Plan a Picture-Perfect Memorial Day Weekend Vacation on Anna Maria Island

Are you dreaming of sunshine, salty breezes, and endless family fun this Memorial Day weekend? Look no further, as Anna Maria Island has it all! This hidden gem of an island is located off Florida’s Gulf Coast and offers everything you need for a picture-perfect Memorial Day vacation. Below, let’s explore how your family can enjoy your picture-perfect Memorial Day weekend on Anna Maria Island.

 

Stay in a Beach or Gulf View Vacation Rental

Imagine waking up every morning to a breathtaking view of the beach or the shimmering waters of the Gulf just outside your window. When you book a Beach or Gulf view vacation rental with AMI Locals, that’s precisely what you’ll experience. Whether you’re seeking a small vacation rental perfect for a family of four or a spacious rental ideal for a larger group of ten, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy breakfast with a view of the sunrise and spend the evening on your balcony watching the sunset over the Gulf.

 

Tip: Memorial Day weekend is a popular time on the island as it kicks off the summer – booking your Gulf or Beach rental view early ensures the best selection.

 

Family-Friendly Activities for Everyone

 

Anna Maria Island is the perfect place to create new family memories, featuring activities and attractions for everyone. Let’s explore some of these options for each age group below:

 

For Little Ones

 

·      Bayfront Park is a peaceful park with a playground right by the water, shaded picnic areas, and beaches with little waves, perfect for young swimmers.

·      Anna Maria Island Trolley allows families to explore the island without worrying about parking – and the best thing is it’s free to use!

 

For Tweens & Teens

 

·      Renting Bikes or a Golf Cart is an excellent option for families who have older kids. Explore the island on two or four wheels and discover some hidden beach paths around the island.

·      Paddleboarding or Kayaking allows tweens and teens to be adventurous by exploring the calm, clear waters of the area. Parents love doing this, too, and it makes a great family outing.

 

Fun for the Whole Family

 

·      Beach Days, of course, is the perfect way that families can have fun together. Build sandcastles, hunt for seashells, or soak up the sun with our beautiful white sands of the island.

·      Dolphin Tours is a family-friendly boat tour where you’re almost guaranteed to spot these beautiful, playful dolphins swimming beside your boat.

 

Celebrate Memorial Day Island-Style

Many local restaurants and shops celebrate Memorial Day with specials and live entertainment. You can enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant or a picnic dinner on the beach. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not explore a few other events on Memorial Day weekend with the family?

 

With its laid-back atmosphere, stunning beach and Gulf views, and family-friendly, Anna Maria Island is the perfect destination for your Memorial Day weekend vacation. Book your Beach or Gulf view vacation rental now and prepare to make new memories with the family. We can’t wait to see you and your family on your Memorial Day weekend vacation here on Anna Maria Island!

Must Have Items for Your Beach Bag

Are you headed to the white sandy beaches of Anna Maria Island this spring for your vacation? Nothing says vacation like spending a few days sitting on the beach, soaking up the rays. When staying in one of our Beach and Golf View vacation rentals, having the right items in your beach bag will help enjoy your vacation a little better. We have compiled a small list to be sure that you will be ready for your next vacation to Anna Maria Island.

Must Have Items

Beach Bag

Having the right beach bag can make ALL the difference in the world. Sure, you can throw all of your items into any old bag, but did you know that all beach bags were not created equal. We suggest looking at the size, water and sand resistance, security and stylish when searching for your bag. We have found that even using a backpack, diaper bag or a large utility tote bag works perfect for a beach bag.

Beach Towels

Pack a towel for everyone in your family whether you are going to sit in the sun or swim in the ocean. Bringing an extra towel with you is always a good idea especially if you have little ones with you. Having a beach towel with a different design can help each member in your group remember which one theirs is. This can help with the upset that the little ones will get because someone else is using their towel.

Sunscreen

With the hot southern sun on Anna Maria Island, sunscreen is a must for any beach bag. Use a sunscreen that is designed for your beach activities such as waterproof, sport, high SPF, etc.). Dermatologists recommend that you use a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF while you are enjoying the sunshine. And don’t forget to reapply throughout your day as we don’t want you to ruin your vacation here with a sunburn. If you happen to get a little too much sun, pack a bottle of aloe and stick it in the fridge. This can help soothe the burn so you can enjoy your vacation a little more.

Mesh Bag for Sand Toys

When you go on vacation with kids, bringing toys to play in the sand is a must. But we understand that bringing back the sand into your car or vacation rental can be a hassle. If you pack in your beach bag a mesh bag such as a laundry bag or a bag specifically for beach toys can help eliminate the mess. Just throw the sandy toys into the bag, give it a good shake and leave the sand behind at the beach. You can purchase these online or in a local store to bring with you on your vacation.

Baby Powder

This is a must when you go on vacation whether you have the kids with you or not. Whether you are staying in a vacation rental or you decided to drive your car to the beach access, sand will be all over you when you leave the beach. So, bringing baby powder in your beach bag will magically get the sand off of your body without irritation and leave a nice scent too.

Hat & Sunglasses

Bringing both of these items can be very useful for anyone who visits the beach. The sun in the south is a lot warmer than it would be up north, and so we want to make sure you are protected. Having sunglasses will protect your eyes from the sun bright rays and will offer you some relief when trying to keep an eye on your little ones playing. Whether you have a floppy hot or a baseball cap, you will be happy that you brought these along with you. Be sure to pack one for each member of your family.

Beach Blanket

This is an item that is often overlooked when packing your beach bag for many families. With all the excitement of spending your days on the beach that you forget to pack one. One beach blanket that we recommend you try and grab is sand-proof beach blanket. This is made to make it easier to keep the sand off the food, little hands of the kids and all the clothes. Another beach blanket alternative is using a full-size fitted sheet especially if you have young kids. Put something heavy in each of the corners and you can have a sand-free zone for your babies. Now we can’t guarantee that the kids won’t bring back sand to your vacation rental, but know that while you’re sitting on the sand your belongings will be safe.

There are many other items that you can pack into your beach bag for your next trip to Anna Maria Island, but these are the must have items we thought you should have with you. If you are still looking for a place to stay for your next getaway, then check out our Beach and Gulf View vacation rentals today. We can’t wait to see you and your family as you enjoy the white sandy beaches of Anna Maria Island!