Top 10 Things to Know About Anna Maria Island Beaches

Anna Maria Island – It’s no secret that some of the most beautiful Gulf of Mexico beaches can be found on Anna Maria Island. Powder white quartz sand, clear blue waters, exotic wildlife and endless sunshine make for the perfect place to relax all day and let your cares wash away. There are several things to keep in mind when visiting Island beaches, so Island Real Estate has come up with our top ten list of things to know about Anna Maria Island beaches. From deciding which beach to visit to where to find parking, Here’s everything you need to know for fun in the sun.

1. Sunblock

If you are a Floridian you have a complete understanding and respect for the necessity of sunblock. It only takes one really bad sunburn to learn your lesson, and no one should suffer from this mistake on vacation. Even on an overcast day it’s possible to get sunburned! It is extremely important to slather on the sunblock at least 20 minutes prior to heading to the beach to allow your skin to properly absorb sunblock. Be sure to reapply sunblock every few hours, especially on the kids. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are safe from the sun in the water; you still need to use every precaution to avoid a bad burn. In addition to sunblock consider a hat, sunglasses, lots of water for keeping hydrated and a loose fitting shirt to cover bare skin.

2. Places to Beach

Sunset on Anna Maria Island — Be sure to catch one of Anna Maria Island’s beautiful sunsets!

Anna Maria Island has over seven miles of beaches to explore, but finding the perfect beach for you is important for having the ultimate island experience. One great thing about Anna Maria Island is the abundance of public beach accesses all along the gulf and bay sides of the island; however, not all public accesses have available parking. With each beach offering a little something different, here are four options to better curate your beach excursion.

Manatee Public Beach Access is perhaps the island’s most popular, and therefore, busiest of beach spots. With just about all the amenities you could want for the beach, Manatee Public Beach is an island hot spot. Located at the very end of west Manatee Avenue, this public beach offers tons of free parking, lifeguards, bathrooms, showers, gift shops, concessions, changing rooms, free trolley and public bus stop, volley ball nets, tourist information, picnic tables under shady Australian Pines and a fabulously sandy playground for the kids. This Beach Access is truly the heart of the island beach scene.

Coquina Beach Access is located along the south end of Anna Maria Island running up the gulf side. This popular beach has tons of parking, grill and picnic areas, playground, lifeguard, bathrooms, trolley stop, concessions, and an absolutely gorgeous walking/bike path running along the sea oat sand dunes.

Bay Front Park Beach Access is located on the northern end of Anna Maria Island south of Bean Point running along Tampa Bay. This park has an updated playground, picnic grills and shelters, bathrooms, some parking, and nearby Trolley stop at the Anna Maria City Pier. The beaches are narrow along the bay side, but there are views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Tampa bay and gorgeous sunrises.

Bean Point Beach Access is one of the most secluded and sought after beach destinations on Anna Maria Island. Parking is extremely limited making this beach more accessible by foot or via bicycle. Bean Point beaches are mostly deep and expansive with powder sand, sea oats, dunes and wildlife. Enjoy great views of Egmont key, Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

3. Beach Safety

Beach Safety is an important thing to keep in mind when swimming and enjoying a day at the beach on Anna Maria Island. Be sure to observe all signs regarding swimming conditions including rip tide warnings. Look for one of the five colored flags posted to understand current swimming precautions.

4. Shells

Anna Maria Island seashell — Shelling and Beach Combing on Anna Maria Island is fun for all ages!

Beach Combing and shelling are a fun beach activity for the entire family when visiting Anna Maria Island. With so many different species of shells and wildlife you never know what you’ll come across when strolling the powder white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. There are plenty of places to find shells on the island with some of the best finds washing up after stormy weather.

5. Beach toys

No matter how young or old beach toys are a must for the beach. Making sand castles with bucket and shovel, throwing around a Frisbee or clinging to a noodle; beach toys are always a fun addition to your beach trip.

6. Temperatures

Regardless of when you visit Anna Maria Island the weather and water temperature are almost always gorgeous. In the summer expect seasonal afternoon showers, and bath like water temperatures. Some visitors even swim in the winter, but we’ll leave that up to your judgement.

7. Turtle Season, Birds, Dolphins, and Wildlife.

Black Skimmer and baby — Black Skimmer feeding baby during nesting season on Anna Maria Island.

Anna Maria Island is fortunate to be the year round, and seasonal home of many different species of wildlife. Each year between May 1st and October 31st we find several species of Sea Turtles coming ashore to lay eggs. In the spring and winter months Anna Maria Island is home to many birds nesting on the beaches including the stoic Black Skimmers and Least Terns. Sea mammals like dolphin and manatee can be spotted around Anna Maria Island at various times throughout the year. With so much wildlife it is important to respect these beautiful inhabitants.

8. Respect the beach – Clean up

The beach is a beautiful public place that must be cherished and protected. There are wrong and right ways to utilize this resource. When visiting the beach follow all posted rules, avoid feeding the seagulls and be sure to clean up all your trash and debris when you leave. It only takes two minutes to keep trash and litter off our pristine beaches!

9. Surfing

Anna Maria Island may not be the first place that surfers flock to for huge waves, but the locals still enjoy our laid back surf culture and climate none the less. White Avenue in the city of Anna Maria is one popular surfing spot. If you aren’t into surfing try out wake boarding during your stay!

10. Day Trip to Egmont and Fishing

Egmont Key Florida — Egmont Key Light house

If you are looking for a great place to bring your boat and go for a swim Egmont Key is always fun and beautiful. Located just off the northern tip of Anna Maria Island, Egmont is a great short day trip into bay waters.

Stay up to date with everything about fishing on Anna Maria Island on the Island Real Estate local scene blog page Fishing Report. From the Intracoastal waterway to the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay there are plenty of great fishing opportunities.

When visiting Anna Maria Island be sure to stay safe, have fun, put on your sunscreen and enjoy lounging on beautiful Florida beaches!

Anna Maria Island Vacation Rental Homes and Accommodations

If you are looking for the perfect vacation rental home visit IslandReal.com today! Enjoy the largest selection of vacation rental accommodations to choose from on the island along with great customer service!

Anna Maria Island Club vacation rental and accommodations — Anna Maria Island Club is a picturesque direct beach front condominium complex located in Bradenton Beach. Anna Maria Island Club 44 offers accommodations for up to 6 guests with balcony views of the gulf from both the living room and master bedroom. Click on the image above to reserve your stay at Anna Maria Island Club 44 today!

Anna Maria Island Fall Tourist Guide

The Anna Maria Island fall tourist guide is a great resources for visitors and locals alike! After a hot summer, fall welcomes cooler weather and fun activities! Along with these great activities, also check out suggested Fall family beach rentals.

Anna Maria Island Fall Tourist Guide

Here are our top eight things to do, and know during Fall on Anna Maria Island. Furthermore, find out why this is a fantastic time of year to plan an Anna Maria Island beach vacation!

Morning Beach Walk

Fall is an amazing time for a quiet walk on the beach with the sunrise. This is also a great time to catch up on some beach combing. Early morning temperatures are beautiful in Autumn. However, you will find that fall doesn’t necessarily mean it won’t be hot by mid day. For this reason, it’s nice to get up early while there is a crisp morning breeze off the gulf. Grab a cup of coffee, slip on your flip flops, and enjoy the peace of the beach at day break!

Beach Markets

Mid Fall, usually in November, is when all the beach markets begin their season. With the produce growing season underway, and weather that’s a tad less hot, markets are a great fall attraction. The Coquina Beach Market and Bridge Street Market are the two most popular on Anna Maria Island. However, here is a list of local markets to visit off island as well.

Wildlife Viewing, fall migration and local parks

As early as late summer you will notice an increase in local wildlife. For the expert wildlife viewers, it’s no secret that fall is the height of migration in Florida. This is when both the human and feathered snow birds make their early descent to Anna Maria Island.

Fall is an amazing time of year to get out to our local parks and preserves. Again, the weather is starting to cool, so enjoying the outdoors is more bearable than the summer months. During your visit check this list of parks and preserves on or around the island. These great locations give you the opportunity to get up close with Florida wildlife!

Go Swimming!

That’s right, you can still go for a swim in the Autumn months! Gulf of Mexico temperatures hang around 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit between September and December. This is not to say we don’t occasionally get below the 70’s, but these water temperatures are still swimable. Especially if you are visiting from the north, you will find Gulf temperatures very nice. On the other hand, locals tend to stop swimming a bit earlier. Really personal preference plays a big part in Fall island swimming.

Stone Crabs and Fishing

Stone Crab season starts mid October for the Florida gulf coast. While one of the countries oldest fishing villages lies just inland from Anna Maria Island; this is an anticipated time of year. Cortez fishing village is a great place to find fresh off the boat seafood. You’ll find Stone Crab so fresh it goes from the boat, to the boiling pot to your mouth! Going on in early November, check out the Cortez Stone Crab Festival too!

Anytime of year is great for Florida fishing, and Fall isn’t too bad either! Florida boasts the title “Fishing Capital of the World” because of great year round weather and angling. Fishing charters are just as popular in the fall as any time of year on the island!

Fall Festivals

This is the time of year when festival season starts for Islanders. There are several annual events that happen as the weather starts to change. You’ll find the Fall Festival, The Trail O Treats, Arts Hop and Bay Fest all going on throughout Autumn.

Find Fall colors with a sunset

While the trees and leaves may not turn to the striking hues of ocher, umber and rust orange, the sunsets surly do! Experience the turning of the season with one of the sunsets the Florida west coast is know for. Gather your family and friends to enjoy the peace of a sunset. This is one of the best times of day for beach photography too!

Anna Maria Island Fall Tourist Guide Beach Rentals

Autumn is a lovely time of year to gather the family at a beach rental! What Anna Maria Island Fall tourist guide would be complete without suggested accommodations? Island Real Estate has the island’s largest selection of homes to choose from, so plan your vacation today!

Anna Maria Island beach rentals

Casa Sierra 205 B is an excellent beach rental just a short walk from the gulf. This condo style home sleeps up to 6 guests with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Fall family beach trips were never so relaxed!

A Mermaid Crossing is a lovely family gathering place for up to 6 guests with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. This spacious home offers a heated pool and decor with a designer look. Less than a block to the beach!

Beach rental Anna Maria Island — A Mermaid Crossing 120 50th Street in Holmes Beach. 3 Bedroom.

Beachy Blue is just down the street from gulf beaches, and offers lovely accommodations. Enjoy the heated pool and spa with great coastal decor! Sleep up to 8 guests with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms.

Anna Maria Island vacation rentals Holmes Beach — Beachy Blue 129 52nd Street in Holmes Beach. 4 Bedroom.

My Sisters Beach House sleeps up to 10 guests with 5 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. This fun house offers a gorgeous heated pool and spa along with canal views and a short walk to Tampa Bay beaches! You’re family will love the game room and outdoor balconies too!

Anna Maria vacation beach rentals — My Sisters Beach House 520 Bay view Place in Anna Maria. 5 Bedroom.

Waterfront Retreat is a unique canal front home made for entertaining large groups! This 6 bedroom house offers accommodations for 14 guests with 3 full bath and 2 half baths. Enjoy the heated pool, canal views and fantastic bar area!

Anna Maria beach rentals — Waterfront Retreat 5132 Loquat in Anna Maria. 6 Bedroom.

Hurricane Hermine Anna Maria Island

Hurricane Hermine blew across Anna Maria Island leaving tons of rain, but minimal damage. The first hurricane to make landfall in Florida in over 10 years, Hermine was a category one storm.

Prior to storm landfall

The day prior to Hermine making landfall seven inches of rain fell on Anna Maria Island. The mixture of the high tide and rain created flooding in the streets. Some vehicles struggled to make it through however most made it to their destination safely. All the rain made for one soggy island.

Hurricane Hermine Landfall

There was continued rainfall the day the storm passed to the north of Anna Maria Island. Some neighborhoods experienced black outs, however this was not the case across the island. Manatee County Schools closed along with many of the local businesses.

Anna Maria Island experienced minimal damage. Flooding was worst on north island. A few ground level homes did take on water.

Hurricane Hermine dumped a lot of sand on the beaches of Anna Maria Island. You can see the bottom of the beach bench is buried in several inches.

After the storm

After the storm cleared the beaches looked great! The Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch reported minimal loss of turtle nests. Overall, Hermine left the island unscathed with no permanent damages.

Anna Maria Island Labor Day Activities

Relax with a beach break and Anna Maria Island Labor Day activities. A quiet island holiday, Labor Day is a time to enjoy beaches, family and friends, and an extra long weekend.

September is off the off season on Anna Maria Island. Generally speaking, Islanders love this time of year. Visitors to the island will not find many events happening, but will enjoy fewer crowds. End of summer things to do are the focus of Labor day. Grilling food, enjoying cold drinks and relaxing on the beach with friends are among popular things to do.

Anna Maria Island Labor Day Activities on the beach

Everyone loves a Labor Day beach break! Additionally, beach games are a fun way to relax during the holiday. Frisbee, corn hole, tag football and volleyball are good old beach game standbys.

Many people also enjoy beach combing during labor day. Anna Maria Island has lots of pretty shells to collect. When searching for shells remember to never take living shells.

Labor Day Eats

Labor day is a fantastic time to enjoy grilled foods and tasty drinks. A Labor day gathering of family and friends just isn’t complete without firing up the grill! Open fires, grilling and alcohol are not allowed on the beaches of Anna Maria Island. However, the large public beach accesses offer designated grilling areas. Additionally, many Anna Maria Island vacation rentals do offer propane or charcoal grills.

Anna Maria Island Labor day activities — Labor Day is a great time to visit Anna Maria Island

Labor Day Business Openings

Many of the restaurants and shops are open Labor day weekend on Anna Maria Island. When you visit you are sure to find open businesses. The free trolley also runs on Labor day, so you can get around the island easily.

Labor Day Beach House Rentals Anna Maria Island

Island Real Estate offers Anna Maria Island’s largest selection of beach house rentals. Finding the perfect Labor day rental is easy when you rent through Island Real Estate!

Beach House Rentals Holmes Beach — North Beach Village 72 would make for a lovely Labor Day Anna Maria Island beach house rental. Located in Holmes Beach this rental accommodates up to 6 guests! Click on the image above to reserve your stay today!

Summer’s End Beach House Rentals Anna Maria Island

It’s not too late to enjoy end of summer beach house rentals Anna Maria Island style! Pumpkin spice latte is back on the Starbucks menu, kids are in school again, and Fall is less than a month away. Now is the time to plan that last minute summer getaway!

Summer Beach House Rentals Anna Maria Island in September

September is a fantastic time of year to visit Anna Maria Island. This is the off season, so the beaches are far less busy. During a September visit you’ll also notice there are fewer cars on the streets. The entire Island has a different vibe in the late summer. People are a little calmer as locals enjoy the respite from busy high season.

End of Summer beach Scene

Anna Maria Island beaches are as beautiful as ever in the late summer. The weather is hot and rainy during September in Florida, however, beaches are still very nice. Lots of rain may make the water a tad less blue than the normal, but it also cools the water temperature down. Gulf beaches are bathtub like in July and August, so a little rain makes them more refreshing.

End of Summer Island Activities

When you visit the island at the end of summer you may notice a few of the island’s restaurants are closed. This is when operators make improvements, and also have a little summer vacation before seasons starts again. However, there are still plenty of places to dine that are open year round. Closures are typically no more than a week long, or even just a few days.

Summer is also an excellent time to visit activities off island. With less congested roads, getting on and off the island is much easier in late summer. This is a fantastic time to drive down to Sarasota, or head into Bradenton to try new activities. You will find museums, shopping and sightseeing in both Sarasota and Bradenton.

Summer’s End Beach House Rentals Anna Maria Island have lowest rates.

The end of summer is one of the most affordable times to visit Anna Maria Island. September is when many beach houses lower their rates. These lower rates continue through to mid December when visitors from the north start to come down again. These lower rates don’t always include Labor Day weekend as this is the last busy weekend of the season. Rates for beach house rentals typically fluctuate to coincide with demand or popular seasons.

Direct Beach House Rentals Anna Maria Island

September is also the perfect time of year to reserve a direct beach front rental!

Hidden Cove is a fantastic direct gulf Front beach rental Anna Maria Island style. This is a great example of the type of rentals available in September.

Beach house rentals Anna Maria Island — Beach House Rentals Anna Maria Island style! Click on the image to learn more about this great condo!

Hidden Cove unit 1 offers accommodations for up to four guests with two bedrooms and two and half bathrooms. During your stay, enjoy direct gulf views from the master bedroom and main living space. You will love spending time on the open balcony watching sunsets, and relaxing. The quiet Hidden Cove complex also offers a community pool, and is located near free trolley stops, shopping and dining.

Beach House Rentals Anna Maria Island Florida — Click on the image to reserve Hidden Cove unit 1 for your next Beach house rental Anna Maria Island Holmes Beach.

Island Real Estate has the largest selection of Anna Maria Island beach rentals you’ll find in the area! When searching for a summer’s end beach rental be sure to check out the Sunshine Specials page for great deals.

Enjoy an Anna Maria Island paradise vacation and reserve the perfect beach rental today at IslandReal.com!

Anna Maria Island Beach Rental Near Bridge Street Pier

Enjoy an Anna Maria Island Beach rental near Bridge Street Pier, so you can experience the quaint character of Bradenton Beach. Located on the southern end of Anna Maria Island, the Bridge Street Pier is full of Florida charm. Bradenton Beach is home to quirky characters, comfortable restaurants and funky little beach shops. When you visit the Bridge Street Pier you’ll fall in love with Bradenton Beach.

Bradenton Beach Bridge street Pier — The Bridge Street Pier is the historic site of the Cortez Bridge. Find great old Florida charm when you visit!

The Bridge Street Pier

The Bridge Street Pier is the historic site of the first bridge connecting the Island to the main land. When you visit, you’ll notice the newer Cortez Bridge just to the north. Walking along the Bridge Street Pier you can almost feel the history, and imagine days past. Take in the smells of the Intracoastal Waterway, and the sights of people fishing. If you are lucky you just may see someone catch something!

Pier Activities

When you visit the Bridge Street Pier you’ll experience a relaxing atmosphere. Bring your fishing pole, and try your hand at Florida fishing. If you don’t have a pole you can rent one from the little shop at the base of the pier. Schedule a dolphin tour at the same shop, and you’ll get to see island wildlife. Boats tours are a fabulous way to view the island!

Next to the Dolphin tours shop you’ll also find a cute jewelry store with hand made silver items along with local artwork.

Dining on the Pier

Anna Maria Oyster Bar is also located at the base of the pier. Here you’ll find fresh seafood, and a laid back island style atmosphere. Slurp down a belly full of Oysters while taking in the views of Sarasota Bay.

Bridge Street

Heading off the pier you’ll find more activities and dining along Bridge Street. Bridge Street Merchants provide a variety of wares, and funky Florida souvenirs perfect for remembering your stay. There is also a miniature golf course located on Bridge Street for family fun, or find night life at pubs for adult time fun.

Anna Maria Island Beach Rental near Bridge Street Pier

Finding the perfect Anna Maria Island beach rental near Bridge Street Pier is easy. Island Real Estate offers many Anna Maria Island beach rental options to suit any need. Additionally, Island Real Estate has the largest selections of homes you’ll find on the island. Call Island Real Estate first at 877-778-6066 when choosing the perfect vacation destination on Anna Maria Island!

Anna Maria Island Club Beach Rentals

The Anna Maria Island Club is a gorgeous direct gulf front condo complex, and are just a short drive North of the Bridge Street Pier. Island Real Estate offers several Anna Maria Island Club units all with direct gulf front balcony views with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Some of these units accommodate four guests while some sleep up to six guests. 2016 Base rates for these condos range from $1260-$2625/week depending on the unit, or even the time of year you decide to visit. These Condos have a heated pool and spa over looking the beach, so you can experience the perfect Anna Maria Island beach rental!

Anna Maria Island beach rental — Anna Maria Island Club condos make a great Bradenton Beach rental.

South Beach Village Beach Rentals

South Beach Village is just across the street from gulf beaches. These units offer gulf views, bay views or both. The South Beach Village condos are also just north of Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach comfortably accommodating six guests each. All units offers three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms. South Beach Village units welcome pets under 25 pounds with a pet fee. This complex also offes a heated community pool. 2016 Base rates range from $1000-$2260/week depending on the unit and time of visit.

Bradenton Beach Club Beach Rentals

The Bradenton Beach Club is also just north of the Bridge Street Pier. Some of these condo units have direct gulf views while others are nestled across the street further in the complex. The beach side units have a heated pool while the bay side units have a heated pool and spa. Bradenton Beach Club condos sleep six guests with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. 2016 Base rates range from $1100-$2625/week. This rate depends on the specific unit, time of visit, and is at the higher end for direct gulf views. This complex stretches from the gulf side to the bay side of the island, and also offers a great fishing dock on the bay side.

More Anna Maria Island Beach Rentals

For additional suggested Anna Maria Island beach rentals head over to IslandReal.com, and explore homes through the Advanced Search Page. Island Real Estate also offers Holmes Beach rentals and Anna Maria beach rentals, so you are sure to find the best beach accommodations in Florida!

Why Morning Walks are the Best on Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island – As someone who is typically not a morning person, I can say I don’t go for morning walks all that often. However, if I was waking up by the beach every morning I’d be up by the crack of dawn! Why you might ask? Here’s five reasons why morning walks on the beach are the best.

5 reasons morning walks are the best

1. Sunrise

If you’ve ever seen a Florida sunrise, you know how beautiful they are. But can you imagine what it looks like by the beach? While Anna Maria is known for it’s sunsets, it’s sunrises are equally as beautiful. A few good places to watch the sunrise would be Bean Point, the boat ramp at Coquina Beach, or the pier at Bridge Street.

sunrise on morning walk — Enjoy a beautiful sunrise on Anna Maria!

2. Look for shells

One of the best features of Anna Maria Island are the gorgeous seashells that can be found on the shoreline. While you can find them at all times of the day, the morning is when you can find the newest and prettiest shells. This is because they haven’t had the chance to be stepped on or picked up by other people. You might even be able to find full shells from hermit crabs!

3. Watch Coquinas burrow

Even though I have been a Floridian all my life, I still love watching coquinas burrow into the sand. These cool little creatures look just like any other shell, except they’re alive! Because there’s less people around in the morning, it’s easier to spot them digging through the sand, just look by the shoreline! However, we do ask for you to be gentle with them and return them to the ocean as they do need water to survive!

coquinas on your morning walk — Find Coquinas!

4. Watch the scampering birds

If you’ve seen Finding Dory, you know that little short film called ‘Piper’. Well, those birds are actually real and we have them right at our beaches! These little birds called sandpipers are known for scampering around and finding clams on the shore to eat. You can especially see them in the morning when they have more room to run around! Here’s a snippet of the short film if you didn’t get the chance to see it:

5. Help clean the beaches

As a good civilian, it is everyone’s duty to help keep our beaches clean so we can continue enjoying them. By waking up early, not only do you have the chance to do everything listed above, but you can help out our environment at the same time. A great way to do this would be to bring a bag with you on your walk so you can pick up litter. Even just cleaning up behind yourself helps a lot more than you may think!

pick up litter on morning walks — Help out our beaches by picking up litter on your walk!

Beat the Heat on Anna Maria Island!

Tips for keeping the sun’s rays away

Anna Maria Island – There is no better time to travel to Anna Maria Island than in the summer; however, dealing with the extreme heat can be a struggle if you don’t know how to prepare. By following these tips you’ll be sure to return home safely without looking like a lobster!

1. Drink Plenty of Water!

While it may seem obvious, drinking enough water is extremely important when vacationing at the beach. Because of Florida’s intense heat, your body needs more water than usual to stay hydrated. Grab a pack of water at the Island’s Publix or CVS.

2. Sunscreen!

Serving as a Floridian’s best friend, sunscreen is a must-have when staying at the beach. Even when it is cloudy, the sun’s rays are so strong that without protecting your skin you could end up looking like a ripe tomato. Being out in the sun for hours allows UV rays easy access to burning your skin, so slathering on that SPF 80 before playing in the sand is always a safe idea! Make sure to apply 20 minutes before going in the sun and REAPPLY every 2 hours.

3. Cover up!

Indirect rays can be just as damaging as direct ones. When going to the beach, it’s smart to wear protective clothing and bring an umbrella or tent for shade. Just the sun’s reflection off the water can result in a bad sunburn! You can find hats, umbrellas and more on the island at the West Coast Surf Shop.

However, if you do get burnt…

Make Aloe Vera Ice Cubes

Between the healing powers of aloe vera and the coldness of the ice cubes, this DIY hack is sure to give your skin some relief. Make sure to take some in the cooler just in case the sun gets the best of you!

DIY relief cream

If you want something a little less messy try making your own sunburn soother to help ease the pain and heal skin faster. You can find the recipe here.

The island is a wonderful place to vacation on, so make sure to take care of yourself and have fun!

Anna Maria Island vacation rentals and accommodations

Island Real Estate has the largest selection of vacation rentals homes on Anna Maria Island! Book your vacation today!

Anna Maria Island Summer Tourist Guide

Anna Maria Island – There is no place better to be a tourist than on Anna Maria Island, especially in the summer time. The weather is hot, the water blue and the sand powder soft; everything you would expect from a tropical island vacation. You are sure to enjoy being an Anna Maria Island summer tourist with this Top Ten list!

1. Be a Tacky Anna Maria Island Summer Tourist

Smear zinc on your cheeks, wear socks under your flips flops, slip on that Hawaiian shirt, and grab one of those frozen drinks with the little umbrella in it. You have got to channel your inner tacky tourist, or you aren’t fully experiencing an Anna Maria Island vacation. Don’t be embarrassed. Undoubtedly you’ll find locals decked out in the same look, because many of them first came here as a tacky Anna Maria Island summer tourist.

2. Join a Turtle Talk

Anna Maria Island Turtle nesting season goes from May to October, and Tourists can learn all about these amazing critters. Every Tuesday in June and July the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch holds a Turtle Talk. Volunteers of the AMITW provide a 30 minute program with videos, pictures and fun stories from volunteers. A donation gets you AMITW branded stickers, T-shirts and fun Turtle swag. Tuesday Turtles Talks are held at CrossPoint Fellowship Church at 8605 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach at 10am.

3. Go Shelling

A trip to the island is not complete without an early morning shell hunt. Shells are a fantastic tourist souvenir, and the hunt is a relaxing experience. When shelling you need to make sure to never take living organisms. It is illegal in Florida to collect living shells including Sand Dollars, Starfish, Urchins, Conchs, or anything that wiggles. Beyond legal reasons it is ethically unsound to collect living things on the beach. Every critter plays and important role in the beach ecosystem, and are sensitive to human impact. Do not collect large amounts of dead shells, and limit yourself to less than a pint size bag.

4. Get Professional Beach Pictures

Anna Maria Island is one of the most picturesque vacation destinations you’ll find on the west coast of Florida. Assemble the family during sunset for a group photo, and hire a professional to capture your beach memories. The end result is sure to please you. There are many options for local photographers on Anna Maria Island to help you feel like the quintessential Anna Maria Island summer tourist.

5. Do The Stingray Shuffle

Stingrays and humans alike head to the shoreline during summer months, as a result, the number of ray stings increases at this time. Rays are extremely docile critters, and are typically looking to avoid humans. When you enter the water it is easy to avoid being stung by shuffling your feet along the sandy sea floor. Do the stingray shuffle, and you won’t end your trip doing the stingray hop!

6. Ride the Free Trolley

The Anna Maria Island free trolley is an amazing service! There are stops from Pine Avenue all the way down to Coquina Beach passing almost everything in between. The trolley runs from 6am to 10:30pm daily, and passes by approximately every 20 minutes. The free trolley is the best way for a stress free trip. You’ll never have to worry about parking, or designating a responsible driver when enjoying island bars and pubs. The free trolley is also a great way to sight see.

7. Catch the Sandbar 4th of July Fireworks

Every year the Sandbar restaurant has a wonderful fireworks display. An Anna Maria Island vacation during the 4th of July is not complete without catching the fireworks on the beach. Sparklers are the only consumer firework beach goers are permitted to use; therefore; the Sandbar display is very popular!

8. Have lunch on the Beach

Anna Maria Island has many restaurants that are located directly on beaches or waterfront. Lunch on the beach is a must during an Anna Maria Island summer vacation, and is the perfect time to be a tourist with umbrella drink in hand. An Anna Maria Island summer tourist will find great food, fast service and beautiful views at Island waterfront restaurants.

9. Bike to Local Shops

Any Anna Maria Island Summer Tourist must rent a bike and explore the shops, so why not do them at the same time? Bicycling on Anna Maria Island is a great way to get around because everything is nearby. Bike ride from shop to shop, and you’ll find great independently owned boutiques and art galleries. In addition, the added benefit of shopping by bike will make you feel less guilty about all the money you’ve spent on souvenirs! Anna Maria Island summer tourists must have the perfect souvenir!

10. Walk a Nature Trail or Charter a Boat Tour

Nature Trail

Leffis Key is a stunningly beautiful nature trail an Anna Maria Island Summer Tourist should experience. Offering mangrove tunnel boardwalks, salt flats, marsh and views of Sarasota Bay, you’ll never experience anything like Leffis Key. Leffis Key is located on the south end of Anna Maria Island, and is just across the street from Coquina Beach. In addition to Leffis Key, Coquina Beach offers a gorgeous walking path along beautiful sand dunes and under old growth Australian Pines. The Coquina Beach path is great for walking, and is also friendly to bikes or segweys.

Boat Charters

Anna Maria Island has more fishing charters, dolphin tours, sunset trips and boats for rent than you’ll likely find anywhere else in Florida. Boat tours are a great way to explore the island’s natural beauty, and get all the family involved in an Anna Maria Island summer tourist activity. Find a tour that is right for you, and get out on the water!

Read the guide, make the reservation, and be an Anna Maria Island summer tourist this year!

Anna Maria Island Vacation Rental and Accommodations

Island Real Estate has the island’s largest selection of Anna Maria Island vacation rental homes perfect for any summer tourists. Plan your summer stay today, and get the vacation you’ve been looking for!

Anna Maria Island summer tourist vacation rental — Anna Maria Island vacation rental AMI Beach House is the perfect destination for an Anna Maria Island summer tourist getaway! This 6 bedroom home sleeps up to 14 guests. Click on the image above to reserve your Anna Maria Island summer tourist vacation today!

Loggerhead Turtles visit Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island – Loggerhead Turtles are the most common found nesting on our shores from May through October every year. There are five different species of Sea Turtles that can be found swimming in the waters around Anna Maria Island.

Loggerhead Turtles and More

Among Loggerheads the Gulf of Mexico is also home to Hawksbill, Leatherback, Kemp Ridley and Green Sea Turtles. Occasionally on Anna Maria Island we have had Green Sea Turtles nest, but most nests are from Loggerheads.

According to Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring the 2015 Sea Turtle nesting season brought Anna Maria Island 356 nests with 441 false crawls, or crawls not resulting in eggs, and a total of 12,571 hatchlings sent off to the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay.

Loggerhead turtles have a large head and powerful jaw suited for eating the hard shelled organisms that make up most of their diet. In addition to eating mollusks, whelks and conchs, and sea urchins Loggerheads feast on Jellyfish and are predominantly carnivores. After hatching, baby turtles make their way to the safety of sargassum, or large patches of floating sea grass, to feed on tiny floating organisms and invertebrates.

Loggerheads aren’t just found in Florida waters, but have a very large range including the sub-tropic and tropic regions of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Occasionally Loggerheads have even been seen off the coast of Oregon, but do not nest on those coasts. These turtles can be found hundreds of miles off shore in open water, around coral reefs, as well as inshore lagoons, bays, salt marshes and large rivers.

About Loggerheads

Loggerhead turtles, also know by the scientific term as Caretta caretta, have almost heart shaped shells with a red tinged top and yellow underside. Males have a longer tail with their carpace, or top shell, narrowing towards their back end. Baby Caretta caretta have a dark grey or brownish carpace with a pale yellow underside, and their flippers are dark brown with white edges. This species of turtle is typically in the 200 pound range as adults, but can grow to 400 or more pounds in weight. The adult Caretta caretta has an average length of 36-38 inches with babies hatching at just a couple of inches.

Turtles and Ecosystem

Sea Turtles play an important role in their ecosystem, with their biggest threat coming from development of habitat. It is important to be mindful when visiting the beach during nesting season. Turtles need to navigate the coastline uninterrupted. Female Loggerheads usually come up on to the shore after nightfall to nest. Often they visit the same beaches where they were hatched. Caretta caretta nests can hold around 100 eggs, but are susceptible to predation from animals foraging on the coast.

When visiting gulf beaches between May and October it is important to flatten sandcastles, fill in sand holes and remove beach equipment and garbage. This is to ensure turtles and hatchlings don’t become entangled or trapped. For tips on sharing the beach during turtle season read our “Rules to Live by during Turtle Season“. If you see a turtle or hatchlings stay back, give the animal space so they don’t become stressed.

Loggerhead turtle hatchlings — Baby Loggerhead Turtles make their way to the Gulf.

If you see an injured sea turtle or unmarked nest please contact the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch at 941-778-5638. Also contact Florida Fish and Wildlife at 888-404-3922. If you find any type of injured wildlife contact Wildlife Inc. at 941-778-6324.

Anna Maria Island Beach Front Accommodations

Island Real Estate offers a large selection of beach front vacation rentals to choose from, so plan your stay today!

Anna Maria Island vacation rental — La Casa LaMar offers direct beach front accommodations for up to 5 guests! Click on the image to learn more about this beautiful home.

Anna Maria Island Photographers

Often when families visit they love to have professional Anna Maria Island photographers help to remember their experience at this perfect vacation destination. When visiting it’s hard not to notice all the natural beauty to be seen in this tropical paradise. In addition to family vacations, many couples decide to host their wedding ceremony on Anna Maria Island, and request professional photography services for their ceremony and celebration. No matter what the reason for your visit to Anna Maria Island, if you are looking for photo keepsakes from your stay there is a professional waiting to help you!

Anna Maria Island Photographers

We have compiled a list of over 20 photographers working on or around Anna Maria Island. Some of these professionals are members of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. Also others are photographers that have been suggested by locals and visitors to the area. These individuals offer a range of different photography services including weddings, special events, family beach portraits, videography, maternity photos, children’s photos, framing and more. Each of the professionals in the list offers a slightly different set of services at different price points, and may specialize in a certain aspect of their industry. Peruse the list in the link above to find the perfect professional for your needs.

Popular places for photo shoots on Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island offers so many beautiful locations for amazing photo opportunities. You can’t throw a seashell without hitting a great spot! Simply head to just about any beach access and you’ll find the perfect background for your pictures. There are a few spots that we suggest for photos as listed below.

Bean Point

The tip of Anna Maria Island is called Bean Point, and it’s also truly a stunning location for photos. This area of the island offers few parking spaces, and is less crowded. Get views of both Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico as you walk around north end. There are gorgeous wooden boardwalks, scenic dunes and the Island’s notorious Australian Pines to serve as your backdrop on Bean Point.

Bay Front Park

To the southeast of Bean Point you’ll find Bay Front Park. This area of the Island offers a narrow strip of beaches looking onto Tampa Bay with great views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Anna Maria City Pier and Rod & Reel Pier.

Anna Maria City Pier and Rod & Reel

Both the Anna Maria City Pier and the Rod & Reel Pier are excellent places for family photos. located just a short walk from each other, these piers overlook the bay side of the island, and hold a great deal of island history.

Gulf Beaches at Sunset

Any gulf beach at sunset is beautiful, but we recommend Anna Maria gulf beaches like those found on White Avenue. Anna Maria gulf beach accesses have lush Seagrape trees, green beach foliage and rustic wooden boardwalks leading over sea oat sand dunes. Your photographer is sure to capture the perfect sunset image no north end beaches.

Egmont Key

Egmont Key is a small island State Park only accessible by boat. Located off the northern tip of Anna Maria Island, Egmont Key offers a historic lighthouse and old fort ruins along with gorgeous coastline. This is also a great place for pictures with Anna Maria Island photographers.

Wedding Accommodations

Weather you are looking to book the perfect Honeymoon suite, or need accommodations for the wedding guests. Island Real Estate has the perfect vacation destination for you with almost 300 vacation properties to choose from!

Anna Maria Island beach front vacation rental — Beach House unit 4 is the perfect beach front one bedroom Honeymoon vacation rental for newly weds! Click on the image to reserve your stay today!