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Who says you need a passport to experience the beauty of emerald waters and white sand beaches? With its classic vacation experiences, Florida is often overlooked for its natural beauty. From the magic of Disney World to the glam of South Beach, the Sunshine State has a lot to offer. But the crown jewels, like Anna Maria Island, are often hidden in plain sight, showcasing how stunning Florida's natural landscapes can be.
Located on Florida’s Gulf Shore is Anna Maria Island, where folks alike zoom around on golf carts and covet powdery white sand between their toes. And it’s absolutely the place where you should take your next vacation.
Getting to the island
Anna Maria Island (AMI) is in Manatee County on Florida’s Southwest Coast. The closest airport is the Sarasota Bradenton Airport (SRQ), with airlines connecting much of the East Coast with nonstop flights. For my DC folks, you can catch nonstop flights out of Dulles and wake up in Bradenton three hours later. From there, it’s about a 30-minute drive or Uber to Anna Maria Island.
Getting around the island
Whether to rent a car is a common dilemma for travelers. But on Anna Maria Island, this decision is simplified. With the island being only 7 miles long and the speed limit rarely exceeding 25 mph, renting a golf cart from one of the best companies on the island, Zoom Around, is a stress-free and popular way to enjoy the island.
If you’re leaning heavily into vacation and don’t want to worry about a vehicle, the island has a free trolley running daily from 6 AM to 10 PM, with a major stop every 2-4 blocks. And if biking is your thing, it’s a great place to pedal with the family.
Where to stay
One thing you will not see on AMI is a multitude of high-rise hotels and resorts typical throughout other beach towns in Florida (I think it adds to its quaint charm). This is a vacation rental haven. We stayed at Mello on the Beach, located right on Anna Maria Beach- think a vintage Palm Springs-esque hotel meets a modern apartment. Each room is unique, with all the amenities needed for a vacation, including a full kitchen. I stayed in the room “Hip Nautic,” a name almost as cute as its layout. The hardest decision is to bask by the beach or dive into the pool. (I recommend doing both.)
And as a little treat, you can use code DCFAM10 for a discount on your next booking.
What to do
Relax on the beach in luxury
Like Ken from Barbie, the beach should be your only job on AMI. So, if you’re going to do it, try a luxury beach suite set up from Beach Suites AMI. They take care of everything for you- comfortable chairs, cute beach games, and even a cooler for your drinks. Trust me, you will be the talk of the beach.
Elevate your experience with an ice-cold coconut from Surfing Coconut, delivered right to you on the beach.
2. Leave your mark on a sand dollar
I live for a store of everything I didn’t know I needed, and that’s precisely what you’ll find at the Shiny Fish Emporium. I mean that and a unique sand dollar painting experience. Fun fact- some of the prettiest sand dollars can be found on Anna Maria Island (I read somewhere Bean Point was the place to go?) But if you can’t find this prized treasure, I recommend attending the class and crafting a unique souvenir to take home.
And watched paint never dries, so while you’re waiting for your masterpieces, browse some of the cute boutiques and shops around the area, like Pink and Navy Boutique.
3. Watch dolphins play on a boat cruise
Did you know dolphins surf? Okay, not surf, but I learned on this tour with AMI Dolphin Tours that dolphins would swim behind boats and take advantage of the current to do less work. It was fascinating. AMI is teeming with wildlife, and you can have a rare close-up experience on this sunset cruise with your loved ones.
Where to eat
Breakfast/Lunch:
Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe: Dine on all-you-can-eat pancakes with your toes on the sand
Ginny’s and Jane E’s: A local favorite with the cutest shop; try the giant cinnamon roll
North Shore Cafe: Popular coffee shop with outdoor seating and the cutest AMI postcard photo op
Cheesecake Cutie & Cafe: Great sandwiches and even better cheesecake treats
Dinner:
Anna Maria Oyster Bar: Order the giant gulf oysters and come around sunset for incredible views over the water
The Chateau Anna Maria: Elevated dining at its greatest; order the giant carrot cake
Beach House Restaurant: A toes-in-the-sand beachfront dining experience with an incredible ambiance and great dishes
Drinks:
The Doctor’s Office: Craft cocktails made in a former doctor’s office
Pier Cheer: There is nothing better than cocktails with a view; go here before your dinner at Anna Maria Oyster Bar
The Freckled Fin: This local Irish pub will make you feel like you’ve woken up in Dublin
AMI is truly a slice of paradise for any traveler, and I know you’ll love it. One of the best resources to check out is the Bradenton Area Tourism Board’s website or social media for events, inspiration, and even more gems to explore.
Happy travels!
Xoxo,
Alexa
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