Beach Vacations Archives – AMI Locals Blog | Anna Maria Island Vacation Rentals

May 7, 2020January 3, 2022

Best Beaches in the World

Where are the Best Beaches in the World? According to a new post by Travel Addicts, Bean Point Beach on Anna Maria Island is one of the World’s Best Beaches!

So, our secret is out. But we’ve been saying for years that Anna Maria Island is home to the best beaches in the United States and one of the best beaches in the World. Our 7-mile long stretch of powder-soft white sandy beaches is one of the best beach vacation destinations you can choose to visit. Better yet, the beautifully clear turquoise waters and quiet beach town atmosphere are all available to you without even having to leave the country!

First, let’s take a look at Bean Point Beach.

Best Beaches in the World - Bean Point Beach, Anna Maria Island Florida

Located on the northern tip of Anna Maria Island, Bean Point Beach is breathtakingly beautiful. It is also one of the more peaceful beach spots to watch a sunset, as crowds tend to favor the more easily accessible Manatee Public Beach. Bean Point Beach is a great spot for walking. You can observe the Florida wildlife such as birds and fish, dolphins, and more. Breathe in the fresh salty air and exhale all of your stress and worries.

AMI Locals properties that are located within a very close walking distance to Bean Point Beach include: Bean Point Bungalow, Grande Haven, Coastal Queen, Beach Escape, and Bay View Beauty.

Next, let’s explore Manatee Public Beach!

Best Beaches in the World, Manatee Public Beach Anna Maria Island Florida

Manatee Public Beach is another great location where your family can see the sunset on the island! With plenty of parking, the AMI Beach Café, and amenties such as the public bathrooms onsite, it is one of the most convenient and usually more busy beach destinations on Anna Maria Island. It’s a beautiful and family-friendly place to gather and enjoy the sun and sand!

AMI Locals properties that are located within a very close walking distance to Manatee Public Beach include: The Islands West Resort Villas, Beach View Retreat, The Coconut Cottages, Sandy Pointe, and Gulf Pearl.

Finally, let’s visit Coquina Beach!

Best Beaches in the World, Coquina Beach Anna Maria Island Florida

Located on the southernmost point of Anna Maria Island, Coquina Beach features parking, public amenities, walking trails, and great views of the Longboat Pass drawbridge. The waves kick up a bit more at this beach, and the breeze is so nice! Coquina Beach Market happens here during season, too, so you can browse our local artists’ work and souvenirs.

AMI Locals properties that are located within a very close walking distance to Coquina Beach include: Sea Forever, Ocean Breeze, As Far as the Eye Can Sea, The Surof House, Beach to Bay, Crystal Waves Oasis, and Salt Life.

Thanks again to our friends at Travel Addicts!

Check out their great collection of articles and travel tips, and be sure to check out our available AMI Locals Anna Maria Island luxury vacation rental homes for your next getaway!

April 15, 2020April 15, 2020

We can’t wait to travel again!

What to Pack for Your Vacation to Anna Maria Island

Things we can’t wait to do when it’s ok to travel again…

We don’t know about you, but the time spent at home with our loved ones has been wonderful… but… we can’t wait to travel again! The beaches of Anna Maria Island especially are calling our name. So, here are the things we most look forward to visiting in the near future!

We can’t wait to…

Spend a beach day in the warm Florida sunshine at Manatee Public Beach, beginning with all-you-can-eat pancakes at AMI Beach Cafe!
Stroll down Pine Avenue and shop in person instead of just Amazon shopping online. We are great at spending money either way (whoops!) but we love the warm ambiance of the city and saying hello to the local shopkeepers.
Enjoy a Sazerac with our friends at The Doctor’s Office. It’s not often you find the perfect cocktail, but this one is pretty darn close.
Play a round of miniature golf at The Fish Hole on Bridge Street. And then walk over and check out the new Daiquiri Deck.
Get our hair cut at Acqua Aveda!!! And also our nails, massages, facials…
Just sit on the beach at Bean Point.
Wave at the adorable manatees and grab a beer at Rod ‘n Reel Pier!
Hike the mangrove trails of Leffis Key Preserve.
Sit on the patio at Wicked Cantina and watch the sunset with a big group of pals, chips & salsa, and a margarita. Yum.
Get out on the water with Egmont Key Adventures. Sunset cruises, Dolphin watching, maybe even go fishing!

We can’t wait to do all of these things, and to welcome new visitors back to our beautiful Anna Maria Island.

So please stay safe, stay healthy, wash your hands, and we hope to see you all soon on the beach! When you’re looking to book your summer vacation, give AMI Locals a call!

April 7, 2020January 3, 2022

Best Place to Vacation Post COVID-19

We are all looking forward to the days when life gets back to normal and the uncertainty has settled. One thing we will take away from this is how important it truly is to Carpe Diem, and enjoy every moment! So in the midst of COVID-19 you might be thinking we need a vacation, we need to escape and relax, and we need to have fun. But where is the Best Place to Vacation Post COVID–19? What is the future of travel after Coronavirus?

Travel in the United States and support local businesses

Here are a few things to keep in mind while planning your next vacation. Consider staying state side and travel in the United States. Also consider areas where you can support local business and economy. Major cities like New York and theme parks like Disney have been heavily impacted and will take time to get back to their usual hustle and bustle. A better option is planning a beach vacation. One place remains pristine and ready for new guests, and that’s Anna Maria Island.

Get your “Vitamin Sea” post COVID-19

Visit the best white sand beaches in Florida here in Anna Maria Island! We’ve got 7 miles of beautiful Gulf front beaches with sparkling blue water and views for miles with no high rises insight! Come Vacation like a Local and let AMI Locals help you plan your post quarantine getaway. We work with professional cleaning companies and you can rest assured linens and sheets are sterilized between every guest by our professional linen program. We have over a 160 homes in the area, and are experts in island living. Hands down the Best Place to Vacation Post COVID-19!

The beach offers a much needed serenity and the resilience of the island make it a top pick for post COVID–19 travel. Shawn Kaleta, who owns multiple homes on the island, says in regards to Anna Maria Island, “we have been through recessions before and we will get through this one. There is no better place to visit, especially after a time like this.”

Anna Maria is one of a kind in that it offers world class beaches, beautiful luxury vacation homes, and unique shops and restaurants. Check out some of our favorites like Ginny and Jane E’s, The Waterfront Restaurant, The Sand Dollar Gift Shop, Beach House Restaurant, and Acqua Aveda Salon and Spa.

So, Carpe Diem!

So we say Carpe Diem, “Seize the Day” and plan your next trip to Anna Maria Island with AMI Locals. The Best Place to Vacation Post COVID-19. There’s no better time than now! AMI Locals is a newer and rapidly growing company. 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!

March 30, 2020January 5, 2022

Anna Maria Island open shops and restaurants

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

DUFFYS TAVERN • (941) 778-2501
cash only, best burgers on Island!
www.duffystavernami.com

THE FEAST RESTAURANT • (941) 778-5092
great pizza and a full menu of other lunch/dinner items
www.thefeastrestaurantami.com

SCOTTS DELI • (941)778-3000
sandwiches (breakfast and lunch) delivery available
www.scottsdeliannamaria.com

• DRINKS •

BALI HAI BEACH RESORT LOUNGE • (941) 245-6609
Open Friday, April 3 – AMI Locals guests receive BOGO cocktail specials
www.balihaibeachresort.com

• SHOPS •

SAND DOLLAR GIFT SHOP • (941) 778-2024
10% off purchase for AMI Locals guests
https://sand-dollar-gift-shop.hub.biz/

• SALON PRODUCTS •

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!

~ The AMI Locals Team

January 6, 2020May 14, 2022

New Year, New Adventures!

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.

Daiquiri Deck 4 bedroom 4 bathroom Anna Maria Island Vacation Rental Home — Daiquiri Deck • 4 bed | 4 baths

Friends Trip

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!

Crystal Waves Oasis 7 bed 7 baths Anna Maria Island FL luxury vacation rental home — Crystal Waves Oasis • 7 bed | 7 baths

Business Travel or Corporate Retreats

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.

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.

November 6, 2019February 24, 2022

Best Beachfront Homes on Anna Maria Island

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.

Best Beachfront Rental Homes on Anna Maria Island — **SEA SWEPT • 10 bedrooms | 8 bathrooms**

Best Beachfront Homes on Anna Maria Island — **BEACHFRONT PARADISE • 8 bedrooms | 6 bathrooms**

Luxury beachfront wedding locations

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 & B can be rented all together to accommodate your wedding party for the festivities.

Best Beach House on Anna Maria Island FL — **THE TIKI • 4 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms**

Unmatched beachfront accommodations

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.

Tropical Beachfront Luxury Rental Home Florida — **SANDCASTLE • 3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms**

Coastal Decor on Anna Maria Island — **ISLAND PARADISE #2 • 3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms**

Beachfront Vacation Rental Home — **BEACHFRONT BUNGALOW • 4 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms**

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.

Stay with AMI Locals, and #vacationlikealocal!

August 5, 2019May 14, 2022

Labor Day weekend – Get away to 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.

Sunshine Skyway view from Anna Maria Island

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!

Another option, head South to Sarasota for the Sarasota Sailing Squadron 72nd Annual Labor Day Regatta. It takes place over all three days of the weekend. Also, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is a fantastic spot to visit with the family! You can’t beat seeing sea turtles up close and personally!

The best bet – the beaches!

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!

February 23, 2019February 23, 2019

What to Pack for Your Vacation to Anna Maria Island

You have just booked your next family vacation to Anna Maria Island and you have asked off work to be able to go and relax on vacation. But we know that for many families packing can be a daunting task, especially when you are vacationing with little ones. Having a plan or even a list can help you pack for the whole family so that you can relax and enjoy your beach vacation. We at AMI Locals have come up with a list to get you started on packing for your upcoming vacation.

Before you Start Packing

Going on vacation can be fun, exciting and relaxing but knowing a few things before you start to pack can help you in the long run. Always check the local forecast before you leave on vacation and yes, even before you pack. You know that you will need your swimsuits and shorts for your vacation, you may also need to bring a rain jacket or even a lightweight sweater as well depending on the time of year you visit.
Make a list of activities that you’d like to do with the family including day trips, outings or eating out. Be sure to make a list for the whole family of what you will need. We suggest doing this a few weeks before your trip just in case you need to add a few things at the last minute.
Organize a wardrobe for each day especially for the little ones including underwear and sleepwear too. To help keep you organized when packing the little ones, grab a box of gallon sized Ziploc bags and put two outfits in each one for each day. This can not only help you stay organized but can also help keep up with what they will wear each day too.

Clothing

Beach Clothing | This should consist of swimsuits (we suggest at least 2 for each family member), hats, flip-flops and cover ups (a lightweight dress will do too).
Everyday Clothing | Each member of the family should have at least 1 outfit for each day of vacation plus a couple extra ones for emergencies. For the younger children, we suggest at least 2 outfits a day and that includes underwear and socks.
Footwear | We understand that some shoes are bulky, and you don’t want to bring them, so we suggest bringing 3 pairs for each family member. A pair of comfortable tennis shoes for walking any distance, a pair of flip-flops and a nicer pair in case you want a date night or two.
Nighttime Clothing | Don’t forget about packing your pajamas and plenty of underwear and socks.

Toiletries

Haircare Products | Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Ties, Hair Gel, Shower Cap, Hair Dryer, Flat Iron, Brushes, etc.
Mouth Care | Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss
Eye-care | Contacts & Case, Contact Solution, Glasses, Sunglasses
Everything Else | Safety Pins, Feminine Products, Razors, Body Wash, Soap, Cotton Swabs, Air Freshener, etc.

Medicine Bag

Prescription Medication | Bring all medications in their original bottles in case you need to go see a doctor while on vacation you know what you are on. (Also have a list on your phone in case of an emergency.
Over the Counter Medications | Benadryl, Motrin, Tylenol, Vitamins
First Aid Kit | Band-Aids, Neosporin, Sunscreen, Aloe, etc.

Miscellaneous

These are the other items that you will need to bring with you on vacation such as things for the beach including a beach bag, chairs, towels, sand toys, beach umbrella and more. Also, if you’d like to bring your bikes you can especially for the younger kids so they can have fun at your AMI Locals vacation rental. Books and things that the kids can color with can help keep them busy on a rainy day too.

There are so many other things that you can pack for your family vacation, but we felt this list should do the trick. If you still haven’t booked your next family vacation to Anna Maria Island, we suggest you check out our availability. We can’t wait to see you and your family on your next adventure to our beautiful island!

February 18, 2019February 18, 2019

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.

A round of Mini Golf at the Fish Hole AMI
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/
Posted by AMI Locals on Monday, February 18, 2019

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/

January 19, 2019January 19, 2019

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!