Anna Maria Island is one of the most underrated vacation spots in Florida, but if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, you want to know about this place! The island is just seven miles long, but there are lots to see and do. So how do you get from place to place? Here’s all you need to know about getting around Anna Maria Island.
About Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is a seven-mile stretch of land located off the coast of Manatee County, Florida. The island is divided up into three distinct cities: the City of Anna Maria to the north, Holmes Beach in the middle, and Bradenton Beach to the south. Don’t confuse Bradenton Beach on AMI with the city of Bradenton on the mainland!
Beaches
Each city on AMI has its own amazing beaches, and it’s easy to reach any of them from our Anna Maria Island rentals.
Manatee Public Beach
Located right in the middle of the island, Manatee Public Beach is the main shoreline in the city of Holmes Beach. Families often flock to this location thanks to the amenities and lifeguards keeping you safe and comfortable. To get here, take Manatee Avenue onto the island and follow it until it turns into Gulf Drive. You can find plenty of parking in the lot here, including ADA-accessible spaces.
Coquina Beach
Head to the southern end of the island to get to Coquina Beach, one of the more secluded and relaxing spots on the island. It offers just as many facilities as Manatee Public Beach but is often much less crowded. The beach is located at 2650 Gulf Drive, one mile south of 5th Street N. Parking here is free, and the lot is being renovated to eventually allow for 865 vehicles!
Bayfront Park
Bayfront Park rounds out the three main beaches on the island. This one is located in the City of Anna Maria and has much more to offer than just sand. You’ll find an incredible park for your little ones to run around, as well as picnic tables and grills to enjoy lunch. To reach Bayfront Park, take Gulf Drive to the northern end of the island until you reach Pine Avenue. Take this street until you reach Bay Boulevard, then take that road north until you find the park.
How to Get Around
While each beach offers plenty of parking, maybe you don’t want to be bothered with your car. You could certainly walk or take your bike or golf cart, but there’s one way that’s more convenient than all the rest. Anna Maria Island offers a free trolley service that will take you all around the island. There are multiple stops all across AMI, so you’ll never wait more than 20 minutes for a ride. Best of all, you can even take the trolley onto the mainland for a small fee!
Where to Stay
Now that you’ve got directions to Anna Maria Island’s beaches, you’ll want a rental that puts you closest to your ideal beach. Luckily, we’ve got vacation rentals in all three cities of the island, so you can be exactly where you desire. Our rentals are always designed with you in mind, providing the ideal combination of comfort and luxury. Whether you’re traveling solo or are bringing the whole family along for the ride, we’ve got a rental for you! Contact us today to discover our full range of Anna Maria Island rentals.