Things to Do

Memorial Day is always a fantastic time to get away. In many places across the country, it marks the end of a long winter and rainy spring, giving way to the sunshine-filled days of summer—and there’s no sunshine better than Florida sunshine! Experience the joy of getting away to the Gulf Coast this Memorial Day and book a trip to Anna Maria Island. Here you’ll find days limitless with opportunities...

Anna Maria Island is the picture of a tropical beach paradise, and we couldn’t be any happier to call it home. Boasting miles of stunning white-sand beaches along the unbelievably blue water of the Gulf of Mexico, it’s one of the best beach vacation destinations in the United States, and if you’ve visited once, you likely already are dreaming about your next visit. It’s the kind of place where you...

When it’s time to take a romantic escape from the monotony of everyday life, there’s no better place to do it than the stunning shores of Anna Maria Island. Besides being home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country (dare we say, even the world) the island also offers visitors bikeable streets, ocean recreation, and a great local culinary scene. Spend early mornings walking on the beach...

Great Explorations Children’s Museum has served the Tampa Bay area since 1987. Designed for children 10 and under, the 23,000 square foot museum is filled with exhibits and activities to stimulate learning through creativity, play and exploration. The museum is a learning playground where children can make a discovery, make a mess, and even make a new friend. The museum is the first mid-size children’s museum in the country and...

When you want to get away from the beach and add some excitement to your Anna Maria Island vacation, spend the day or a few hours at TreeUmph, Southwest Florida’s only elevated adventure course! About a 45-minute drive from AMI, at TreeUmph! you’ll feel the exhilaration of climbing, zip lining, swinging and free-falling from 15 to 60 feet in the air . . . all while harnessed to equipment designed...

Rosa Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard is a family-owned business located just south of Lake Manatee in the rolling hills of eastern Manatee County. The owners, Antonio and Rosa, moved to the Bradenton area from Casteldaccia, Sicily, and were struck by the similarities of the area to their native land. Soon there were five rows of bunch grapes in the backyard with the garden, and a corner of the garage closed...

Weather not cooperating with your beach plans? Don’t worry, you can always check out the latest Hollywood blockbuster. But, before you leave be sure to check the websites listed for updated hours of operation and pricing. Note the distance from Anna Maria Island starts at the Coastal Cottages AMI office (9908 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria), so depending on the location of  your rental property, your distance may be different. Regal...

If you love old Florida and can appreciate the magical lure of a real Florida fishing village, preserved in all of its rustic glory, the annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival is the place to be. Since 1981, the festival has drawn visitors to Manatee County’s small fishing village located just south of Anna Maria Island to celebrate Florida’s commercial seafood industry. Now averaging attendance of over 25,000, the festival has...

Jet skis (or wave runners) are a great way to explore Anna Maria Island our on your own! Jet skis offer the thrill of flying across the water and allow you to see unique views of AMI! You will get the chance to see all kinds of aquatic wildlife whether you are exploring the Gulf of Mexico, Palma Sola Bay, Manatee River or Tampa Bay! Jet skis can accommodate up to three people on one...

Bradenton Beach Marina is a full service marina and boatyard located just off the Intracoastal Waterway on beautiful Anna Maria Island. Centrally located between Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay, Bradenton Beach Marina is just minutes from the Gulf of Mexico via Longboat Pass. Family-owned and operated, the business was established in 1982. All boats are equipped with sunshade bimini tops, comfortable and easy to pilot. The staff at Bradenton Beach...