Anna Maria Island – Florida’s Secret Time Capsule

Anna Maria Island - Florida's Secret Time Capsule

If you have never been to Anna Maria Island before, you may not realize that it’s like Florida’s secret time capsule. Many visitors who come to Anna Maria Island for the first time will often ask “Where are all the High-Rises?” Being only an hour south of Tampa on the west coast of Florida, you will find one of the best beaches on the gulf coast. And if you happen to be staying in one of our Gulf View vacation rentals, then you will understand why this beach is the best.

Unlike many of the other larger cities and really most of Florida, where you can see high-rises as far as the eye can see, you won’t find that on Anna Maria Island. There is only 1 building that happens to be taller than 3 stories on the entire island which is a condo complex that was built in the 1970’s. How can this even be like a normal beach town? It’s easy, it doesn’t have those big hotels but instead has amazing vacation rentals that you get to stay in every-time you visit.

On Island Time

Anna Maria Island - Florida's Secret Time Capsule

The speed limit on the main road which happens to be a two-lane “highway” that runs the entire length of the island is a nice speed of 35 mph. While this may seem like there is no way that you can find a time capsule of a town or beach that has all of the qualities that it has, it makes you glad that they take life one day at a time. Their motto is ones you’re on the island you are on island time and many visitors like that feeling.

Year-Round Fun

While you may think that visiting the island during the fall and winter months may be unreal, think again. Anna Maria Island has casual surroundings and have a climate that is temperate which is why many consider it a year-round destination. During the winter and early spring months, you may find more people trying to come visit who live in the colder states. During the summer months you find that families will occupy the area and will spend as many hours at the beach soaking up the rays. And even Coastal Living magazine has recently named Anna Maria Island among some of the nation’s “10 Best Little Beach Towns to Visit in the Fall”. What an honor that our area has received, and we take pride on it.

Modes of Transportation

Anna Maria Island is Florida's Time Capsule

While many younger people would consider the only way to get around the island is by car, many others enjoy other modes of transportation. We mean, you are on island time so why not enjoy the scenery instead by getting around via walking, bike riding and even golf cart rentals. But please note that you must have a valid driver’s license to be able to rent a golf cart on the island. Hitch a ride on the Monkey Bus as you explore our beautiful scenery. No matter what your mode of transportation may be, you will enjoy your time while on the island with your friends and family.

These are just a few reasons that you may realize that Anna Maria Island may feel like it’s Florida’s secret time capsule, but the time spent on the island for your family vacation will feel the best. Sometimes going to a different beach and noticing the hustle and bustle there will allow you to want to vacation with us at AMI Locals. We can tell you that being on island time is always fun for everyone as you will want to vacation here year after year. We hope that we can see you and your family for your next vacation to Anna Maria Island!

Best Florida beaches to visit for Labor Day weekend



Where are the Best Florida beaches to visit for Labor Day weekend? Thinking of a little getaway for the long weekend? One of the safest way to travel in this Covid time is a road trip to a private beach house!

The best beaches in Florida await you on Anna Maria Island for Labor Day weekend. Less crowded than Miami, Clearwater, and St. Pete, and with tons more charm and small town feel. There are also 7 miles of pristine white powder soft sand and crystal clear turquiose water for you to explore.

Why not stay within walking distance to the beach, in a private luxury beach house? AMI Locals offers only the best vacation rental homes in the best locations on the best island in Florida!

Surfer's Dream - Vacation Rental Anna Maria Island FL

For a family and friends staycation, you should check out Surfer’s Dream! 4 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms plus a bonus loft area that the kiddos will go crazy over! Pillow forts and late-night ghost stories for the win! Which also means the adults can enjoy happy hour in the large, open plan kitchen in peace and quiet.

AMI Locals has vacation rental homes of all different shapes and sizes, to accommodate any group! We hope to see your smiling faces (underneath your masks) soon!

Call our reservations specialists today at 941-757-8226 and let us help book you into your dream vacation – all safe and socially distanced as you choose to be.

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!

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

enjoy Anna Maria Island!

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