As the days tick along, the more the festive period approaches, ushering in a season for family, friends, and fellowship. This Christmas, why not take a break from the norm and surprise your loved ones with a riveting getaway to the gorgeous South Coast gem of Anna Maria Island? This delightful Sunshine State barrier island blends spectacular weather, beautiful white sandy beaches, and exciting on-water activities, making it the ideal getaway spot this festive season. Here are several reasons to spend Christmas on Anna Maria Island in 2023 and make it your annual holiday destination.
Top-Notch Lodging
Securing comfortable and functional accommodation is essential before setting off on your Floridian Christmas escape. Anna Maria Life Vacation Rentals is one of the island’s foremost rental agencies, offering umpteen quality rentals to suit your holiday needs. We offer an expansive variety of holiday homes, including beachfront rentals, water-view properties, rentals with private pools, and pet-friendly rentals for vacationing with your pawed pal. Our vacation rentals feature ample amenities, ensuring you and your loved ones relish a laidback Christmas stay in ultimate comfort.
Exemplary Beaches
Anna Maria Island offers access to some of the state’s most exquisite beaches, delivering an unparalleled Gulfside experience. Coquina Beach lies on the southern part of Anna Maria Island, offering a laidback ambiance and calm waters where you and your family can spread out and soak in the sweet rays of sunshine. Bradenton Beach delivers a picturesque setting with numerous dunes and amenities, including a playground, picnic tables, and a paved footpath for soothing walks by the water’s edge. Bean Point Beach is the ideal go-to for a quiet session as you relish the breathtaking scenery of Tampa Bay while walking on the soft, sugar-white sands.
Thrilling Dolphin Tours
The Gulf of Mexico is a dolphin hotspot owing to its warm and calm waters. While you may spot the odd dolphin or two from the shore, the best way to view these playful aquatic mammals is on a dolphin tour. Paradise Boat Tours is one of Anna Maria Island’s most beloved boat tour companies, with over seven years of experience in the business. The company offers six fun-filled tours, starting with a 9 AM excursion and ending with a relaxing sunset tour. All excursions happen aboard their 28-passenger boat, featuring cushioned seats, a cover, and a forward viewing section where you can catch all the dolphin action.
Heart-Throbbing Parasailing Adventures
An Anna Maria holiday wouldn’t be complete without the thrill of a parasailing adventure. YOLO Parasailing has been offering parasailing trips to Anna Maria Island for over two decades, with flights of eight to ten minutes. Relish the thrill of launching 400 feet in the air as you take in the picturesque sights of the Mexican Gulf. Tag along with a family member or two and enjoy a joint flight with a panoramic view of the water below, where you may spot some of the local marine wildlife species. All crew members have the United States Coast Guard certification, ensuring your safety throughout the experience.
Anna Maria City Pier Grille
The famous Anna Maria City Pier Grille dates back over 100 years when it served as a docking spot for vessels from Tampa and St. Petersburg. The pier has seen many storms over the years, but thanks to efforts from locals, this renowned landmark still stands. Today, the dock offers a scenic location to view the sunset as you watch the evening waves hug the shore. If you’re an angler looking for a catch, the Anna Maria City Pier is an excellent area to cast your line and wait for that coveted bite.
World-Class Culinary Scene
Explore Anna Maria’s cuisine and treat your taste buds to the island’s finest dishes. Kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast at Minnie’s Beach Cafe and dig into their famous biscuits and sausage gravy. Once lunchtime rolls by, head to Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and relish one of their tasty specialties as you take in picturesque Gulf front views. End your evening with a trip to the Ugly Grouper and explore their collection of sumptuous seafood options. Stop by Hometown Desserts and treat your sweet tooth to their delicious pastries, including the beloved key lime pie.
Book Your Anna Maria Island Christmas Rental Early
Anna Maria Island delivers epic thrills and adventures for an unparalleled Christmas escape. From its vibrant culinary scene to rip-roaring parasailing trips and beautiful beaches, this South Coast has everything you need for a memorable festive getaway. Before setting off for your Christmastime vacation to this delightful island, secure your holiday home with Anna Maria Life Vacation Rentals and enjoy a vast collection of high-end properties, including condos, townhomes, duplexes, and villas. Contact us today to book your holiday home and prepare to spend Christmas on Anna Maria Island.