We wanted to let you know that Anna Maria Island is still here for you and we have some local shops and restaurants we would like to recognize during this time that are still open. Some are offering our AMI Locals guests a special discount as well!
• RENTAL ITEMS •
AMI BEACH FUN RENTALS • (941) 896-9780 Bikes, paddleboards, golf carts etc. they have it all! Now offering 25% off to AMI Locals guests www.amibeachfunrentals.com
• TAKE OUT FOOD •
SLIMS PLACE • (941) 567-4056 take out or delivery, and beer and wine also available! www.slimsplaceami.com
ACQUA AVEDA SALON AND SPA • (941) 778-5400 5311 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach ** Drive up anytime between 10am – 3pm Tuesday, March 31st, place your order with Ali, and the Acqua girls will wrap your products and bring them to your car. Also 20% off any 2 liter size products or any 3 regular size products! Buy a $100 gift card and get $25! For a limited time. www.acquaaveda.com
These Anna Maria Island shops and restaurants are open to serve you, and we hope you will take the time to enjoy and support them during your stay.
Again, we would like to thank you for staying with AMI Locals and hope everyone stays safe! Please let us know if you need anything at all while you are here!
When temperatures in the rest of the United States dip below freezing it’s easy to stare out the window and dream about being someplace sunny. AMI Locals can help you make that dream come true. Escape Winter and Come to AMI!
Anna Maria Island Florida is famous for its beaches and incredible sunsets. During the winter months the Island comes alive with art fairs, farmer’s markets, and people visiting from all over the world. The weather is typically a balmy 70 to 80 degrees. And we usually have very little rain. So, that makes us a perfect destination for some fun in the sun!
The quaint shops on Pine Avenue
What to do on AMI
You can try your luck with a fishin’ pole on the Rod N Reel Pier or Bradenton Beach Pier, or rent a bike and cruise the Island looking for an adventure. Visit the Old Anna Maria Jail and then wander down Pine Avenue, or maybe you’ll see a friendly manatee or dolphin swimming in the water! Then stop for a quick bite at a fun local place like Ginny’s and Jan E’s before heading to the glorious beach for the afternoon. You can also book a horseback ride on the beach, go parasailing, or rent a golf cart and ride around in style. Sunset cruises and dolphin excursions are also available from local companies on the Island!
Nearby airports
Family-friendly activities abound on Anna Maria Island!
What will make you really fall in love with AMI is our laid-back and relaxing mindset and vibe. Island Time is a very real thing, and once you’re on it you will never want to go back!
AMI Locals is a newer and rapidly growing company. And we feature only the best luxury vacation rental homes available on Anna Maria Island in Florida. Let AMI Locals help you plan your perfect beach getaway today! Give us a call or check out our available homes online, we can’t wait to see you here!
New Year, New Adventures! 2020 is a blank slate waiting to be filled up with memories. Places to go, people to see, work to do, fun to be had. And AMI Locals can help you cross one thing off of your to-do list. Let us help plan your perfect 2020 Anna Maria Island beach vacation!
Vacation like a local
AMI Locals manages over 150 amazing luxury vacation rental homes of all shapes and sizes, and our Reservations team works with each and every guest to ensure we put them in the perfect property. We all live here and we all love Anna Maria Island! Please give us a call at 941-757-8226 or email reservations@amilocals.com and let us know a few key details of what you’re looking for: • the calendar dates for your stay • number of guests (adults/children) • bringing a pet? • must-haves (such as a heated pool) • preferred budget and anything else specific you are looking for… we will take it from there! AMI Locals will tailor our recommended properties to best suit your needs – then all you have to do is choose your favorite and book directly with us. Easy peasy.
Do more things that make you happy in 2020!
Family Vacations
Traveling with multi-generations in the same family – mom and dad, you and your spouse, kids, siblings and cousins in the New Year? We have homes with detached mother-in-law suites or even separate guest houses. Take a look at Freckled Fin, Blue Marlin, Daiquiri Deck, Blue Pearl, and Blue Bay. You can stay together and still have plenty of personal space! And there is plenty to do on Anna Maria Island. Rent bikes from Beach Bums and explore! Fishin’ and lunch at Rod N Reel Pier, nature hiking at Leffis Key Preserve, The Fish Hole at Bridge Street for mini-golf, and of course plenty of time at the beach.
Vacationing with 5 other couples that you have been friends with since college? We have beautifully located new construction homes where every bedroom has an ensuite bathroom, so you can hang out and enjoy each other’s company without feeling like you’re back in the dorm! Check out Ocean Star, Hidden Treasure, Crystal Waves Oasis. Or, each couple can book a private villa at our Islands West Resort. Anna Maria Island has cute locally-owned shops and art galleries, restaurants & bars, and some of the nicest local people you will ever meet!
Traveling for business and pleasure in this New Year? All of our luxury vacation rental properties feature free Wi-Fi so you can easily stay connected while you are staying with AMI Locals. And, we feature homes with large open gathering spaces for brainstorming and networking. All with amazing views and amenities. Mondays are always easier if you’re working by an amazing tropical pool, right? Some of our best homes for corporate retreats include Bay View Beauty, Sea Swept, and Ocean Star. Plus, we can help with the details of planning your company retreat so you won’t have to worry about a thing.
Romantic trip for two
Romantic getaway to celebrate a special Anniversary? Newlyweds and booking your honeymoon? We have the perfect beach house for you. Coral Cottage, Dockside Paradise, and Fishful Thinking are all perfectly charming and private. Or, stay in one of our resort-style properties such as the Islands West Resort, Bayside Bungalows, or the Driftwood. These have shared pools and outdoor spaces and a more social vibe.
clink clink!
Let AMI Locals plan your perfect New Year 2020 stay
Whatever your vacation style is, we are here to take all of the guesswork out for you. Contact us today and let us help plan your perfect beach vacation! Happy New Year from all of us here at AMI Locals.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, especially Christmastime on Anna Maria Island. Winter is a beautiful season to visit our little piece of paradise. And there is so much to see and do in December when you stay in a luxury vacation rental property! It’s time to share our AMI Locals cheat sheet of holiday events & happenings on the Island and nearby. Tag us in your holiday island adventures on facebook & instagram @amilocals!
• The AMI Chamber of Commerce Annual Tree Lighting & Holmes Beach Holiday Open House Friday, December 6th from 5 PM – 8 PM. https://www.facebook.com/events/423890301878746/ The shops and stores of Holmes Beach open their doors to welcome the community for this fantastic event. They provide treats, special holiday sales, live music and the tree lighting happens at 6 PM in the Chamber of Commerce parking lot – you won’t want to miss this!
• The Anna Maria Privateers Island Christmas Parade Saturday, December 14th at 10 AM. http://amiprivateers.memberlodge.org/event-3624031 The Privateers host this parade every year, spreading lots of Christmas cheer. And, of course… you can see Santa! You will be able to find a good spot to watch the parade anywhere along the route. It begins at 10 AM at Coquina Beach Park in Bradenton Beach on the southern end of Anna Maria Island and continues all the way to City Pier Park on the northern tip in Anna Maria.
• 2nd Annual Bradenton Beach Holiday Boat Parade at Bridge Street Saturday December 14, 7 PM – 8 PM https://www.annamariaislandchamber.org/events/2nd-annual-bradenton-beach-holiday-boat-parade/ The boat parade route will start at Jewfish Key at 7pm and head north, motoring past the Historic Bridge Street Pier and ending at Bradenton Beach Marina. Christmastime on Anna Maria Island by boat is magical!
• December Artwalk: A Village Wonderland Friday December 13, 6 PM – 9:30 PM and Saturday December 14, 11 AM – 4 PM
Enjoy the lights and galleries decorated for the holidays. Live music, strolling entertainment, unique holiday shopping, and tasty treats during one of Bradenton’s favorite holiday events. Friday night 6-9:30 pm and Saturday 11am-4pm.
• Christmas on Bridge Street Saturday December 14, 4 PM – 8 PM https://www.annamariaislandchamber.org/events/christmas-on-bridge-street/ Enjoy an afternoon and evening on Bridge Street celebrating the holiday season! Bridge Street will be closed to traffic. Live bands, the local chapter of the Sweet Adelines International Singers, a cornhole tournament, free children’s Christmas ornament making activities and food tastings are some of the fun planned for the day.
• 2019 Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade Saturday December 14, 6 PM – 10 PM https://www.facebook.com/events/474870269781486/ A short drive off of Anna Maria Island, the downtown Bradenton boat parade kicks off at sundown at Snead Island and makes it’s way up the river to Caddy’s offering public viewing locations along the Green Bridge and Bradenton Riverwalk.
• Robinson Preserve Light Festival Saturday December 21, 6 PM – 9 PM https://www.facebook.com/events/1595153717290899/ After sunset on the winter solstice, head over to the Robinson Preserve for an evening of reflection and contemplation. A candlelit trail will be assembled for a single night – you are invited to walk the path in mindful meditation. Take some time during this busy season to slow down, observe the lights, and enjoy the beauty of Robinson Preserve at night. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required for a Lantern Kit.
• Palmetto’s Historical Park – Christmas in the Park Saturday, December 7th from 3 PM – 8 PM https://www.facebook.com/events/459835937993496/ Start your holiday festivities with “A Classic Christmas” at Palmetto’s Christmas in the Park. This free event offers something for everyone: decorated buildings, kids’ crafts and contests, Reindeer Games, and of course, Santa. A snow hill will also be on hand for children to slide down. Santa Claus will be arriving at 4:00 – bring your camera for a photo with the big guy himself!
• Acqua Aveda Salon, Spa & Store – Annual Holiday Open House Friday December 6, 9 AM – 7 PM https://www.facebook.com/acquaaveda/ Come out anytime on December 6th for discounts on products and pre-booked appointments. Get ready for your holiday celebrations with perfect nails and hair!
• Enchant Christmas St. Petersburg now through December 29 https://www.facebook.com/events/377307009888020/ About a 45 minute drive north of Anna Maria Island, but oh so worth it! The World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze and Market is at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL, November 22 – December 29, 2019. The event is also host to a bustling artisan Christmas Market, an Ice Skating Trail, seasonal food and beverage, and visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Christopher Calvin meeting Santa for the first time.
So, as you can see there’s more to Christmastime on Anna Maria Island than just sipping eggnog on the beach in 70 degree weather. But we won’t judge if that’s all you want to do! Happy Holidays from AMI Locals!
Searching for the best beachfront homes on Anna Maria Island?AMI Locals is proud to offer the best beach rental properties on Anna Maria Island. And our beachfront luxury vacation rental homes in particular are the best you can find on the Island! Let us show you.
Best beachfront 8 to 10 bedroom vacation rental homes
These are the largest beachfront luxury vacation rental properties we offer at AMI Locals! If you’re planning to vacation with family & friends but still would like to have your own space, such as a private bedroom and bathroom, consider one of these amazing beachfront homes.
On the other hand, are you looking for the best beachfront vacation rental location to hold your destination wedding or small gathering while you stay here? Look no further! And, The Tiki and Palm Tree Paradise A& Bcan be rented all together to accommodate your wedding party for the festivities.
Thinking of a small family or group of friends trip? These are just perfect! Featuring direct beach access, amazing tropical pools great for making memories to last a lifetime.
The best part about getting away to Anna Maria Island Florida is undoubtedly our bright and sunny soft sugar-sand beaches! So, why not stay right on it? That way, you eliminate and valuable time traveling to-and-from the beach once you arrive. Call us today at 941-757-8226 and book your vacation at one of the best beachfront homes available on Anna Maria Island.
There’s nothing better than spending Labor Day weekend at the beach! Sun, sand, friends and fun to celebrate the unofficial end of summer! So, why not run away from home and come visit Anna Maria Island? And AMI Locals has a ton of fabulous Luxury Vacation Rental Homes to choose from. Check out Feelin’ Beachy, Salt Life, or any of our available rentals.
Festivals & touristy things
If you feel adventurous, and are over 21, head up to Tampa for the Summer of Rum 2019 festival to kick off Labor Day weekend. Gotta love a cool tropical adult beverage on a hot summer day! Also, while you’re there, you can check out the Tampa Museum of Art, and Sparkman Wharf. It’s about an hour and fifteen minute drive North of Anna Maria Island. But, Tampa is a fun city to visit for the day!
Meanwhile, on the Island you’ll want to stay close to the beach. Nearly all of our properties are within a 5-minute walk to the beautiful soft white-sand Gulf of Mexico beaches. Then, spend the day on the beach, and come “home” to relax by the pool. Then, head out for dinner on the weekend with live music at Island Time Bar and Grill, or pop over to Rod N Reel Pier for a nice cold beer and views for days!
So, why not come stay and play on Anna Maria Island this Labor Day weekend… Call us at 941-757-8226 today, and let us help plan your perfect getaway!
We can’t think a better way to celebrate the 4th of July than spending a day on an Anna Maria Island beach with your friends and family. So here’s our exclusive AMI Locals insider guide to the what-where-and-when!
Get an Early Start
First off, and this is important… if you plan on a beach day, get here early! Of course, parking can be tricky, and traffic tends to back up easily on Anna Maria Island, with only a few main roads to get around with. And this is just one reason why we recommend staying with us at an AMI Locals luxury vacation rental home. Perhaps a home with a rooftop deck for prime fireworks views? Such as Seaside Escape, or Ocean Breeze.
Cheer on the Parade! Celebrate America!
The Anna Maria Island Privateers Annual 4th of July Parade kicks off at 10am at Coquina Beach Park! The parade runs the length of the Island, all the way to City Pier Park. And remember to bring your sunscreen, beach chairs, drinks and snacks.
Next, get yourself to the 4th of July Celebration at City Pier Park! It starts at 12pm. The City of Anna Maria invites all to celebrate America on July 4th, 2019. With free hot dogs, chips and patriotic music… So you’ll be feeling red, white, and blue in no time!
Relax on the Beach
Baby-powder soft sand, crystal clear water… we LOVE our beaches!
Then, spend a little time at one of Anna Maria Island’s famous beaches. Bayfront Park, Bean Point, Manatee Public Beach, Coquina Beach or any one of the beautiful stretches of sand on our amazing 7-mile paradise. Grab your friends and go get some sunshine.
Enjoy the show!
Finally, end the evening with a bang! Fireworks happen at 9pm over the water by the Sandbar Restaurant. In addition, they host a fabulous Dinner & Fireworks evening every year beginning at 6pm. Visit SandBarDining.com/fireworks for reservations and more info!
Usually you can also see the fireworks from just about any spot on Anna Maria Island! So grab a sparkler and celebrate America’s Independence!
There’s a great mini golf course located right on Historic Bridge Street, called the Fish Hole! It is fun for all ages. And several of our AMI Locals’ properties are within walking distance of all the shops and restaurants on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Gulf View Beach House, Bayfront Retreat, and Coastal Cove, for instance. Come visit us on Anna Maria Island, grab your friends and follow our lead for a round of mini golf!
Time to Take a Swing at Mini Golf!
First, choose the color of your golf ball. This is a very important decision and can set you up for a very successful round. Next, choose your putter. Now, choose who gets to keep score – remember that the competition can get very heated in golf, mini or just the regular type. So choose the scorekeeper wisely. Fore!
Also, all of the holes at the Fish Hole course are named after different kinds of fish! For example, Swordfish, Grouper, and Hogfish. And you can learn more fun facts about these fish on each sign, along with what number Par is for that particular hole. Then as you move through the course, there is all kinds of fishy décor, a Koi pond, live turtles, and a waterfall. Not to mention, it really is a great place to cool off after a long day at the beach.
Anyone up for a round of Mini Golf at the Fish Hole? So much fun! Check it out on our latest blog:https://www.amilocals.com/blog/2019/02/18/mini-golf-fish-hole-ami/
To be sure, family vacations are a great way to get to know Anna Maria Island. You will make memories to last a lifetime, and the vibe of the Island is very laid-back and relaxed. Book your getaway with AMI Locals and we will be sure to show you how to #vacationlikealocal!
If you go: The Fish Hole is located in Bradenton Beach on Bridge Street. And it’s open from 9 am – 10 pm every day. Check out their facebook page for more info! https://www.facebook.com/thefishholeami/
Who doesn’t love to shop in the sunshine? During the months of November – July you can visit the Coquina Beach market! And it happens every Sunday and Wednesday from 10 am – 4 pm. It is located at Coquina Beach Park in Bradenton Beach, the southernmost point of Anna Maria Island. Very nearby you can stay with AMI Locals at The Sandbar or Atlantis Beach House and ride the free MCAT Trolley to the Market!
Come enjoy live music by the AMI String Band as you stroll the Coquina Beach Market. Accordingly, you will find many friendly AMI vendors with booths offering fresh produce, cotton candy, jewelry, beachy apparel, local artists, health and beauty items, and much more. In any case, you’re bound to find a treasure or two to take home with you!
Unfortunately, the Coquina Beach Market is not dog-friendly due to the Manatee County rules for the park. Just a heads up before you bring your four-legged family member.
So, take a sunny little walk through the market with us:
If you go: The Coquina Beach Market is located at 2650 Gulf Drive S, Bradenton Beach, at the trolley stop/concession stand area. Specifically look for bright yellow and red signs that say Beach Market Today! They will guide you and there is usually plenty of free parking.
While you’re there, why not stop into the Coquina Beach Cafe and enjoy a Pina Colada and a lovely casual lunch on the beach? You can order that fun tropical frozen cocktail and be on “island time” with a fabulous view!
So if you’re anything like us, you can’t wait for the day that baseball players report for MLB Spring Training. Finally, we can enjoy the sunshine, hot dogs and cold beer, and BASEBALL! And Florida is lucky enough to host the Grapefruit League, so there are plenty of teams and stadiums within a very short road trip of Anna Maria Island. Then why not enjoy a relaxing Anna Maria Beach Vacation along with an MLB Spring Training game? Let AMI Locals show you how.
National Anthem before an Orioles Spring Training Game at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota.
Play ball! Spring Training begins in February.
Beginning in February, there are many Major League Baseball teams that come to Florida to play baseball in the mild Winter and warm Spring days that we enjoy here; such as the Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, and New York Yankees. We here at AMI Locals are ready to be your guide to planning a grand slam vacation!
First, take a look at the Grapefruit League Spring Training schedule and available tickets. Second, find your favorite MLB team and choose a game (or several!) that you’d like to attend. With this in mind, get your cheering section together and book one of our fabulous AMI Locals luxury vacation rental homes for your adventure. After all, we have a wide variety of homes available for any size group. Such as Just Beachy with 6 bedrooms, or Island Life with 3 bedrooms, all the way up to our 9 bedroom beauty Island Sol! When you are combining a beach vacation with a Spring Training game in the same trip, it’s bound to be a home run of fun!
Our view from the bleacher seats at LECOM park in Bradenton.
Nearby Bradenton and Sarasota MLB Spring Training Stadiums
For example, Anna Maria Island is within a very short distance of two Spring Training fields. The Pittsburgh Pirates play at nearby LECOM Park in downtown Bradenton, an easy 20-minute drive from AMI. So be sure to head out for the game early and stop by one of our favorite breweries! Additionally, The Baltimore Orioles’ Spring Training home is at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. So it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon there! Afterwards, why not explore downtown Sarasota’s Main Street for shopping and happy hour while you are in the neighborhood?
LECOM
Park – 1611 9th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Ed
Smith Stadium – 2700 12th St, Sarasota, FL 34237
Steinbrenner
Field – 1 Steinbrenner Dr, Tampa, FL 33614
Spectrum
Field – 601 N Old Coachman Rd, Clearwater, FL 33765
Dunedin
Stadium – 373 Douglas Ave, Dunedin, FL 34698
Publix
Field – 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33805
Representin’ the St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, and the NY Yankees at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. Baseball and friends – what a great way to spend a day!
Teams worth traveling a little further to see – The BoSox and beyond
Next up on the tour, the Tampa Bay Rays play at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, about an hour and 15 minutes away. Our hometown Rays are always fun to watch!
Charlotte
Sports Park – 2300 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Then, you’ll hear Sweet Caroline playing when
the Boston Red
Sox win at JetBlue Park
in Fort Myers, and the Minnesota Twins also take the field
at Hammond Stadium
in Fort Myers, about a 2 hour drive south of Anna Maria Island.
JetBlue Park – 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Finally, the Atlanta Braves play at Champion
Stadium in Lake Buena Vista, just outside of Orlando, about 2 ½ – 3
hours from Anna Maria Island.
Champion
Stadium – ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, 700 S Victory Way,
Kissimmee, FL 34747
Watching the Orioles play at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. Night games are also a great way to enjoy your beach days and then an MLB Spring Training game!
Directions and destinations from Anna Maria Island to MLB Spring Training stadiums
To get from Anna Maria Island to these ballparks, you’ll first cross the Manatee Avenue Bridge. Then you will continue eastward on Manatee Avenue – and now you need to choose your destination: Bradenton/Sarasota, Tampa area, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, or the Orlando area. Before you leave the Island, search by the chosen ballpark’s address that we have provided above. Our favorite is Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions and time estimates.
So, whatcha waiting for? Pack your bathing suits and baseball gloves, buy your tickets, and call your AMI Locals to book your vacation rental home. Since the peanuts and Cracker Jack will be at the stadium, there’s no need to bring that from home! Batter up!
