When the end of spring approaches and summer is finally here, you’ll find travelers searching for their own slice of paradise, heading to the stunning Gulf of Mexico—and Anna Maria Island is the best spot of them all! If you’ve been thinking about booking a stay in Anna Maria Island this Memorial Day, you’ll find there’s tons to do, from exploring the local landscape to relaxing at your seaside getaway. Visitors to the island for Memorial Day will find they have their choice of beachy activities, from lounging out and basking in the sunshine to sipping cocktails with ocean views. Spend the morning cruising up and down Gulf Ave by bike, the afternoon splashing around in clear, turquoise-hued water, and the evening indulging in freshly caught seafood at local eateries—all this and more are possibilities when you vacation on Anna Maria Island for Memorial Day!
Escape to Tropical Shores this Memorial Day
There’s no question that the number one draw of visiting Anna Maria Island for Memorial Day is our collection of stunning white-sand tropical beaches—and you don’t have to fly all the way to the Caribbean to enjoy them! With miles of gorgeous coastline along the Gulf, you’ll find there’s always a beach nearby, whether you’re staying in Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, or Bradenton Beach. Adventure out to the northernmost tip of the island, Bean Point, for a beach with a more remote feel and sweeping views of the Gulf and Tampa Bay or enjoy a beach day right in the heart of the action at the lively Coquina Beach at the southern end of the island, which offers calmer waters perfect for a swim. If seaside dining is your thing, you can stop by the Coquina Beach Café for bites and beverages with a view! Whether you’re an all-day beach bum or just like to get your toes wet, you’ll find there’s a beach on AMI for you!
Enjoy an Array of Island Activities
From cruising the island by bicycle to taking a sunset dolphin-watching cruise out to sea, you’ll find there’s much to do in AMI for Memorial Day weekend. Go kayaking around the bay with local companies like Happy Paddler Kayak Tours and EcoVentures—and if you’d like to get out on your own, you might even find that your vacation rental has kayaks or bikes available for your use! Other local companies offer activities such as horseback riding on the beach, or snorkeling tours of the area. When it comes to Memorial Day celebrations, you’ll find there is a free event at City Pier Park, the Memorial Day Symphony Salute! On May 30th from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, you’ll be treated to a performance by the AMI Concert Chorus and Orchestra, and a posting of colors by the Marine Corps. Guests coming to see the show will find lots of seating, and everyone is welcome to attend!
Discover the Highlights of Anna Maria Island
Besides the beach, AMI has much to offer Memorial Day visitors. Take an afternoon at Bayfront Park to let the kids play on the playground or bring your own homemade sandwiches and snacks to have a picnic at the bay. If you fancy a bit of a Memorial Day BBQ, you’ll find that many of the beaches and local parks offer charcoal grills and picnic areas, and you can grab ingredients from a local grocery store like Publix—of course, you might find your rental has its own BBQ grill as well! The free island trolley will take you up and down the island, and you can ride it to Pine Ave, well known for its boutique shops and stores. Down in Bradenton Beach, you’ll find the Historic Bridge St. District, where you can walk the pier, take in the sights, and have a celebratory Memorial Day meal at local eateries.
Dine Out at Fantastic Local Restaurants
If you fancy dining out on the pier, surrounded by breathtaking waters, you could try the Rod and Reel Pier Restaurant, or the Anna Maria Oyster Bar at the end of the Bridge St. Pier. You can find everything from pizza to sushi—local spots include the trendy Pizza Social and Island Ocean Star for fresh sushi with a view of Bimini Bay. If you’re looking for spots with live music for a celebratory Memorial Day evening out, try Freckled Fin Irish Pub, or The Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside. Whether you’re a casual diner or a foodie extraordinaire, there’s something for your tastes on AMI!
Reserve Your Memorial Day Getaway with Anna Maria Life Today!
Anna Maria Island has it all for a perfect Memorial Day getaway, from our beautiful island vacation homes to our beloved beaches. If you’d like to learn more about reserving your Memorial Day vacation rental on Anna Maria Island, contact us today!
