Anna Maria Island Archives – Page 5 of 6 – AMI Locals Blog

February 18, 2019August 10, 2022

Mini Golf at the Fish Hole with AMI Locals

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.

https://www.facebook.com/AMILOCALS/videos/2285715158371376/

Mini Golf on Anna Maria Island - Koi fish

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/

February 8, 2019August 10, 2022

AMI Beach Vacation & A Day at Disney World

Are you vacationing to Anna Maria Island this year for a beach trip but feel like you need to do something a little different? Then we have the perfect solution that you and your family can enjoy on your next trip. Why not plan a day to head over to Lake Buena Vista for the day and enjoy Walt Disney World! Just a hop, skip and a jump, you and your family are only 2 hours from having a magical day at Disney. And with so many new things that have opened up in the past few years and a few new attractions that are opening up this year, you can’t go wrong with a short visit to the world.

Did you know that Walt Disney World has 4 Parks for you and your family to visit? There is Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. They also have on property two water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Each park there are several different attractions that you and your family can take advantage of. Let’s look at each park and what you and your family can enjoy on your adventure to the parks.

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom was the first park to open in 1971 and has been known to many as the best park out there for its many reasons. If you have small children, this park offers you a variety of rides that are fit just for them. Some of the attractions that your younger kids will enjoy are Dumbo, Casey Jr. Splash ’N’ Soak Station, It’s a Small World and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. For the older kids and parents who love rides then these few attractions will be perfect for you like Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain and Seven Dwarves Mine Train. And don’t forget about the many different characters you can meet within the park and parades and fireworks. The food selection at Magic Kingdom is pretty amazing too from dining with the princesses at Cinderella’s Royal Table to having dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern, there is something for everyone.

Epcot

Epcot – Spaceship Earth
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Epcot is another wonderful park that has much to do during your visit. This park has several seasonal festivals that thy like to host for their guests to enjoy. The festivals that you may experience on your visits can be the International Festival of the Arts (happening now), International Flower & Garden Festival (Spring), and International Food & Wine Festival (Fall). All of these events have their own unique things that you and your family can experience on each trip. The attractions that the younger kids can enjoy would be Frozen Ever After, Spaceship Earth, Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure and Journey into Imagination with Figment. The older kids and adults may love Living with the Land, Soarin’, and Test Track. You also have many different selections of food to choose from throughout the park and from around the world!

Hollywood Studios

The Twilight Tower of Terror
Slinky Dog Dash

Hollywood Studios is another fantastic park to head to on your next vacation. The latest addition to the park is Toy Story Land where you and your family get to transform into being a toy size and explore Andy’s Backyard. With the new roller coaster addition to the area, Slinky Dog will not disappoint any family member and is fun to ride in Slinky Dog. There is Alien Swirling Saucers and Toy Story Mania for the family to ride as well. Some of the other attractions throughout the park that you can enjoy would be Rockin’ Roller Coaster (for older kids and parents), Star Tours, The Twilight Tower of Terror and more. You can also meet some of the Star Wars Characters and dine with Disney Jr. Characters at Hollywood & Vine. Opening later in 2019 will be the long awaited “Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge” as well so be on the lookout then.

Animal Kingdom

Pandora – The World of Avatar
Kilimanjaro Safari

Animal Kingdom is like no other park that we have visited and just celebrated its 20th year anniversary in 2018. Many guests love to visit Animal Kingdom to experience viewing many animals and rides fun for the whole family. For those guests who love animals, the we do suggest you take advantage of riding Kilimanjaro Safaris where you can see many animals on this ride and it’s good for the whole family. There is Expedition Everest Roller Coaster for the older kids and The Boneyard for the younger kids. The food here is amazing and you will have plenty of selection to choose from. An amazing area in Animal Kingdom is Pandora – The World of Avatar where you can ride Flights of Passage and Na’vi River Journey to experience the world of Pandora.

On the day that you are going to visit Walt Disney World, we suggest that you and your family leave your Anna Maria Island vacation rental around 6:00 am, so that you are able to enjoy the park more. Depending on if you’d like to visit all 4 parks in a day or choose one park to visit you can. Relax for the remainder of your beach vacation by sitting by the water soaking up the amazing experience you had for the day to the parks. We can’t wait to see you and your family on your next beach vacation to Anna Maria Island this year!

January 19, 2019August 10, 2022

Coquina Beach Market – come explore with AMI Live

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:

https://www.facebook.com/AMILOCALS/videos/560918361051988/

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!

December 23, 2018August 10, 2022

Explore Sarasota on your Next Vacation to Anna Maria Island

When you go on vacation to Anna Maria Island you will probably want to explore many different things on the island or surrounding towns. From the white sands of Anna Maria Island, art events, local restaurants to finding a new family friendly activity to do. There is so much to do on Anna Maria Island while you are staying in one of our Water Access vacation rentals but there is so much more to do. Why not have a day exploring Sarasota on your next vacation to Anna Maria Island? You won’t be disappointed in what you find there.

It’s a Circus

The first stop that you and your family must go to in Sarasota would have to be to explore the Ringling Grounds. Here you can explore the three amazing museums that are on the grounds which happen to be the Ringling Circus Museum, Museum of Art with a Sculpture Park. If you venture to the end of the grounds you will find a breathtaking museum on the water that is known as the iconic Ca d’Zan Mansion. When you come visit the museums it’s a celebration of the Ringling Circus decades of influential history which you don’t want to miss.

Big Cat Habitat

If your family loves animals, then we suggest heading over to the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. Located on Palmer Blvd in Sarasota you and your family can visit the safe haven for big cats and other animals. This sanctuary features 3 large habitats that are complete with swimming pools and plants to help create a more natural environment. What a wonderful way to learn and see demonstrations on how to understand conservation preservation.

Save Our Seabirds

With so many different wildlife that you may see while you are on the gulf coast, you will want to go see the Save Our Seabirds Conservation Center. Located on the Ken Thompson Parkway adjacent from the Mote Marine Aquarium, you and your family can see the center that rescues and cares for sick wild birds. They will release them back into their natural habitats once they have had time to healed and if there is a bird that isn’t able to return to the wild, then they will be a part of their Wild Bird Learning Center. Save Our Seabirds sits on about 3 acres of land and houses over 150 birds. As an outdoor museum that is used for educational purposes, this can be a great field trip while you vacation on Anna Maria Island.

Bayfront Park

Do you and your family love the outdoors and want to see more of Sarasota? Then head over the Bayfront Park where you can enjoy one of Sarasota’s best outdoor recreation spots. Here you can hike, ride a bike or jog as there are plenty of paths for you to enjoy. There are also full amenities here that your family can take advantage of such as playgrounds, picnic tables, restrooms and wildlife viewing area. Don’t forget your camera or phone so you can take beautiful pictures of the bay and city. The park is open from 6 am to 11 pm every day.

While there are plenty of things for you to do in the Sarasota area on your next vacation, don’t forget about some of the amazing things you can do here as well. Anna Maria Island is a vacation destination that you must visit every year with your family! Staying in one of our beautiful Water Access vacation rentals will keep you where you want to be. We want your next vacation to be as magical as the first one here on Anna Maria Island!

December 20, 2018August 10, 2022

NCAA Bowl Games & An Anna Maria Beach Vacation

NCAA Football Bowl time is upon us! It’s time to pencil in a luxury beach vacation to Anna Maria Island on your bracket. In December and January, Florida hosts eight NCAA Bowl Games. Four of those are within driving distance from the beautiful beaches of Anna Maria, Florida.

bowl games are fun

NCAA Bowl Games in Florida

Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl

The Bad Boys Mowers Gasparilla Bowl starts at 8:00 pm on December 20^th in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium. The local South Florida Bulls will take on the Marshall Thundering Herd. The Fan Invasion starts at 4:30 pm outside the stadium so be sure to arrive early.

Camping World Bowl

Next up, the Camping World Bowl will be played in Orlando on December 28^th, and the match-up between the Syracuse Orangemen and the West Virginia Mountaineers is sure to be a good one! Kick-off starts at 5:15 pm. FanFest will begin at 1:15 pm on Tinker Field next to the Stadium for this NCAA Bowl Game. Admission is FREE with lots of fun activities for everyone in your group.

Outback Bowl

On New Year’s Day, the Outback Bowl kicks off in Tampa at noon and has the Iowa Hawkeyes playing vs. the Mississippi State Bulldogs. It’s held at Raymond James Stadium and there’s no shortage of excitement leading up to the game. The Pregame Bowl Bash starts at 9:00 am with live music and a Pep Rally outside the stadium, and food and refreshments will also be available.

Citrus Bowl

Finally, the VRBO Citrus Bowl starts at 1:00 pm in Orlando on January 1^st, 2019. The Penn State Nittany Lions will take on the Kentucky Wildcats at Camping World Stadium. FanFest begins at 9:00 am on Tinker Field next to the Stadium. Admission is FREE featuring interactive games, face painting, and food and beverages available for purchase from local vendors.

Where to Stay

With Anna Maria just a short drive away, why not enjoy a relaxing week at the beach before or after the big game? Traveling with all of your family and friends? Atlantis Beach House has plenty of room and a waterslide! Or, Nautical Tides features a fantastic rooftop deck overlooking the Bradenton Beach Marina. While Blue Pearl has a lush and tropical backyard oasis to escape to after a long day of adventures. So, plan on a day in Tampa, Orlando, or St. Petersburg for the big game, and then spend the rest of your time on the sunny shores of the Gulf of Mexico beaches!

What’s Your Next Move?

Well, grab your playbook, call an audible to an agent, and get yourself booked into one of our available vacation rental homes! There’s not much more for you to do once you touchdown in Anna Maria Island, but relax!

2017 Outback Bowl Fans

December 1, 2018August 10, 2022

New Years on Anna Maria Island

New Years Eve on Anna Maria Island is the Best

It’s almost time to Ring in 2019! What would be a better way to celebrate New Year’s Eve than toasting with champagne on the sandy shores of Anna Maria Island? Check out our favorite Local ways to celebrate New Years on Anna Maria Island! Oh ya, and some amazing homes that are still available for you to reserve!!

Places to Go and Things to Do

The Beach House Restaurant

200 Gulf Drive North, Bradenton Beach, FL

The Beach House Restaurant is a great place to watch sunset, grab a happy hour cocktail, or ring in the New Year on Anna Maria Island. Check out the video below to see for yourself! Although the exact event details have not been announced at the time we are writing this, we are assured that it will be very similar to last year’s New Years Eve event. So, you can look forward to dancing the night away with a DJ from 8:30pm – 12:30am. The Beach House will feature dinner and drink specials, and a fantastic fireworks display! This will definitely cap off the evening and send you into 2019 with a big smile on your face. Come and stay with us in one of our nearby luxury vacation rentals that are still available for New Years Eve! Amazing homes like Nautical Tides, Gulf View Beach House, or Tropical Hideaway are still available. You’ll be sure co celebrate New Years on Anna Maria Island the right way, cheers!

Main Street Live!

Old Main Street, 400 12^th St W, Bradenton FL

Main Street Live! It’s a block party from 5:30pm – 2am EST! Main street traffic is shut down and all of the restaurants, pubs and bars are open! Walk around Downtown Bradenton and enjoy the festivities. There will be a concert stage with live music all night from 5:30pm – 11:30pm EST. There will be a large Street Fair. It will include food trucks and local merchants. Grab a bit to eat and stroll, snack, and dance your way into the new year.

Old Main Street in Bradenton is an eclectic mix of old and new, with a place for everyone. The Village of the Arts is nearby as well, with even more fun offerings. There are numerous bars and restaurants, and plenty to do if the Street Fair and Main Street Live is too much for you. Tuck into a bar or restaurant and enjoy. Your property manager would be happy to give you any advice on which places to go and what to do if you need more specifics. Or, do it all! There is a good chance you’ll run into the AMI Locals here.

Sarasota Pineapple Drop

Gulf Stream Avenue and Main Street, Downtown Sarasota

After all, why watch the ball drop like everyone else in the USA? Boring! Instead, every year on December 31^st, from 1pm – 1:30am EST, Sarasota counts down to midnight and drops a large light up Pineapple! Main Street in downtown Sarasota is blocked off for an awesome street fair all afternoon and evening. There will be a ferris wheel, carnival-style fairway with games, funnel cake, and live music into the wee hours of the brand-new year, 2019. Fireworks also happen at midnight over Sarasota Bay, so you will be in a prime viewing spot!

Transportation – Get Home Safe

Picking a place to spend your New Years on Anna Maria Island is almost as important as making sure you get there, and back home safely! Don’t worry though, we have you covered with tons of Transportation options! Anna Maria has a lot of options for our guests. Don’t stress about a designated driver, parking, or having an extra cocktail when celebrating!

The AMI Free Trolley is a great option to get around the island. If you want a little more lively environment, and transportation that runs late, be sure to check out the Monkey Bus. It is always easy to use, fun, and a great way to get around. If you need something more private or luxurious for your New Years on Anna Maria Island, be sure to contact Mark at Coastal Limousine. He has an assortment of vehicles. He is professional, timely, and always available for your transportation needs. Uber is also another option.

Follow the links provided above for Contact information, hours of operation, and more details.

And Remember, no matter how you choose to celebrate the New Year on Anna Maria Island, our entire team here at AMI Locals want to wish you and yours a very happy and healthy 2019!

November 22, 2018August 10, 2022

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! Come down to Anna Maria Island where we have tons of stuff for kids and adults. The island is an amazing place for kids and adults. We have playgrounds for the kids, tons of stores for shopping, Ice Cream shops and bars for you to enjoy. And don’t forget about the beautiful sunsets on the beaches of Anna Maria Island. So, come on down and stay in one of our wonderful houses with AMI Locals. We can’t wait to see you when you come.

-Savanna Coba 8 years old

Photo credits go to:

https://www.facebook.com/SmallTownCreamery/

https://www.facebook.com/westcoastsurfshop1964/

http://sunandsurfami.com

https://www.facebook.com/Two-Scoops-Ice-Cream-194072183988685/

https://www.theislandplayers.org/

September 28, 2018August 10, 2022

Rock Climbing In St. Petersburg Florida

What do some of our AMI Locals do on their day off?

Well rock climbing of course, at Vertical Ventures in St. Petersburg! With St. Petersburg being such a short drive away from Anna Maria Island, it makes it so easy to go check out this awesome Rock Climbing Gym on your vacation to Anna Maria Island. Escape the rain or the sun, and find a fun and safe place to have some fun with the whole family. Sarah, one of our AMI Locals, and her husband decided to take the day and do some rock climbing and get some great video along the way.

Picture of rock climbing gym

As you can see here, there is plenty of space to climb! This gym has everything you need to get on the wall, from rock climbing shoes to chalk. One of the other great things about this rock climbing gym is that it is an attraction for the entire family, so no one will feel left out of this excursion. Check out this video of Sarah’s first attempt on the wall:

Overall, this place is awesome and a great way to spend some time if you are trying to escape the beach for a little while or just wanting a fun and different adventure. So what should you expect when you go to rock climb?

Here is a list of things to keep in mind when you go:

Don’t worry, they have ropes! It’s an extremely safe way to have a lot of fun.
They have everything you need as far as gear. You won’t need to bring anything except maybe your friends or family!
They will show you everything you need to know about the gear and rock wall.
And if you do want to bring something, snacks and water should be top of the list.
Remember to have fun! This isn’t the movie Cliffhanger and you’re not Sylvester Stallone 😉

To show you what a good time you’ll have, here is a picture of our AMI Local Sarah and her husband after a great time at the rock climbing gym.

Sarah and her husband at a rock gym

September 16, 2018August 10, 2022

What to Do When It Rains on Anna Maria Island

Going on vacation is always fun especially when you go to the beach. But what if you have a day or two of rain when visiting Anna Maria Island? Don’t worry because there are plenty of things that you can do when it rains on Anna Maria Island. Let’s look below at a few activities that there are to do while you vacation in paradise.

Mote Marine Museum

What to Do When It Rains on Anna Maria Island

The Mote Marine Museum is a non-profit museum where you and your family can go and enjoy the day. The museum has many different exhibits that everyone in the family will want to enjoy. From their Shark Zone to the reef animals exhibits, you will be sure to learn about animals. The aquarium does offer a blend of entertainment and education with a working marine laboratory. You can visit this in Sarasota, Florida from 10 am to 5 pm seven days a week including holidays.

Anna Maria Island Jail & Historical Society

Visiting one of our historical museums can be so much fun for the whole family. You will not be disappointed if you come and visit the Old City Jail, the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum and more. The historical society museum was constructed in a 1920 icehouse and then became a auto garage, sea turtle hatchery and an admin building. The exhibits you will see will help tell the stories of the first settlers of the island and what they left behind. This is open on weekdays from 10 am to 1 pm. What a fun day to spent with the family!

South Florida Museum

What to Do When It Rains on Anna Maria Island

South Florida Museum is another great option to take the kids out while it rains. Here you will be able to explore the largest natural and cultural history museum on the Florida’s Gulf Coast. Not only do you get to visit all the exhibits at the South Florida Museum, but you will also be able to visit the Parker Manatee Aquarium and the Bishop Planetarium as well. Admission to get in is $19 for each adult, $17 for Seniors 65+, $12 for each child from 4-12. Children under 4 do get in for free with each paying adult. Don’t let this visit slip by when you visit Anna Maria Island!

There are many other things that you can do while it rains on your vacation, but these are just a few we thought you’d enjoy. And if you don’t feel like going out for the day in the rain, then spend your time at your gulf view vacation rental. Bring board games or play a game of cards with the family. Watch movies or just enjoy a nice afternoon nap. No matter when you come to visit paradise and a rainy day happens, there is always something for you to do!

September 1, 2018August 10, 2022

Sports + Beach Vacations

Combining Sporting Events and Beach Vacations

Combining Sporting Events and Beach Vacations? You’re probably wondering, is that really a thing? Combining sporting events and beach vacations might not be something you’ve ever thought of before; but, it can be done! Furthermore, sporting events and beach vacations makes for one amazing trip! So, let AMI Locals show you how to do it right!

The Tampa Bay Buccanneers

Since the NFL Season is right around the corner, let’s start with a look at our local team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This season, the Bucs have some great home games to play at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

First and foremost, lets take a look at the schedule:

September 16, 1pm vs. the Philadelphia Eagles – tickets start at $125
September 24, 8:15 vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers – tickets start at $125
October 21, 1pm vs. the Cleveland Browns – tickets start at $50
November 11, 1pm vs. the Washington Redskins – tickets start at $50
November 25, 1pm vs. the San Francisco 49ers – tickets start at $55
December 2, 1pm vs. the Carolina Panthers – tickets start at $50
December 9, 1pm vs. the New Orleans Saints – tickets start at $50
December 30, 1pm vs. the Atlanta Falcons – tickets start at $50

Now, look over these games, and figure out which sporting event works best with your beach vacation plans. Then, contact AMI Locals to help to plan your getaway around it!

Traveling to Anna Maria Island

So, who’s your home team? Are they listed above? If they’re headed this way when it’s snowy and cold at home why don’t you be the ultimate football fan and travel along? Getting here is easy, and you have tons of options. Either drive down, or fly into the Sarasota or Tampa airport and rent a car. Or, get fancy and hire a car or limo to take you between your destinations.

For example, if you’re a Carolina Panthers’ fan, you can fly from Charlotte, North Carolina to Tampa on December 1st, 2018 roundtrip for about $230. Then, add on a week’s stay at one of our lovely 2-3 bedroom Anna Maria Luxury Vacation Rentals such as Island Time East for about $2,450. Combine it all, and boom, you have a fantastic sporting event and beach vacation planned for just under $3,000.

How to Get to the Buccaneers Stadium from Anna Maria Island

Here’s your game plan for game day when you’re combining sporting events and beach vacations! How do you get from here to there? Tampa is about 35 miles north of Anna Maria Island. An easy 1 hour drive, and it’s very scenic! Especially if you take the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

First, you will need to take one of the bridges to the mainland, SR-64, or Cortez Road. From there you’ll hop on to I-275 N to cross the beautiful Sunshine Skyway bridge. Then, continue through St. Petersburg and then on to Tampa. The highways are easy to navigate and the exits to the stadium are clearly marked.

Parking and Tailgating at the Stadium

Parking is plentiful around the stadium, with 14 official parking lots just outside of the stadium. Furthermore, there are other parking facilities within easy walking distance. Remember to bring some cash to pay for parking! Most parking lots average around $25 per vehicle. With most people driving to the games, tailgating around the stadium is always fun. Because of that, make sure you bring some snacks and a favorite beverage or two. As a result, you’ll hang out and engage in some friendly rival team banter with the locals. After the tailgate, you’ll head into Raymond James Stadium for kickoff and the big game. Remember to #vacationlikealocal and take photos by the pirate ship, mate! Tag us @amilocals!

Other Professional and College Teams

Maybe NFL Football isn’t your thing. That’s fine, there are more options for comining sporting events and beach vacations. Instead, maybe MLB Baseball, College Football, NHL Hockey, or NBA Basketball is more your speed. Well, you’re in luck!

Within 45 minutes to 3 hours of Anna Maria Island, we have everything you need! Located 45 minutes away, we have the Tampa Bay Rays, with a season running from March-October. Also, there are some great NCAA College Football teams within 1-3 hours of Anna Maria Island. Those teams include the USF Bulls in Tampa, the UCF Knights in Orlando, and the Florida Gators in Gainesville. The NCAA College Football season runs from September until late November. The Tampa Bay Lightning are about an hour away in Tampa. Their season runs from September – April each season. Finally, the Orlando Magic, are located about 2 hours away from Anna Maria Island. This NBA team offers a great sporting event to attend from October – April each season.

Why it’s the Best Option

When you’re combining sporting events and beach vacations you become the smartest fan in any stadium. Taking that one step further, when you’re combining sporting events and beach vacations on Anna Maria Island you become one of the smartest fans in the world. The convenience of our island, and it’s fantastic proximity to so many great sport events and venues, makes this the ideal vacation for all sports fans.

Tampa has hosted the NFL Superbowl, NCAA College Basketball Tournament for Men and Women; and, Orlando, Miami, Tampa, all have NCAA Football Bowl Games including the Orange Bowl. There is so much here, within a short drive away. Skip the crowds of the big city, and commute in for the event only. Spend the rest of your time relaxing at the beach.

Plus, most sports occur during the Fall and Winter months. Fall on Anna Maria Island is an absolutely wonderful time of year to visit. Check out our recent AMI Locals blog post, FALL in love with Anna Maria, to get a little more insight into how we locals feel about the autumn months here on the Island. Spoiler alert: we love it!

Just remember to wash off your game face paint before applying your sunscreen!