An Anna Maria Island summer is marked by blue skies, perfect water temperatures, and days filled with sunshine, and is often considered one of the best times to visit the island. If you haven’t locked down your summer vacation destination, there’s no need to worry. There’s still time to book your Anna Maria Island vacation with Island Dreams Realty! You’ll have plenty of options with rentals in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton. Find out why experiencing an Anna Maria Island summer is a must!

Why Anna Maria Island is the Perfect Summer Destination

During the summer, Anna Maria Island’s temperatures reach the 90s, and the temperatures drop to the 70s. While it may be hot, Anna Maria is filled with plenty of activities that provide an ideal escape from the heat. Go for a refreshing dip in the calm Gulf waters to cool off or snorkel the clear waters of Coquina and Cortez Beach and spot AMI’s colorful marine life. Other favorites include paddleboarding, kayaking, biking, mini golfing, and dolphin tours – all of which are family-friendly! The free Island Trolley makes it easy to explore Anna Maria without a car, so make sure to take full advantage of it during your Anna Maria vacation!

Summer is also a great time to view wildlife on Anna Maria Island. Sea turtle nesting season runs from May through October, and respectful visitors might spot tracks or even hatchlings with guidance from local conservation groups. Dolphin and manatee sightings are common so we highly recommend booking an eco-tour to learn more about these majestic creatures and get an up-close look at the island’s natural beauty.

Summer Events on Anna Maria Island

Turtle Tracks & Shorebird Facts by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch

Come learn about sea turtles and shorebirds on Anna Maria Island from Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring volunteers. It’s an interactive and fun event for the whole family and includes giveaways! The event is free and held on Mondays from 10 AM to 11 AM at Holmes Beach City Hall.

Shop at Coquina Beach Market

Shop with over 80 vendors at the Coquina Beach Market in Bradenton Beach on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 AM – 12 PM. You’ll find a mix of offerings, including fresh produce, homemade arts and crafts, jewelry, clothes, and more! The market is held at Gulf Drive S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217. 

Catch a Bradenton Marauders Game 

Immerse yourself in America’s favorite pastime by cheering on the Bradenton Marauders at LECOM Park. The team is the minor league affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the stadium is less than a 30-minute drive from the island, so enjoy a family-friendly outing of professional baseball and good times on your vacation!

Find Your Dream Anna Maria Island Vacation Rental

From cozy beach cottages to luxury waterfront homes, our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals fit every budget and group size. Many rentals offer amenities like full kitchens, private pools, beach gear, and even pet-friendly options. Unlike crowded hotels, a rental gives you space and privacy, perfect for families or longer stays.

Royal Palms – Holmes Beach

Step into luxury at Royal Palms, a four-bedroom Holmes Beach vacation rental just steps from the beach. The home boasts an incredible outdoor oasis with an oversized private pool, hot tub, and fire pit. This rental is perfect for those looking to elevate their Anna Maria Island vacation. 

Bay Retreat – Bradenton

This gorgeous three-bedroom, three-bath canalfront rental has everything you need for a memorable stay. Make a splash in the private pool, fish off the floating dock, or play a round of putt putt on the green. Reserve your stay at Bay Retreat this summer!

Al’s Dream – Bradenton Beach

Located just across the street from Coquina Beach, Al’s Dream is part of a duplex unit featuring three bedrooms and two baths for six guests. Lounge by the shared pool or walk two minutes to the beach for a relaxing beach day. You can also rent the upstairs (Angie’s Place) if you need extra space. 

 

If you’re looking for a summer destination that offers a true escape from the noise, Anna Maria Island is it. With its stunning beaches, charming character, and endless ways to relax or explore, AMI proves that paradise doesn’t have to be crowded, overpriced, or out of reach. So pack your flip-flops, grab your sunglasses, and get ready to fall in love with this little slice of Florida heaven.

While Anna Maria Island is relatively small, it boasts some of the best beaches in Florida. Powdery white sand, turquoise blue waters, and the island’s laidback vibe are all you need for a relaxing beach vacation. Our guide to the best Anna Maria Island beaches will help you choose which will suit you best.

1. Bean Point Beach – Secluded and Serene

For a more secluded beach experience, plan a beach day at AMI’s hidden gem, Bean Point Beach. Bean Point Beach is named after Anna Maria Island’s first resident, George Emerson Bean. Here, you’ll be greeted with wide, sandy shores, blue skies, and clear water, perfect for beachcombing, swimming, and relaxing.

What makes Bean Point unique is its remote feel. No commercial establishments, restrooms, or lifeguards are here, so come prepared with everything you need for a beach day. Parking is limited so we highly recommend getting there in the early morning to secure your spot.

How to Get There:
Head north on North Bay Blvd. from the Anna Maria City Pier until you reach the intersection of North Bay Blvd. and North Shore Dr.

Bean Point Public Beach Accesses:

• Crossroads of North Bay Boulevard and North Shore Drive (793 N Shore Dr., Anna Maria 34216, FL)
• Crossroads of Gladiolus Street and North Shore Drive
• Crossroads of Fern Street and North Shore Drive

2. Manatee Public Beach – Family-Friendly and Lively

For a family-friendly and more lively beach experience, head to Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach. This is Anna Maria’s most popular beach, known for its serene waters, perfect for swimming, wide beach, and free parking. Several amenities include restrooms, lifeguards, playground, beach volleyball courts, and more. If you’re traveling with kids in tow, this is the perfect beach to come to.

You’ll enjoy the convenience of being steps away from Anna Maria Island Beach Café, which serves breakfast, lunch, or dinner right on the beach. The café is famous for its all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, making it a favorite among visitors.

How to Get There:

Parking is free at 4000 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach, 34217, FL. Spots do fill up quickly, so we encourage you to get there early. Trolleys are also available to transport visitors.

3. Coquina Beach – Best for Activities and Amenities

You’ll find Coquina Beach on the southern end of Anna Maria Island. With ample parking, picnic areas, BBQ grills, playgrounds, and shaded pavilions, it’s an excellent spot for a full day of beach fun. With lifeguards on duty, it’s also an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling.

Visitors can participate in water sports like jet skiing, paddleboarding, or kayaking. Across from Coquina Beach, you can explore Coquina Bay Walk, a series of trails and boardwalks through mangrove tunnels. On Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, you can shop at the nearby Coquina Beach Market, which offers local crafts, fresh produce, and unique souvenirs.

How to Get There:

Parking is available at 2651 Gulf Dr., Bradenton Beach, FL 34217. It is free, and trolleys are also available to transport visitors.

4. Bayfront Park – Best Views of Tampa Bay

If you’re looking for a bit of change in scenery, Bayfront Park Beach, located on the island’s northern side, is great for those who prefer a quieter setting. With views of Tampa Bay and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, this scenic spot is ideal for picnicking, fishing, and swimming. The park boasts several amenities, including grills, pavilions, benches, restrooms, and water fountains.

Another perk of a beach day at Bayfront Park is its close proximity to the historic Anna Maria City Pier and the nearby restaurants and shops. Stroll down Pine Avenue and window shop, or stop in to grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants. You’ll find there is plenty to do and see by Bayfront Park.

How to Get There:

Parking can be found at 315 N. Bay Blvd. Parking is free but fills up quickly.

Book Your Anna Maria Island Vacation Rental

Anna Maria Island is a beach lover’s paradise, with each beach offering its own unique experience. Our Anna Maria Island rentals offer the perfect home base for your beach getaway. With amenities like beachfront, private pool, and pet-friendly, we have all you need to enjoy an island escape. Book your Anna Maria rental with Island Dreams Realty and experience the beauty of AMI.

The Bradenton and Anna Maria Island area is a tropical haven tucked along the Gulf Coast of Florida, beckoning to visitors with gorgeous beaches and a laid-back atmosphere. If your dog typically travels with you, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that Bradenton is a very dog-friendly area. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know if you’re planning a Bradenton visit that includes your furry friend. 

Dog-Friendly Bradenton Outdoor Activities

When it comes to dog-friendly beaches, Bradenton has you covered. One of the favorites among locals and visitors alike is the Palma Sola Causeway Beach. This picturesque spot located on Manatee Avenue Causeway between Bradenton and Anna Maria Island offers a designated dog beach area, allowing your pup to frolic in the sand and surf alongside you. 

If you’re looking for more adventure, then Robinson Preserve is a must-visit. This expansive nature preserve features dog-friendly trails winding through mangroves and tidal marshes, with stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. Make a stop at the observation tower to see coastal birds and marine animals, or rent a kayak for you and your furry companion to explore the paddling trails throughout the preserve.

Take your dog on a walk through history at De Soto National Memorial. This free national monument includes dog-friendly walking trails with educational signage detailing the history of the conflict between conquistadors and the original native inhabitants of the Tampa Bay area. There is a small beach where well-behaved and leashed dogs can play in the water, and a modern restroom facility with water stations available.

If you want to have a relaxing beach day with your dog, head a bit further north to Fort De Soto Dog Park. This is the only white sand beach park in the Bradenton area where dogs are allowed off-leash. There are fenced-in areas along the shore with space for large and small dogs to play in the water, as well as a cleaning station and shaded benches for taking a break. Although this beach can get crowded in the late afternoon or on the weekends, there is a good amount of space to stretch your legs with your water-loving pup.

Dog-Friendly Bradenton Restaurants

There are a variety of dog-friendly restaurants throughout Bradenton and Anna Maria Island:

In Bradenton, your dog can join you on the expansive patio at Caddy’s, where American fare is served in a tiki-themed outdoor space overlooking the Manatee River. For a delicious brunch experience, head to Sage Biscuit Cafe, where dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating. Or head to Anna Maria Oyster Bar, where a large outdoor patio is the perfect place to enjoy their amazing seafood selection.

Bring your furry friend to The Bridge Tender Inn in Bradenton Beach, a casual sandwich spot where dogs are allowed on the patio and given special attention by staff. Or head to The Kokonut Hut, where you can dine on the large beachfront patio with your dog. Further north in Anna Maria, check out the large dog-friendly patio at The Ugly Grouper and enjoy fresh, local seafood.

Bradenton Dog Care Services

If you find yourself in need of extra dog food or supplies, there are several stores in Bradenton to choose from. Local store Perks4Pets carries a variety of natural foods, and bigger chains like Petco or Pet Supermarket will have a large variety of supplies as well. If you need something while visiting Anna Maria Island, check out AMI Beach & Dog Supplies for any last-minute supplies or dog-themed souvenirs.

If your dog has health needs while you are on vacation, there are many qualified veterinary clinics in Bradenton which can help. The highly-rated DeSoto Animal Clinic offers routine and emergency services, and Manatee Vet Clinic accepts same-day appointments. For any urgent care needs, Bradenton ER Vet Clinic offers expert care at any hour.

If you are heading out for an excursion where dogs are not allowed, why not send your furry friend for a spa day or a play day? In Bradenton, Woof on Cortez and BarksBnB offer daycare services with plenty of space to run around with other dogs. The full-service Yuppy Puppy Salon offers grooming services alongside daycare and boarding, and Pup In a Tub provides full-day grooming services where your companion can get a fresh cut and plenty of attention throughout the day. 

Pack Your Bags!

With an array of pet services, outdoor dining and dog-friendly trails and beaches, Bradenton and Anna Maria Island ensure an unforgettable experience for all members of your family. Elevate your stay by booking a pet-friendly vacation rental through Island Dreams Realty, where your furry companion will have space to make themselves comfortable. Book your pet-friendly vacation rental and get ready to unleash the fun in Florida!

 

Anna Maria Island, Florida boasts pristine beaches, crystal clear water and a laid-back atmosphere, making it a special destination for visitors year-round. However, the best time to visit Anna Maria Island depends on your family’s schedule, your preferences and what you are looking for in a vacation. Here are the details of each season to help you plan your trip.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is one of the best times to visit Anna Maria Island. The weather is warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s. The water is also warm enough for swimming and water sports, rarely dipping below 73°(F). The island tends to be less crowded during this time, which means you can enjoy the beaches and other attractions without the crowds. 

Popular activities in this season include kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and biking. Since there are fewer crowds, it can be easier for visitors to secure equipment rentals, and getting around the island on two wheels is a great way to enjoy the area. There are many lively events during spring, with the annual SpringFest arts festival in March and lots of bars offering live music and events in the spring through Memorial Day weekend.

Summer (June to August)

Summer is the busiest season on Anna Maria Island, with kids out of school and many couples and families seeking a Florida beach vacation. The weather is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 85°(F) to 95°(F), although the ocean breeze blows away some of the humidity. Water temperatures are warm and comfortable during this time of year, typically staying above 83°(F). While the water is perfect for swimming, it’s also the rainy season, so you can experience quick rainstorms, especially in the afternoon.

With the warm temps, the summer is the perfect time of year for water sports and enjoying the beaches. Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, fishing – you name it! There are also lots of family-friendly activities in summer. Visitors should expect to encounter more traffic on the road and at the beach, especially on the weekends, so plan ahead when going somewhere. Availability in accommodations can also be limited, so booking your Anna Maria Island vacation rental early is recommended.

The island is also bustling with activity during summer. Local shops and restaurants host events every day of the week, with frequent live music and art fairs. The 4th of July is celebrated in a big way on Anna Maria Island, with a parade, community picnic and fireworks display for the holiday. There are lots of things to do throughout the summer, but keep in mind that the crowds might make it challenging to find parking and reservations for popular restaurants. But if you plan ahead, summer can be a great time to visit this wonderful part of Florida!

Fall (September to November)

Outside of large events, the island is less crowded during the fall. The weather remains pleasantly warm, with temperatures averaging 78°(F). Fall is considered a shoulder season on Anna Maria Island, so visitors can expect fewer crowds and lower vacation rental prices than summer. This season does include a risk of hurricanes, so visitors should monitor the forecast and plan their trip accordingly.

Since the water temperatures remain relatively warm in the mid-70s, this is great time of year to enjoy the beaches and water activities like snorkeling tours. Fall also includes seasonal celebrations, with several Halloween events for kids and adults taking place in October. The annual Bayfest also takes place on the third Saturday in October, with the whole island coming together to enjoy live music, local artists, an antique car show and kid-friendly activities. 

Winter (December to February)

Winter is a busy season on Anna Maria Island, as snowbirds flock to the area to escape harsh weather further north. With temperatures ranging from 70°(F) to 80°(F) and relatively warm water temperatures around 67°(F), this season is a great time to get a break from snow and soak up some sun. While winter does bring increased crowds, especially during the holiday season, this season is generally quieter and great for those looking for a relaxed vacation.

Popular events during winter are focused around the holiday season, and the island tends to quiet down in January. The annual Winterfest arts and crafts festival takes place in early December and fun celebrations for Christmas and New Year’s Eve happen around the island every year. Vacation rental availability and prices can reflect the increased crowds in this season, so visitors should book accommodations and activities early when possible.

 

Regardless of the season, the variety of activities and events on Anna Maria Island make it the perfect destination for your next vacation. Book your vacation rental with Island Dreams and start planning your trip to paradise!