There’s nothing like the end of the summer on Anna Maria Island—sunny days with still perfect beach weather, long days growing shorter with the promise of Florida fall in the air, and evenings spent enjoying ocean breezes and sipping cocktails at beachside bars. Labor Day is the herald of this treasured time of the season, and it’s an ideal time to escape on a little beach vacation to rest and recharge your batteries before tackling the adventures that await you throughout the remainder of the year. If you’ve been thinking about a Labor Day 2022 vacation to Anna Maria Island, we have just the list of ideas for an unforgettable AMI vacation!

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Explore the Best Beaches on Anna Maria Island

There’s no question, this will be the number one activity to enjoy on Labor Day weekend on Anna Maria Island! With our multitude of gorgeous beaches, there are sure to be plenty of people soaking up the sun on tropical white sands and splashing around in the clear turquoise-blue water. Whether your beach vibe leans more toward lively or low-key, you’ll be able to find a beach spot to love on Labor Day weekend!

Manatee Beach is right in the middle of the island in the town of Holmes Beach, and has a festive atmosphere, with lots of public amenities and within easy walking distance of local eats. There’s also the Anna Maria Island Beach Café there, where you can grab a meal with views of the water. Coquina Beach can be found down at the southernmost end of the island and has similar amenities as the Coquina Beach Café.

If you’d like something with less going on, you can try Bean Point at the northernmost tip of the island, which offers fantastic views of the Gulf and Tampa Bay. For those who enjoy a bit of bayfront action, the Bayfront Park offers park amenities and a small beach with slightly calmer waters.

Adventure AMI with the Free Island Trolley

The free island trolley is certainly one of the island’s best open secrets, with multiple routes that can take you from the north of the island near Pine Ave and Bayfront Park, all the way down to Coquina Beach. Using this system, you can explore the island with ease, from the beaches to the quaint streets. The trolley runs down Gulf Dr for the most part and is a great way to get around to different restaurants, shops, and more. Right in the middle, you can check out the Historic Bridge Street District and Pier. There is now a new Beach ConneXion trolley that aims to help drivers avoid traffic and assist with the flow during busy holiday weekends!

Shop at Local Anna Maria Island Stores

Pine Ave has long been known as a popular shopping spot on AMI, offering a variety of shops that sell unique goods, from handmade crafts to boutique beachwear. During Labor Day 2022 weekend, you’re likely to find a few sales and discounts going on! Otherwise, the Historic Bridge Street District offers some additional shopping opportunities and can be a fun activity to look around the area before a dinner reservation or after going to the beach. Beyond the main shopping areas, you never know what you might stumble upon while biking down island avenues!

Enjoy Dining at Top Anna Maria Island Restaurants

Speaking of bites to eat, AMI is well known for its amazing seafood restaurants. Try Rod and Reel Pier for brunch with an epic view of Tampa Bay, or the Anna Maria Oyster Bar at the end of the Historic Bridge Street Pier. The Sandbar offers seaside dining with an upscale selection of steak and seafood, while casual places like the Daiquiri Deck where you can grab a cocktail and an appetizer. The Gulf Drive Café is a great spot for families and is right on the beach, where the Wicked Cantina Bradenton Beach offers Mexican fare and margaritas. AMI has something for all tastes!

If you’d like to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy some live music on a festive night out this Labor Day 2022 weekend, there are plenty of local bars and restaurants that feature live music. Popular spots include Island Time Bar and Grill, The Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar, The Ugly Grouper, Freckled Fin Irish Pub, and D Coy Ducks Bar and Grille. Whatever your vacation preferences, you’ll find your own island style in no time this Labor Day weekend 2022 in Anna Maria Island!

Reserve Your Labor Day 2022 with the Island Locals at Anna Maria Life Today!

With an extra day (or maybe even a few) to vacation on Anna Maria Island, you can easily enjoy the best of the island for a blissful getaway to the Gulf Coast. Give us a call to learn more about our fantastic Anna Maria Island vacation rentals today!

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