Vacation Rentals & Accommodations in Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island has captivated the imagination of locals and visitors with its culinary surprises that span across award-winning bistros with a rich regional cuisine, and seafood preparations. The island's water-facing restaurants and cafés are best visited at sundown, for the full experience. Rotten Ralph’s offers diners breezy sea views from its open air deck. Beach Cabana impresses with its delicious conch fritters, plantains and mango crab cake. Pair those with a selection of chilled Caribbean beers. Family-friendly Hurricane Hank’s Bar & Grill even lets you turn up in your beach clothes! Enjoy their chicken fingers, deep fried shrimp and fish served with french fries.

Melinda’s Café in Holmes Beach is a good bet for authentic tamales, quesadillas and burritos, and has a hearty all-day breakfast menu. Savor some 'Floribean' food at the Sun House Restaurant and Bar as the sun sinks into the Gulf of Mexico (Floribean being a melange of Floridian and Caribbean cuisine).

With the sun shining warmly for a good part of the year, Anna Maria Island is a destination for visitors all year around. That said, the peak seasons are summer owing to school vacations, and spring when college students arrive to profit from all that sand and surf. Book your vacation rental on Anna Maria Island well in advance during this high season.

Fall is a good time to visit if you're looking for some peace and quiet, and there will be more available vacation rentals on Anna Maria Island. The year ends on a beautiful note as islanders celebrate Christmas and New Year with much fervor.

The island boasts not just beautiful beaches but also an eventful history. Schedule a visit to the Anna Maria Island Historical Society where exhibits recount the discovery of the island by the Timucuan and Caloocan tribes, and the Spanish explorers who arrived later. For some outdoor fun, embark on a charter fishing trip, or hire kayaks or bicycles to explore little pockets of the island. Downtown Bradenton hosts a farmers market where fresh veggies, meats, cheeses and organic products are sold; pick some goodies for an intimate family dinner at your Anna Maria Island vacation rental.

Animal lovers, take note of the sea turtles that come to nest on the shores and are fiercely protected by locals. Bald eagles, pelicans, cranes, wild parrots, sand pipers, osprey, seagulls and an entire gamut of bird life seek refuge on the Anna Maria Island annually.

The Bradenton’s Village of the Arts houses interesting artist residences and galleries where you can pick up quirky gifts to take back home.

Catch a concert by the Anna Maria Island Community Choir and Orchestra, or a theatrical production by the Island Players Theater which is the oldest community theater in Manatee County. The Studio at Gulf and Pine regularly collaborates with poets, artists, musicians, performers and writers, and also hosts exhibitions, drama workshops, music and literary events. Each November, locals await ArtsHOP which features a gallery walk, performances by musicians, the Island Players and by the AMI Chorus and Orchestra. Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach hosts the Bridge Street Festival which features entertainment including artists, entertainers and merchants.

1. Bimini Bay

Located near the mouth of the canals, the water in Bimini Bay is calm. What's more, dolphin and even manatee sightings are relatively common here.

2. Robinson Preserve

A picturesque kayaking spot surrounded by nature, this inland waterway is set amid mangroves with an abundance of birds and wildlife.

3. Neal Preserve

Located close to Holmes Beach on the south side of Manatee Avenue, this preserve is packed with mangroves and oak trees, providing the perfect habitat for wildlife.

Plan a visit to Holmes Beach where shopping options, beach cafés and restaurants will keep families occupied for hours. A trip to Bradenton Beach is highly recommended to relive the old Florida charm — take a walk along the docks and admire the friendly seagulls. A drive to the nearby town of Sarasota will earn you more speciality shops, shopping villages, indie boutiques and flea markets. Other popular excursions include Whitney Beach, Manatee Beach and Coquina Beach, all which offer a great selection of cozy Anna Maria Island vacation rentals.

Book your vacation home on Anna Maria Island to experience Florida's hidden gem, the turquoise waters await!

1. Anna Maria Island Historical Museum

Learn about the island's history in this lovingly cared-for museum. Among photographs and artefacts, you can also send the kids on a scavenger hunt.

2. Anna Maria City Pier

Enjoy delicious seafood and views over the ocean in the enclosed deck or out in the open air right next to Bayfront Park. Dolphins can commonly be spotted here, too.

3. Manatee Public Beach

Relax on beautiful white sands and go swimming or boating here. There are a range of handy facilities including changing cabins and local eateries.

4. Bradenton Beach

This is a tranquil spot where you can spend the day sunbathing by the water or exploring the local boutiques near the seafront.

5. Bean Point

The beach area at the very tip of the island is a must-see, with wonderful views and the best of the laid-back Floridian atmosphere. It’s a popular spot to collect beautiful seashells.