3 Fun Museums to Check Out Around Anna Maria Island



Do you and your family have a vacation planned to visit Anna Maria Island this year, and you’d like to see some educational places? If the answer is yes, we’d like to share three fun museums with you to check out in the area. Staying in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals will keep you and your family close to the action. Let’s look below at the three museums that you should check out around Anna Maria Island.

DeSoto National Memorial

Did you know that the DeSoto National Memorial is just a short drive from Anna Maria Island? This memorial features a visitor center with impressive displays of historical weapons and armor from the 1500s. You and your family can do plenty of things, such as having lunch outside in the picnic area or going on a hike on one of the nature trails. Be sure to bring your camera, plenty of sunscreens, because of the hot Florida sun and bug spray. This memorial is also pet-friendly so if you do get your pet with you, make sure to have their leash and plenty of treats and water for them as well. Think of what a great day you and your family will have learned a little history of the area!

Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum

This museum is located in the northern part of AMI and is one of the area’s most exciting museums. This is where you will be able to find several original pieces of history of the island. You will see some of the things that are the icehouse, the original jailhouse, and the Bella Haven Home, which happens to be a historical 100-year-old cottage. Admission to the Anna Maria Island Historical Society is free and is quite a hidden little gem in the area. It’s one you and your family won’t want to miss!

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

Another great museum that you and your family should check out is The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. This museum has so many different engaging exhibits that will make coming a great way to learn. With many kids doing virtual learning online or homeschooling, a day or two at the museum will be more hands-on learning. Some of the exhibits that you will find at the museum are the mosaic backyard universe, the manatee habitat, and we can’t forget about the Planetarium. This will be a great day spent learning and exploring all the fun things that this museum has to offer families.

While there are many other fun things you can do in the area, we wanted to share them with you. If you haven’t booked your next vacation to Anna Maria Island in one of our vacation rentals, now is the time. We hope to see you and your family as you make new memories this year together!

Experience Kayaking & Paddleboarding on Anna Maria Island

Experience Kayaking & Paddleboarding on Anna Maria Island

Do you and your family love to get outside and experience new things while on vacation? If the answer is yes, then allow us to share a few things that your family can do here on Anna Maria Island. Staying in one of our AMI Locals vacation rentals will allow your family to be close to the action. Let’s look below at how you can experience kayaking and paddleboarding here on the island.

Kayaking Around the Island

Experience Kayaking & Paddleboarding on Anna Maria Island

Have you ever been kayaking at home or even at a different destination? We can tell you that kayaking is one of our guests’ favorite things to do. Whether you have brought your kayak or you’re renting one, the time you spend on the water may become your favorite thing to do. You will find that many of our waterfront properties will allow you and the family to put your kayak into the water. Having access so close to where you will be staying will allow more time outside and having the time of your lives. If you aren’t staying in a waterfront property, then you will be happy to know we have a few places where you can go to put in your kayak around town.

  • Bimini Bay – this is located in the Holmes Beach area and is one of the best places to launch your kayak from. You can also launch directly from the pier and paddle away together as a family.
  • Robinson Preserve – this is another excellent location that is along the Manatee Avenue Causeway.
  • De Soto National Memorial Park – this happens to be a national park, and if you’re interested in learning a little, they do offer ranger-led tours.

Paddleboarding

Experience Kayaking & Paddleboarding on Anna Maria Island

Another fun activity that you can do while you are on vacation to Anna Maria Island is paddleboarding. This is another activity that is excellent exercise and fun for the whole family. Whether you have been paddleboarding before or not, the laughs are too much to handle at times. There are many different rental locations around the island that no only will give you tours, but they will also deliver your paddleboard to your vacation rental. Again staying in waterfront property will allow you to have access to the water a little easier, but you will still be able to access the water elsewhere too. Many of the locations above will allow you to put your paddleboard into the water, but we do suggest that taking a tour is the way to go.

While there are many other fun things to do here on Anna Maria Island, we wanted to share these with you. If you haven’t booked your next vacation to stay with us in one of our AMI Locals vacation rentals, now is the time. We can’t wait to hear about the adventures you have on the water!