Don’t Miss These Fun Events This December on Anna Maria Island

Sandy christmas snowman in red santa hat and sunglasses at sunny beach. Holiday concept for New Years Cards.

Do you and your family have a vacation planned to Anna Maria Island in December? If the answer is yes, allow us to share a few fun things in the area. Staying in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals will allow you and your family to be close to the fun. Let’s look below at when and where you’ll be able to attend these fun events on Anna Maria Island.

Did Someone Say a Boat Parade?

Boats lit up with Christmas lights parked at the dock in Florida

 One of the best things about vacationing on Anna Maria Island during December is seeing the boat parade. This year head over to Bradenton Beach for the 4th Annual Holiday Boat Parade. The event will take place on Saturday, December 3rd starting at 6:00 pm along the Intracoastal Waterway. You and your family will be able to see the parade from two different locations – Longboat Pass Bridge and Bradenton Beach City Pier. Think of the memories you’ll make while watching the beautiful boats pass by, all decorated for the holidays.

Privateers Christmas Parade

This December the Privateers Christmas Parade will be island-wide and will run the entire island length. The fun parade to see with the family is happening on Saturday, December 10th, 2022, from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm. This parade is presented by the Anna Maria Island Privateers and can’t be missed. After the parade, don’t leave as Santa & Mrs. Claus will be making their appearance and will have a party for the kids. Get in the Christmas spirit with the whole family as you enjoy your day together on the island.

Annual Christmas on Bridge Street

Another fun event that is returning in 2022 is the Annual Christmas on Bridge Street celebration in Bradenton Beach. On December 17th, 2022, starting at 3:00 pm and ended at 9:00 pm on Bridge Street is where you’ll be able to locate this fun-filled event. There will be plenty for the whole family to do, including a kid’s zone, holiday crafts, shopping, and food. Don’t miss out on this event this year as you help us celebrate the holidays.

Two hot cocoa drink on a bed of snow and white background, close up. Concept of christmas winter morning

Many other things are happening in the area this December, but we had to tell you of the ones listed above. If you haven’t booked your next stay in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, give us a call today. We hope to see you out there and can’t wait to hear which event was your favorite.

Celebrate the 4th of July on AMI

July 4th on AMI

Independence Day is on its way and there is no better place to stay than with AMI Locals. Celebrate with Parades, Food, Fireworks and Beach Vibes!

A few of our AMI Locals favorite recommendations for delicious food to start and finish the day :

1. Ginny’s and Jane E’s Café and Gift Shop

A fun, funky, Bakery/café serving breakfast and lunch, in a relaxed, atmosphere with loads of crazy fun things to look at and/or purchase.  Try the giant cinnamon rolls to get your weekend off to a great start.
Located at 9807 Gulf Dr. Anna Maria Island, FL 34216  941.778.3170

2. The Sandbar Restaurant

A beautiful beachfront seafood restaurant serving classic dishes that will be sure to satisfy any appetite. The Sandbar is located on the north end of Anna Maria Island and has been a favorite of locals for decades. Dine with your toes in the sand and a drink in your hand on the waterfront deck or enjoy inside dining. The Sandbar offers a gulf to table, farm to fork, and pasture to plate award winning menu. Specials vary weekly -100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216   941.778.0444  
* Fireworks just after sunset over the Gulf have been canceled this year to protect nesting turtles!

3. The Beach House Restaurant

On the beach, amazing views and delicious food. The Beach House will not disappoint. The Beach House Restaurant is located on the Bradenton Beach end of AMI and a second option for toes in the sand and beach vibe dining.  Seafood is their specialty offering some of the worlds best Oysters, Shrimp and Fish; but don’t worry you can also order up amazing New York Strip and many other delicious selections as well – 200 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217  941.779.2222
* Fireworks just after sunset over the Gulf have been CANCELED to help protect sea turtle nesting!

JULY 3rd – Parade Time!

The July 3 parade will begin at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach at 10 a.m., proceed through Holmes Beach and end near City Pier Park in Anna Maria at approx. 11:30. The parade is a fantastic event by the Privateers held annually and loved by all.

Looking for a place to lay your head after a fun-filled day?

 www.AMIlocals.com has availability with spectacular properties and a wonderful team to assist you with property needs.  Here are just a few examples:

Surfer’s Dream

Welcome to Surfer’s Dream, a beautiful new construction home perfectly located just a short walk off beach! This 4 bedroom, 6.5 bathroom home, plus loft, is absolutely amazing.

The Ritz

This gorgeous and unique home will leave you breathless, and with plenty of space and privacy for a single-family, multi-family, or large group of friends and/or family combined – everything you could want in a luxury beach vacation rental home is found here at The Ritz.
This home features 7 bedrooms, with 6 King beds, a Full over Full bunk bed, and a Queen sleeper sofa bed.

Island Paradise

Island Paradise is a beautiful beachfront condo with absolutely, incredible views. It makes you feel like you are living right on top of the beautiful blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico! The property has 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths.

For more information check out  www.amilocals.com  – take a look around and give us a call when you find your dream home away from home. We will get you all set up for the vacation of a lifetime.

We are so excited to hear from you and share our Independence Day here on Anna Maria Island.

Spend the Holidays on Anna Maria Island



It’s hard to believe that the holidays are here and pretty soon the new year will be here too. Instead of staying at home this year, sneak away on a tropical vacation to sunny Anna Maria Island. Staying in one of our AMI vacation rentals will allow you and your family to enjoy all the fun things you wouldn’t be able to at home. Let’s look below at a few things that you can do on your next vacation to Anna Maria Island this holiday season.

Fun Day in the Kitchen

Spend the Holidays on Anna Maria Island

One way that you and the family can enjoy the holidays a little more this year is by having a day of baking and decorating treats. When you stay with us in one of our AMI vacation rentals, you will have a full kitchen as you do at home to cook in. This year make some chocolate chip cookies, snickerdoodles, and how about some gingerbread. While you are making gingerbread, you can create and decorate gingerbread houses while on vacation. Have a contest to see who can decorate the best and then eat the treats afterward. Just enjoy your time together, baking in the kitchen one day on your next vacation.

Watch Holiday Movies Together

Spend the Holidays on Anna Maria Island

Another fun thing that you and the family can do this holiday season is to sit down and watch a few movies. Turn on the Hallmark Channel or stream your favorite holiday movies to the tv in the living room. Watch a classic “White Christmas” or “A Charlie Brown Christmas” while checking out the view from the windows of your beautiful rental. Pop up some popcorn or indulge in some of the treats that you made in the kitchen. No matter what you’re watching on the TV this year, just enjoy some quality time together this year.

While there are many other things that you can do while you are on vacation this year to Anna Maria Island, we wanted to share these with you. If you haven’t booked your holiday vacation to stay with us in one of our AMI vacation rentals, now is the time. We hope to see you and your family as you make new traditions this year at the beach!

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.