Anna Maria Island Florida A Vacation Insiders Guide
MEET MARIE AND TOMAS Contact Marie and Tomas: +46.705.452.263 or toll free in US & CA: 1-844-AMI-RENT This Insider Guide is brought to you by Marie and Tomas, owners of 2 beach condos with stunning sunset views on Anna Maria Island, Florida.
THOUGHTS FROM THE EDITOR Anna Maria Island, Florida, is one of those rare places where you get a feel for life in simpler times whilst having every modern comfort still available. At only 7 miles long and with no high rise buildings or bland restaurant chains permitted, the Island has developed a character all of its own. The pure white sand, which runs along the entire west coast, dominates the psyche with beach life playing a prominent part of every local and visitors time. But there are so many other activities to choose from as well, it's really easy to keep everyone in your party entertained. And once you have finished exploring the Island's natural wonders then you have a wide range of restaurants and eateries to delight your taste buds too.
E: joe@vacationinsiders.com W: www.vacationinsiders.com
Our Insiders, Marie and Tomas, love their homeland of Sweden but really appreciate the consistency of the weather in Florida. After some extensive searching they settled on Anna Maria Island as the perfect place to rejuvenate the body and soul. They now invite you to experience the stunning sunsets, abundant wildife and Old Florida vibe on this island paradise.
MEET YOUR INSIDERS
MARIE AND TOMAS... I was born and raised on a farm in Sweden. My family hosted the local 4H club meetings in our basement and every summer we would have 4H exchangers from the US staying with us. Some of them we visited later and are still in touch with and after I was an exchange student myself to Ohio in 1980-1981 I have
Florida was the natural choice.
kept contact with the family ever since. So for me, the US has always been my second home. Being an airline pilot also helps, as I've been able to visit often, both when flying long hauls and privately.
fell for it and then it was time to find something on the Island, which wasn't easy, even in 2008.
Tomas was raised in the suburbs of Karlskrona, a small town in Sweden. His main interests during his younger years were badminton, kayaking and wildlife. In his youth he worked for the biggest wildlife preservation
So in 2008 we traveled around Florida to try and find a place of our own. It was actually the first time Tomas had visited the US but he got hooked immediately! After much searching we ended up on Anna Maria Island and finally found the vibes that we were looking for. We just
Yes there were lots of places to buy during the peak (low?) of the recession, but the ones we liked our budget wouldn't allow. In the end I knew more about what was available and with what restrictions than my Realtor! Then finally she found us something that was just right.
“After much searching we ended up on Anna Maria Island and finally found the vibes that we were looking for." association in Sweden and traveled up and down Sweden to visit and educate their different chapters. His cell phone is always giving out alarms for the latest sightings of rare birds and he really enjoys visiting the Island with so much wildlife within a short distance. Tomas is also a keen golfer and enjoys the many good golf courses nearby. These days he works in the transportation sector, just like me, but in logistics and shipping. The Swedish summer is wonderful, but you never know if it will last two and a half months (very unlikely), two and a half weeks (more of a possibility) or two and a half days (has happened)... I guess that's why you always find so many of us Scandinavians traveling. We need more sun! Many people in Scandinavia buy places in Spain, Turkey or Thailand to escape the long winters, but unless you master the language to perfection you will always end up being a long stay tourist, no matter how hard you try. We wanted to feel that we could blend into society and also deal with every issue without the language barrier creating problems. With my existing affinity with the US,
It was much more spacious than your average condo on the Island, bright and with a sea view. We just needed to get the place restyled and updated to our liking and standard. I have spent enough nights in hotels to last me a life-time and I knew that I didn't want a generic place without a soul. We get many compliments on our interiors and I think that we managed to blend a bit of Swedish style with Florida feel. Tomas and I have 4 kids each and our combined family leaves us with 6 kids living at home. Whilst this is a great joy for us we certainly know what is needed to relax and revitalize on your vacation! It's been lots of work, but also lots of fun and that's why we ended up buying our next door neighbor's unit as well in 2013. We love being able to offer this special place to people and there's no better feeling than when guests say that they had a truly amazing stay and will come back as soon as they can!
MARIE & TOMAS' REAL ANNA MARIA ISLAND...
Anna Maria Island is this miniature island where it feels like a time warp has descended on the place and it allows time to be the 40s, 50s, 60s and forward to today - all at the same time! You know how you sometimes go away and think that you need another vacation to recuperate after your holiday? That's very unlikely to happen here! Somehow life slows down and it helps you relax. Maybe it's the long sandy beach, the lack of high rises or the sunsets into the Mexican Gulf, I don't know. At the same time, this is not one of those sleepy little places where you are likely to get bored after a short while. There's so much to do if one wants to, it's just not obtrusive. Anna Maria has lots of good restaurants, coffee shops, a charter boat marina, Segway rentals, para-sailing, several rental agencies of bikes, beach chairs, paddle boards, kayaks, jet skis, the list goes on... There's one thing you won't find on the Island though - chain restaurants. I'm sure that McDonalds, Pizza Hut etc would move in at the blink of an eye, if only they were allowed to. Although there is such a variety of activities to keep you entertained somehow it's still all about the beach on this 7 mile island. The entire west coast is white sandy beaches that are made of quartz. Have you ever been running on sand as hot as coal trying to get to the water before your soles are burnt red? That won't happen
here. You can walk barefoot in the middle of the day and the sand will feel totally comfortable. The whole beach is public so you can walk from the north to the south and then if you need to rest your legs just take the free trolley that runs every 20 minutes. A good way to experience this is by taking a morning stroll, stop for breakfast at a cafe and then hop on the trolley back home again! Anna Maria Island is relaxed, safe and friendly with lots of things to do. It's marketed as "Paradise without an attitude" and "A slice of Old Florida" and I guess many people agree since it has been awarded as one of the 10 best islands to visit by Tripadvisor two years in a row! In 2013 AMI was number 4 and in 2014 it was up to number 3, putting it ahead of islands like Hawaii, Hilton Head, Nantucket and Key West! In spite of the beach being the main attraction, wildlife is never far away. I will always remember the first time that we came to the Island and Tomas spotted a frigate bird, he was like a little child! He is an avid birder and the fact that birds are so much more comfortable in being close to people here really makes it a perfect spot to just enjoy watching their behaviour. The east side of the Island is covered in mangroves and when you enter there it feels like a completely different world. To just sit and watch the crabs run up and down along the trunks, showing off their one big claw is mesmerizing.
5 EXPERIENCES YOU CANNOT MISS... 1
A Totally Different Anna Maria Island...
2
Super Extra Deluxe Sunsets...
3
Say Hi to the Dolphins and Manatees...
4
Be a Wedding Splasher...
5
Take a Turtle Tour...
Anna Maria Island is very much about the 7 mile white, sandy beach. To experience something completely different, take a trip to Leffis Key among the mangroves where the wildlife is abundant. It's right across from Coquina Beach and has easy access via walkways. The sunrise is amazing from the 26ft hill in the middle of the preserve. You'll have an incredible 360 degree view featuring the Gulf and Sarasota bay.
For superb sunsets head up to Bean Point. Getting there is a part of the experience. Parking is limited so you might want to take the trolley, jump off at Pine Ave and then walk north on North Shore Dr until you hit North Bay Dr. That's where you'll find the pathway to Bean Point. It's magical, like a tunnel that is dug out through the trees. Once there the wind will pick up since you have open water on three sides, but that's also what makes the light so special. Don't forget to bring a flashlight as it can be very dark when you go back through the pathway.
The best way to get close to the wildlife, that is so abundant in the area, is to take a kayak tour. Here you'll have the chance to see both dolphins and manatees right up close. For the more daring individuals there are also alligator tours. There really is no better way to get up close and personal than this - plus it's eco friendly and a great workout too! There are several tour operators but we like Happy Paddler, where Holly and Shane are very dedicated to what they do.
This is a really quirky suggestion, but where else could you do this if not on AMI? Do you like weddings? Would you like to attend one without having to dress up or buy an expensive wedding gift? With AMI being "the Wedding capital of Florida" there are so many weddings on the beach - to join the romance and excitement just lay in the warm waters of the Mexican Gulf and watch the ceremony!
During the summer you can join a nesting or excavation tour of the sea turtles that lay eggs on Anna Maria Island. You get so much great information and a deeper understanding of what happens on the beach when you're not there. Call Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring to enroll for the next tour. It's free, but donations are gladly accepted! You can get their latest updates on Facebook too.
MARIE & TOMAS' ANNA MARIA TOP SPOTS... Anna Maria Island has a variety of great dining options to suit all tastes and budgets, our favorite picks are below:
1
Beach Bistro...
It's hard to avoid mentioning Beach Bistro in a guide like this. Beach Bistro is considered one of the best restaurants in Florida and is where you can do the best celebrity spotting. If the prices are a barrier for a visit, eat at the bar which has more affordable options.
2
Rod n' Reel Pier...
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Many people will try and catch their dinner here, but if you want it a bit easier just come to the restaurant at the end of the famous Rod n' Reel Pier for simple and tasty food with views of Tampa Bay and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Their fish and chips should not be missed!
Skinny's...
4
Tasty hamburgers and a great selection of cold beers are served at Skinny's in a little hut by the Manatee Public Beach. We love their curly fries too. Just remember: Skinny's is closed on Mondays, takes cash only, and has no air conditioning.
Starfish Company...
5
Starfish Company is not on the Island, but close by on the mainland. Go over Cortez bridge, turn right on 123rd St and drive to the end. Or you can always go by boat! They also have a market if you'd like to buy fresh fish and prepare it at home. It's cash only, there's no air conditioning, you're practically sitting on a dock, and get served in paper boxes but the food is heavenly! And it was delivered from the fish trading company next door, talk about local produce...
The Beachhouse...
The Beachhouse is right on the beach in Bradenton Beach. A great place to enjoy a casual sunset evening while eating good food. It's also a popular wedding venue. Happy hour is 3-5 pm MondaysFridays with discounts on selected food and drinks.
HIDING FROM THE SUN (OR RAIN?)... The Anna Maria Island Museum and Historical Park on Pine Avenue houses the history of Anna Maria Island. The old jail and the cottage that sat on the City Pier before it fell into the bay are right beside it. The Island Museum and Historical Park are open Tuesday - Saturday from 10am to 1pm (closed all of September), admission is free and there's a scavenger hunt for the kids.
While you won't be totally out of the sun, the many shops at Ellenton Premium Outlets are sure to save your skin from too much exposure :-)
Mote Marine Laboratory Aquarium is a research center that, among other things, houses a 135,000 gallon shark tank. For a fee you can help feed the sharks! For the less adventurous there are touch tanks, sea turtles, sea life exhibits and don't forget Hugh and Buffett, the manatees. But primarily this is still a research center so maybe that's why it feels like the real thing.
MARIE & TOMAS' ANNA MARIA TOP TIPS... FUN FOR THE KIDS (OR THE KID IN YOU) Disney World is great, but you haven't tried a roller coaster until you've been on SheiKra or Cheetah Hunt at the Busch Gardens! Or for a more relaxing visit, enjoy the African themed zoo with lions, cheetahs and elephants. Register your tickets before you leave the park to have an extra free visit within a week.
DCoy Ducks in Holmes Beach has live music every Friday and Saturday until 2am and is the place to check out the local music scene on the Island. They also have regular poker nights on Monday and Tuesday evenings.
Riverwalk Skate Park is a world-class park that includes a concrete bowl plus loads of rails and ramps to ride on.
Slim's Place, not far from the City Park in Anna Maria, is the local sports bar and it does the best Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich!
The Fish Hole is a fishing village themed mini golf course on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Water misters make this family fun pleasant even in the middle of the summer while you play the holes that are named after different species of fish.
St Armands Circle is due south on Lido Key and is where you'll find the more upscale shopping in the area. It's also the place to go people watching while enjoying dinner or just drinks. We recommend The Daiquiri Deck and The Columbia Restaurant but there are several nice places there.
FUN FOR THE GROWN-UPS
THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE... Free Parking...
Cultural Mondays...
Get a Tide Table...
Car parking is free on the Island, but on weekends it can be a real hassle to find a spot.
On Mondays there's free entrance to the Ringling Museum of Art. But you can bring a picnic and enjoy the gardens without paying an entrance fee any day of the week.
During the colder months this is a great spot to view manatees. It's best to go during low tide when you're likely to find them wallowing in the warm mud there because of the shallow waters.
We'd recommend you park early at the Manatee Public Beach/ Coquina Public Beach and then take the trolley if you want to get around the Island. If you plan to go to the northern part, drive to Spring Avenue and park at the Anna Maria City Clerks office (only available outside office hours). But shhh, this is getting almost too "inside", I could get in trouble with my friends!!
Ultra Fresh Produce on Pine Ave...
Pine Avenue is working on becoming "The Greenest Little Main Street in America". You can try out the greens in the edible gardens beside the street (soon found all over the Island), for free! Information about the vegetables and ideas of how to prepare them can be found here or scan the QR codes on the boxes.
Anna Maria Island is famous for shelling and the best time to go is also when the tide is low. If you're looking for that perfect shell for your collection then wait until after it's been windy and with higher waves than usual. You can find the tides times using one of the many Apps or go here.
MARIE & TOMAS' PRACTICAL TIPS... Where is the Nearest Airport?
There are several airports within driving distance of Anna Maria Island. The closest is Sarasota airport (SRQ) which is only 30 min drive away. Then there's St. Petersburg-Clearwater (PIE) at 55 min followed by Tampa (TPA) 1h 5 min, Fort Myers (RSW) 1h 55 min, Orlando (MCO) 2h, Orlando-Sanford (SFB) 2h30 min and Miami Airport (MIA) 4h.
How Do I Get From the Mainland to AMI?
Three bridges lead to the Island. Two from the mainland and one from the north end of Longboat Key. Your own boat is of course also an option!
How Easy is it to Get Around?
It's very easy to drive, but especially during weekends and spring there can be traffic jams. Speed restrictions are strictly enforced and there are more police cars on this little island than one would expect. If you'd like to leave the car behind there are shuttles that can pick you up from the airport and take you to the Island. A free trolley runs up and down the Island every 20 minutes between 6 am and 10.30 pm. Bike paths are abundant and the Island is only 7 miles long without hills, so it's very easy to get around by bike. If you don't fancy pedalling you can even rent a golf cart to travel more leisurely and as they're electric it's eco-friendly too!
Where Can I Shop for Groceries?
Just off Manatee Ave there's a Publix which is the biggest grocery store on the Island. There are other places on the Island but they are more like convenience stores and will not have much of a selection. In Bradenton there's several food chain stores off Manatee Ave and Cortez Rd. If you arrive late, Walmart off Cortez Rd in Bradenton is open 24/7.
What’s the Weather Like?
You will often see rain showers on the forecast but it will often just rain over the mainland while the sun is shining over Anna Maria Island. When it rains it's usually the tropical type with a down pour that lasts a short time and refreshes the air. The average high is a balmy 82F (28C) and average low 64F (18C), our wettest month is August with 9.81in (249 mm) and the driest is April with 2.15in (55 mm), More details can be found here.
Where do I Find Beach Chairs?
There is a beach chair and umbrella rental on Manatee Public Beach. Several other renters on the Island will deliver right to your door step. Publix, Walgreen's and other stores sell them for approximately the same price as a week's rent.
MARIE & TOMAS' TIPS ON WHERE TO STAY... Anna Maria Island has a number of options depending on your needs. Below are Marie and Tomas’ very own condos, along with a couple of other suggestions. Should those all be booked up feel free to drop us a line and let us know. We're not a travel agency but will certainly try to lend a helping hand by offering some tips to make your search easier!
Marie and Tomas’ Very Own...
Tropical Sunset. Our condos have views and sounds of the Mexican Gulf and you'll flip-flop your way to the beach in less than a minute. There's a common heated pool and roof-top terrace for panoramic views of the Island. The biggest grocery store on the Island, Walgreen's CVS, beach shops, several restaurants and a life guarded beach is within a radius of 500 yards. Our two 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condos sleeping six, are located beside each other. This means you can rent both if you are a larger party. Read more...
Marie and Tomas Suggest...
A Lime Cottage. If you want your own private place where you don't have to share anything the Lime or Lemon cottages are for you! Chris So and his family has two 2 bed, 2 bath cottages. Both have pools. One is in Holmes Beach and the other in Bradenton Beach. He is a great host who is known for his hospitality and friendliness.... and how nice his cottages are! We'd also like to thank him for providing some of the pictures for this guide. Read more...
Marie and Tomas Suggest...
Harrington House. Anna Maria Island doesn't have any hotels, but there are some bed and breakfasts and lovely Harrington House is one of them. Nestled among the tall pine trees and Florida foliage, this B&B is built from coquina-block shell walls with pecky cypress wood for floors, ceilings and doors. A great alternative to renting a vacation home if you want a shorter stay, or just want to be pampered. Read more...
MARIE & TOMAS' ANNA MARIA "Things to Avoid" Swimming at Bean Point...
Don't Leave Holes on the Beach...
Let Everyone Enjoy the Evening...
Bean Point, at the northern tip of Anna Maria Island, is beautiful. Its serenity and quietness make it one of the most visited areas on the Island. It's where the gulf meets the southern part of Tampa Bay and the currents there can be deadly. Even just standing in knee high water people have been swept away. If you want to swim, walk at least 10 minutes to the south first. (The same thing goes for the southern tip. Do not swim in the pass between Anna Maria Island and Long Boat Key!)
Don't dig holes on the beach and leave them open when you leave. Turtles occasionally fall into them and can't get out. So enjoy your day on the beach, but be sure to cover your tracks afterwards.
Leave your car behind when you are going out for dinner on Anna Maria Island. The free trolley runs up and down the Island every 20 minutes all the way to 10.30 PM. So why risk getting stopped for an alcohol test (and believe me the police force is very present on the Island) when everyone can enjoy their drinks with a clear conscience. Many places have limited parking space as well and valet parking is almost non-existent so it's best to just leave the car at home.
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