentals for weddings to choose from, you can have your wedding and honeymoon in the same place.

Most wedding venues offer packages that include everything, reducing the cost (and hassle) of individually hiring caterers, decorators, dish rentals, and a DJ. Florida destination weddings are typically more intimate – usually, only family and close friends and family will fly across the country for the celebration. This means you can go with quality over quantity when it comes to the dinner, spending less overall on food and drink.

They’re easier. Let’s face it: we have enough stresses in day-to-day life. Why should wedding be another one? Florida destination weddings tend to be less work. While you’d think it would be simpler to do a wedding in your hometown, destination wedding accommodations and venues are set up to make your job easy. Rather than coordinating everything yourself, let experts at Anna Maria wedding venues do the work for you.

They’re more laid-back. There’s something about a palm-tree dotted beach and a tropical cocktail that says relaxed. And since your wedding will likely have both of those, it should be relaxed, too.

Invite your guests to come in sundresses and linen shirts. You can even walk down the aisle barefoot if you get married on the beach. Leave the hairspray at home, and opt for a loose beachy ‘do. You can even opt for a buffet seafood grill instead of a plated meal. Take advantage of the island setting with a low-pressure event. Sometimes a more casual wedding can be more fun!

Anna Maria Wedding Venues

There are some incredible Anna Maria wedding venues to choose from.

The Sandbar Restaurant is an excellent Gulf-front restaurant on the beach – the perfect venue for couples who want to get married with their toes in the sand. The venue is at the north end of Anna Maria Island right on the beach. They prepare incredibly tasty seafood and have an outdoor wedding pavilion that can seat up to 160 guests.

The Beach House is another waterfront restaurant that offers wedding packages for both ceremony and reception. Like the Sandbar, this restaurant boasts a white-sand beach and stunning sunset views. It features a covered, outdoor event space for weddings of up to 100 guests. They take care of everything: rentals, setup, centerpieces, and, of course, a scrumptious meal. They also have a bridal suite for wedding parties that want to get ready on-site.

For a wedding with a nautical feel, tie the knot at the Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club. They boast Old Florida hospitality, beautiful water views, and elegant facilities for your event. Waterline offers event planning, full set-up and tear-down services, and in-house catering from their restaurant, Eliza Ann’s Coastal Kitchen. They have a number of multi-bedroom suites that can sleep families and groups of friends. This 50-slip marina offers a classic and elegant backdrop for wedding photos.

Consider Anna Maria vacation rentals for weddings to combine your big day with a beach holiday. With Anna Maria wedding venues dotting the island, there’s no shortage of places to walk down the aisle – er, beach.

Give us a call today at 941.778.4178 for more information on our island vacation homes and condos. Or, check our website for photos and availability.

If you’re planning a girls’ getaway to Anna Maria Island, you’re in luck: there are tons of great things to do on Anna Maria Island with your BFFs. Visit Anna Maria Island spas, relax body and mind at a rejuvenating yoga class, and eat, eat, eat.

Here are a few of the AMI must-dos when traveling with a girl-only group:

Get Pampered at the Spa

Anna Maria Island spas are a real treat for the body, mind, and soul. What better way to start the day than a relaxing massage, rejuvenating facial, or mani-pedi with the girls? Book a post-breakfast treatment at one of these great spas before hitting the beach.

Bradenton Beach’s Aluna Wellness Center & Spa (2219 Gulf Dr. N.) is a five-star spa known for its top-notch massages and pain-relieving acupuncture. This is one of the best Anna Maria Island spas for a post-beach backrub.

Body & Sol Spa and Wellness, located at the north end of the island, offers therapeutic massages, nails, and facials in a relaxing environment. You and the girls will feel like a million bucks after an hour or two at Body & Sol.

Salon Salon on Pine (313 Pine Ave.) is another north end Anna Maria Island spa that is known for its quality service and friendly staff. Its hip turquoise interior complete with a chalkboard in the shape of a surfboard makes it a little less stuffy than other spas. From wedding hair to a mean mani-pedi, this salon offers all you need to feel beautiful on your girls’ getaway to Anna Maria Island.

Stretch it Out at a Yoga Class

You’ve heard it before: true beauty means feeling great inside as well as out. Take a yoga class to stretch your muscles, align your body, and clear your mind while on a getaway with your girlfriends.

Island Yoga Space (9805 Gulf Dr.) is a great place to start. They are located in the city of Anna Maria on the north end of the island. They offer a variety of classes, from vinyasa flow to gentle yin, as well as workshops and events.

The studio is conveniently located right upstairs from Body & Sol Spa, overlooking the blue gulf waters. Take an energizing yoga class, then unwind with calming massage.

If you’re looking for a bit of diversity in your vacation exercise regime, grab the girls and head to Island Fitness (407 Magnolia Av.) in Holmes Beach. Take a yoga class, or opt for something a little different, such as yoga/pilates mix or “guts & butts” to give your abdominals and glutes a workout.

Dine at One of the Island’s Many Restaurants

Now that you’ve got a solid workout, indulge in some Florida delicacies. Eating is one of the best things to do on Anna Maria Island. There are a number of fabulous restaurants for a perfect girls’ night out.

The Sandbar Restaurant (100 Spring Av.) is an excellent choice for any occasion. It’s the only restaurant that allows you to dine with your toes in the sand, with tables right on the beach. Elegant and casual at the same time, The Sandbar has scrumptious menu of seafood creations, including stuffed grouper, stone crab, and coconut shrimp.

For something a little more casual but with incredible flavor, head to eat here AMI, a cozy restaurant with a creative, eclectic menu. Pair your meal – try the bruschetta, lime-butter mahi mahi, or swordfish – with a flavorful craft beer or a glass of wine from the long drink menu.

Even if you have your own kitchen at Anna Maria vacation rentals, it’s nice to go for a big breakfast at least once. Grab breakfast or brunch at Anna Maria Island Beach Café, located right on beautiful Holmes Beach. They have lots of great breakfasts, but the all-you-can-eat pancakes is a definite winner.

Consider Anna Maria vacation rentals for your next girls’ getaway. We have plenty of accommodations to choose from, including multi-bedroom homes so your group can stay together. With so many group-oriented things to do on Anna Maria Island, there’s something everyone in your party will enjoy.

If you’re looking for a bike-friendly beach vacation, Anna Maria Island is for you. This island is perfect for couples and families who like to keep their transportation “green” by using bike paths instead of motorized vehicles.

Stop off at one of the many Anna Maria Island bike rentals shops, and cruise around the island, stopping at your favorite beaches, restaurants, and attractions along the way.

Bike trails & paths

Walking and cycling are the norm for transportation around the island, which is only about two miles long and seven miles wide.

The beach is a stone’s throw away from pretty well anywhere, and many Anna Maria Island vacation rentals are located right along the waterfront. With lots of lights, stops, and pedestrian crossings, speed limits between 15 and 25 miles per hour, and heavy traffic depending on the season, biking can be just as fast – if not faster – than getting around by car.

Fortunately, Anna Maria Island is set up for cyclists, with bike trails, paths, and lanes throughout the island. Ride up and down Gulf Drive, the main north-south street that runs the length of the island, using its wide bike paths. Many of the attractions, beaches, and restaurants on the island have free bike racks in order to lock up your ride while exploring the island.

If you’re looking to explore the opposite end of the island by bike but aren’t up to the seven-mile ride, hop on the free island trolley that runs all day long. Each trolley can hold two bikes.

Check out the City of Anna Maria’s online “Bike Route Guide” for more information on official bike routes on the island. Nearby Longboat Key and Lido Key also both offer bike paths with beautiful views, if you’re up for a longer ride. Or, alternatively, head across the southern bridge to the mainland village of Cortez for some dockside, Gulf-to-table fish and seafood.

Rules & Regulations

Cyclists on Anna Maria Island should obey traffic laws and signs at all times while riding on both roads and bike paths. Here are some road safety tips to adhere to:

• Cycle single file with the flow of traffic
• Ride in the right lane unless passing or making a left turn
• Use an outstretched arm to signal left and right turns
• Stop for pedestrians or anyone moving slower than you
• Watch out for opening car doors
• Use lights and reflectors at night
• Use your bike bell when passing parked cars, as well as pedestrians, cyclists, and roller-bladers on bike trails

For additional safety, don’t forget the “ABC” bike check: air in your tires, brakes working properly, and a chain that’s taught, clean, and oiled.

Bike Rentals

Anna Maria Island has a variety of rental shops that offer everything from bikes to kayaks to beach equipment. Check out AMI Adventure Rentals with so many adventure excursion options in additional to bike rentals.

On the north end of the island, try Beach Bums Rentals & Gift Shop (427 Pine Ave.) or Island Scouter Rentals (9908 Gulf Dr.). These shops are located within a few blocks from each other, and offer beach cruisers, tandem bikes, geared bikes, and even tricycles. Prices range from $5 an hour to $100 a month, depending on the size and type of bike.

Midway down the island, you’ll find even more Anna Maria Island bike rentals. Try Fun and More Rentals (5347 Gulf Dr.) or Island Scooter Store (5321 Gulf Dr.), both in Holmes Beach. At the southern end of Anna Maria Island, check out AMI Beach Fun Rentals (3228 E. Bay Dr.) for all your vacation gear.

Many of these shops also rent motorized scooters, golf carts, and paddlecrafts, as well as beach equipment like umbrellas, lounge chairs, baby gear, and water toys.

Fortunately for newcomers, getting around Anna Maria Island is a breeze – literally.

Many of the island’s main roads run parallel to the ocean or bay, allowing you to easily locate yourself without turning on the GPS or opening Google Maps. Below are a few of the most important main streets to know on Anna Maria Island.

Gulf Drive

Gulf Drive runs from the southern tip of the island through the city of Holmes Beach and along Manatee Beach, continuing north through the middle of the island, and eventually winding its way to the gulf side of the island.

Gulf Drive is a happening place, with great Anna Maria Island shopping, restaurants, accommodations, and more along it. Though a main thoroughfare, it’s largely a quiet residential street with beautiful foliage and ocean views. Gulf Drive is the most westerly north-south street on the island, ending at the north end close to where it intersects with Pine Avenue.

Gulf Drive North and South on the southern end of the island, connects the cities of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach, and, eventually, AMI to Longboat Key. In southern Bradenton Beach, the street is home to a number of restaurants, including Gulf Drive Café, a Mexican cantina, and a beachside café.

Pine Avenue

Historic Pine Avenue is a bustling street of eateries and attractions – the perfect walkable place to grab a bite to eat, go shopping, and absorb some of the island’s local history.

Pine Avenue is full of cafes and restaurants, including a tasty Mexican taqueria, a pizzeria, an ice cream parlor, and a dress-your-own donut shop. Here, you’ll find a couple of different surf shops for all your beach gear, souvenirs, and paddlecraft rentals. Some of the best Anna Maria Island shopping can be found here.

Pine Avenue is also the heart of the island’s history. The Anna Maria Island Historical Society and the Roser Community Church are both located on Pine, and Bean Point, the island’s first settlement and homestead, is just a few blocks away.

The road runs from gulf to bay sides of the island, ending at Anna Maria City Pier on the east end. Bayfront Park is just north of the City Pier.

Conveniently, the free local trolley stops at the City Pier, so it’s very easy to get to Pine Avenue for shopping, eating and outdoor fun no matter where your vacation rental is located.

Bay Boulevard

Turn north at the eastern end of Pine Avenue, and you’ll be on Bay Boulevard. Head just a few blocks north to Bayfront Park, a popular family spot for swimming, picnicking, and playing outside. This spot is known for its incredible views of Egmont Key, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and Tampa Bay.

Continue north on North Bay Boulevard to historic Bean Point for more amazing ocean views, more wildlife and the perfect sunset. Or, head south on Bay Boulevard to a point overlooking Bimini Bay that’s home to a few sailing companies and the Island Ocean Star restaurant.

Manatee Avenue

While Manatee Avenue isn’t the best road for an afternoon stroll, it is an important one to know, as it’s the main access point onto the island from mainland Bradenton.

The road includes large sections of bridge, crossing Palma Sola Bay, passing by the Robinson Preserve to the north and the Neal Preserve to the south – both worthwhile visits for the nature-loving vacationer.

The stretch of Manatee Avenue closest to Anna Maria Island looks out over the open Gulf waters, crossing Anna Maria Sound, with the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in the far distance north. A couple blocks after passing the “Welcome to Anna Maria Island” sign, Manatee Avenue turns into Gulf Drive.

Anna Maria is a small, quaint island with a few main streets that you’ll soon get to know well. Getting around Anna Maria Island by car, bike, or foot is easy – after a day or two on vacation, the island will start to feel like a home away from home.

For more information on things to do, transportation, and vacation rentals on Anna Maria Island, give us a call today. Our team can help answer all your pre-departure questions – by the time you’ll get to AMI, you’ll already to know the island like the back of your hand.

Summer has finally arrived, and everyone wants to spend it on the beach.

For the months of July and August, Anna Maria beachfront vacation rentals are a hot commodity. Though some are booked through until fall, a number of fantastic properties have availability over the summer months.

Choose to stay in the quiet north end of Anna Maria or the bustling south end in Holmes Beach or Bradenton Beach. But, wherever you stay, be sure to secure a rental with beach access and a Gulf view to get the most out of your holiday.

Below is a list of a few of our favorite vacation rentals right on the beach – all with vacancy at some point during the warm, summer season.

The Group Rental: Gulf Front Paradise

If you’re planning a group or multi-family trip this summer, this incredible private residence is worth checking out.

This luxury beachfront home has four bedrooms and almost as many bathrooms. It has a professional chef’s kitchen with modern appliances to help make your family vacation even more enjoyable.

The house has a private saltwater pool with a hot tub, and a number of balconies at different levels. Enjoy private, white-sand beach access, beach chairs, cooler, and umbrella.

With a big pool and even bigger one out front, this house offers the best of both worlds.

The Old Florida Cottage: Low Tide

This intimate two-bedroom, one-bathroom cottage takes you back to simpler times.

Brown wood flooring, white paneled wood walls, and a small deck with chairs makes this the perfect private getaway for a couple or small family. The cottage has a queen bed and two twins, and sleeps up to four people in rooms with large windows.

The cottage has a minimal, but fully equipped kitchen. The cottage features wireless internet, a television, and a DVD player, as well as a washer and a dryer.

This elevated cottage is right on the beach, offering quick access to the north end’s secluded beaches, as well as the shops and restaurants of Pine Avenue.

The Beach and City in One: White Sands

The white sands right outside the front door is just one of the benefits of this bright yellow seaside cottage.

It has a big screened-in porch with comfortable furniture looking over the Gulf of Mexico – the perfect place for a morning coffee, an afternoon snooze, or an evening chardonnay. The cottage has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, sleeping up to four people.

White Sands is located just south of bustling Holmes Beach, halfway down the island this means easy access to both north and south ends, as well as close to the amenities of the city of Holmes Beach. Hop on the free Anna Maria Island trolley that runs up and down the island from morning to evening – it stops right outside this cottage.

The Beachfront Condo: Island Paradise 6

This low-rise condo has a panoramic Gulf view from the open concept living room and kitchen.

The condominium has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a modern Italian-tiled kitchen with a bar. The unit comes with wireless internet and a flat-screen TV, and is walking distance to shops and restaurants in Holmes Beach.

The unit has a spacious balcony and a large, shared heated pool with a railing and wide steps leading down into the water. The unit is located right on the waterfront, connected to beautiful Coquina Beach by a short path through the grasses.

For more information on summer availability for these incredible Anna Maria Island beachfront vacation rentals, give us a call today at 941-778-4178. From palatial beach homes to seaside cottage to modern condos, we have a variety of rentals available to help you spend the upcoming summer season on the beach.

There’s no such thing as too much time spent on the beach on an Anna Maria Island vacation. So, why not finish off your beach day right by dining with your feet in the sand?

Anna Maria has plenty of great restaurants, from casual pub food to world-class dining experiences. While you may enjoy cooking at Anna Maria vacation rentals on occasion, vacation is about treating yourself. What better way to do this than eat with an ocean view at the best Anna Maria Island restaurants on the beach?

Here are our top picks for waterfront dining on the island:

The Sandbar Restaurant

This restaurant has a long Old Florida-style wrap-around patio under a striped awning – the perfect setting for a beach front restaurant on the quiet northern tip of Anna Maria Island.

Here, beautiful views are paired with an innovative menu – in fact, a page of the menu is dedicated to unusual specials in order to allow their skilled chefs to use their creativity.

The Waterfront Restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily. For lunch, tropical-inspired salads topped with beef, chicken, or seafood seem to take the cake. Dinner menu includes appetizers like lobster bisque and grouper tacos, and mains ranging from the classic chicken parmesan to moqueca, a traditional Brazilian stew made with local seafood.

Beach Bistro

Halfway down the island is Beach Bistro, an upscale beachfront restaurant in the city of Holmes Beach.

This restaurant features white-tablecloth dining in a romantic atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the indoor dining room closer to nature. A large outdoor patio offers incredible views overlooking white sands and the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Beach service is weather dependent.

The foie gras, lamb, and varied tasting menu are popular choices, along with a number of seafood dishes, such as maple shrimp and “lobstercargots,” imitation escargot made with juicy lobster meat.

Gulf Drive Café

This Bradenton Beach joint is a casual beachside café during the day, and a party spot at night.

It features a large deck overlooking the beach – perfect for families with young kids who want to play in the sand while waiting for the food.

Gulf Drive Café serves classic American pub food, with a focus on fried seafood plates. Breakfast is available in the mornings, too (try the French toast), and there is often live music in the evening.

With its panoramic view of the beach, this has got to be one of the best places to watch the sunset fill the sky.

The Beach House Restaurant

Watch the sun go down from the patio of The Beach House Restaurant as colorful cocktails float by on a platter, begging you to order another.

This restaurant a casual-fine dining restaurant located in Bradenton Beach, on the south end of Anna Maria Island – yet another beachfront gem among the array of Anna Maria Island restaurants.

The Beach House is a seafood restaurant with an eco-friendly bent. Mains include a seafood capellini, crab cakes, and stuffed red grouper. They use turtle-friendly lighting and native landscaping in the design of the restaurant, buy locally sourced seafood and produce, recycle, and serve drinks without straws.

Coquina Beach Cafe

Coquina Beach Café is a great little Bradenton Beach patio dotted with thatched umbrellas and outdoor furniture. It’s a casual daytime cafe right on beautiful Coquina Beach, typically open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (5 p.m. on weekends).

They make a mean breakfast, which includes waffles, French toast, and all the staple bacon-and-egg fishes. Not a bad place to have your morning coffee, if you ask us.

Lunch includes a long list of sandwiches, salads, and, of course, fish tacos. Stop by for a cold beer on a hot, sunny afternoon while the kids continue to play on the beach.

Anna Maria Island is always something special and a unique experience for visitors to cherish. You can spend a lifetime here and soak in the acclaimed sights and the long list of ocean activities, but let’s just start at a day.

Whether you are looking for an exciting adventure on the beach or water or a relaxing getaway with your family and loved ones, you’ll find the perfect experience that you’ll remember for years to come

Below are 5 top ways to spend a day on Anna Maria Island to help you plan your schedule.

Stay on the Beach

If you don’t have a schedule and you don’t have a place to be, you may as well stay on the beach for a day.

There’s Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach for a centrally located main island beach with lifeguards and facilities, while you can head north to visit the beautiful Bayfront Park – a popular spot for picnics and the sights.

Coquina Beach on the southern end of the island is another top option with its famous paved trail, amazing scenery and full facilities for groups and families.

Anna Maria Island is filled with other more private beach access points that are never too far by trolley, bike, car or just your two legs.

Visit a Performing Arts Hall and See a Show

Due to the passion of local leaders, artists and institutions, Anna Maria Island and the surrounding communities have fostered an excellent performing arts culture.

The Island Players (10009 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216) is a community theater on the island where can see repertory theatre shows, brand new plays written by locals, or touring classics.

The Manatee Performing Arts Center (502 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL) isn’t too far from Anna Maria Island and features a variety of exciting Broadway musicals and long-time fan favorite plays on two stages.

Or you can head over to Sarasota for a banquet-styled show in the massive Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall (777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236).

Get Out on the Water

The beach is one thing, but the surrounding mangrove forests, marshes and manatees, dolphins and sea turtles and more are all found on the water.

Whether you rent a boat charter that takes you deep in the Gulf of Mexico or hop on a guided kayak tour through the nearby preserves, you really should get out on the water.

Paradise Boat Tours (200 Bridge St at the Bridge Street Pier, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217) will get you on the water in style. AMI Charters (424 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216) offers a wide assortment of adventure packages.

Visit the Nearby Nature Preserves

The Anna Maria Island and Bradenton government cherishes local nature. Hundreds of acres of the island and surrounding areas are protected preserve land.

The Robinson Preserve (1704 99th St NW, Bradenton, FL 34209) is a fantastic place to visit, with biking trails and large shaded picnic areas. You can really get lost within the foliage of Neal Preserve (12301 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209).

Spend a day kayaking or paddleboarding at either preserve – a very popular option for a day out with the family. Also available are hiking and bird watching trails at Neal Preserve, and picnic spots, hiking paths, and a 53-foot tall viewing tower at Robinson Preserve.

Visit the Historic Sites, Learn the Modern Culture

It’s always fun to learn a bit about Anna Maria Island history and some of the attractions that still stand.

Visit one of the island’s iconic piers, such as the Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach or the Rod and Reel Pier on the north end of the island. The Historic Green Village and Roser Church on Pine Avenue give you the chance to see several restored historic buildings.

These sites all have a fascinating history tied to the roots of the island that you can learn more about at the Anna Maria Historical Society. It is a free museum that holds the city’s first jail. It’s an informative flash back in time and a nice way to spend a rainy afternoon.

As you plan your adventure, choose from our many beautiful vacation rentals on Anna Maria Island. Soak in the sunset views on your outdoor patio. Take day trips and find plenty of rewarding things to do, knowing you have a cozy home-away-from-home to always come back to. Contact us at (941)-778-4178 for more.

Anna Maria Island is a little slice of paradise. It’s relative isolation from the larger nearby city of Bradenton and its proximity to Tampa means it is near bigger company. But, Anna Maria Island has long been a significant and popular tourist haven.

A new surge in tourist growth has expanded the city’s development, encouraged innovative new businesses to launch, and helped create an even stronger culture of community on Anna Maria Island.

You can see this unfold for yourself by staying at one of the popular and competitively-priced luxury vacation rentals on Anna Maria Island. What is developing on this quant island paradise? What can visitors expect on their first trip or their return visit for 2018?

Rental Growth Overview

Vacation rental development is impressive. Based purely on the numbers, the rate of growth just a few years back was rapid, according to Sarasota Magazine.

In 2015, 48.5% of all Manatee County bed tax revenue, derived from vacation rental income, came from Anna Maria Island. This is up from 35.3% the previous year, 2014 (1).

The Discussion to Maintain the Community

Anna Maria Island has long been known as a destination that avoids trying to appeal to everyone, while also being welcoming to all. The vacation rental boom has encouraged a local discussion to preserve the local community while welcoming tourists.

The Anna Maria Island Vacation Property Association encourages crossover dialogue with the goal of promoting a healthy yet welcoming community. The group helps enforce safe practices for tenants and landlords, including clean-up, noise restrictions, parking, and overall ethical behavior.

The group promotes open dialogue and discussion to favor all parties. This is a welcoming aspect for visitors eager to see the Anna Maria Island history and wildlife, while residents can feel supported by retaining their local and cultural identity.

New Potential Laws on Vacation Rentals

The data asserts that the growth is coming with some potential changes and regulations. Sen. Greg Steube, member of the Florida Senate for the 23rd district, forwarded a bill generally limiting city control of vacation rentals.

It prevents local governments from enacting new regulations in regard to vacation rentals. Overall, the SB188 bill emphasizes deregulation under rental classification, use, or ownership.

This is an encouraging sign for vacation rental owners, but also good for enthusiastic vacationers to Anna Maria Island, as there could be a greater variety of vacation rental options available to them in the future.

Responding to the Rental Boom

The island still offers a fun small paradise atmosphere during all seasons. Though not all is wonderful especially for current residents who feel the identity of Anna Maria Island is becoming a bit lost in the tourist shuffle. Property values have increased, encouraging some residents to sell for profit and move elsewhere.

Ultimately, Anna Maria Island tourism has brought both good and bad to the region. Though despite what side of the argument one rests, visitors can gain insight into a lively and vivid Old Florida world in 2018, an authentic style and aesthetic becoming harder and harder to come by.

The island offers this authentic window into a past world in spades, and families are discovering what it has to offer on rewarding family vacations.

Anna Maria Island has seen a massive surge in popularity, but it is still a quiet haven outside the traditional tourism radar.

We offer a range of luxury vacation rentals on Anna Maria Island featuring the best amenities and comforts that you’ll find in their price range.

You can contact our team at 941-778-4178. Find the perfect match for your next family vacation. Indulge in the dream of visiting this quiet barrier island and watching the possibilities unfold.