Getting Here This Summer Is a Breeze
When your summer 2024 travel plans bring you to scenic Anna Maria Island, you’ll be thrilled with how easy getting here can be. If you’re arriving by car, you can take State Route 64 or State Route 684 (Cortez Road) West across the drawbridge. For those travelers who prefer to arrive by water, there are convenient docks located off the beach, and at Galatti’s in Anna Maria City. Those who are coming from further away will typically choose to fly and when you do, the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport will likely be your summer landing destination of choice. This airport is just 35 minutes from Anna Maria Island and as of 2023, options have expanded on-site as four new domestic destinations were added to the service lineup. In 2024, the airport is scheduled to complete an expansion of its 5th terminal making travel options even easier for guests. If you prefer to pair your flight with a short road trip into town, the Tampa International Airport and St. Pete/Clearwater Airport are just an hour and a half drive to the island. You can also choose to fly into Orlando and rent a vehicle on-site before taking off for the 2.5-hour drive to Anna Maria Island using a combination of I-4 West and I-75 South.
Options for Getting Around Once You Arrive
At just 9 miles long and 2 miles wide, Anna Maria Island is a beautiful place to visit in the summer and a manageable destination when it comes to transportation too! If you want to leave your own vehicle behind, the island has both Uber and Lyft services available through the traditional app. Coastal Elite Limousine also operates in Anna Maria Island and offers a fleet of luxury town and country minivans alongside SUVs that can be scheduled for service in advance. Of course, if you want to skip out on driving altogether, that’s a viable option on Anna Maria Island in the summertime. Many visitors choose to swap out vehicles for golf carts or rental bikes making it easy to get around at a slower sightseeing pace. You’ll also want to note that Anna Maria Island hosts a charming trolley you use for getting around or enjoying the views. The trolley runs from 6:00 am until 10:30 pm daily and is a free hop-on hop-off service that loops around the island about every 20 minutes. There are also local shuttle services serving routes between Bradenton and Sarasota too. If you prefer waterways, the Gulf Island Ferry runs from the Bridge Street Pier to downtown Bradenton and is a refreshing and scenic way to travel between destinations.
Weather Expectations in the Summertime
When you’re craving a relaxing and warm getaway, summer 2024 in Anna Maria Island is the perfect time to enjoy a stay. This is one of the most popular travel seasons here and as soon as you arrive, it’s not hard to see why. Throughout June, July, and August, the daily highs on Anna Maria Island linger in the mid-90s with lows dipping into the 70s. This gives adventurers every opportunity to get out on the sand and waves and soak up the sunshine while enjoying the view. Summer also sees some welcome rain showers on the island which lead to comfortably cooler evenings. Daily, there’s typically a 60% chance of light rain, but with 13 to 14 hours of daylight expected this time of year, you won’t have to wait long for them to dissipate so you can head out once more. You will want to plan for humidity in the summer which is a staple feature of a seasonal getaway to Florida.
What to Pack for Your Journey
You Florida summer 2024 jounrey to Anna Maria Island is bound to come with a packed itinerary, so you’ll want to be sure you pack the essentials to make your stay as stress-free and convenient as possible. If you have plans to spend any amount of time outdoors, packing plenty of high SPF sunscreen that’s eco-friendly is a must. This will keep sunburns as bay and protect fragile marine ecosystems if you decide to spend time snorkeling or swimming too. Sun glasses, sun hats and bug repellent are always a good option as are light layers for rainy afternoons or cooler evenings. Be sure to pack your phone charger for the journey as well as a camera that’s separate from your phone if you’re interested in nature or wildlife photography during your stay. For those afternoons out and about exploring and enjoying the shoreline, don’t overlook the importance of having plenty of water in a reusable water bottle ready to go.Summer Events to Look Forward to Enjoying
Anna Maria Island comes to life with celebrations in the summer, much to the delight of locals and visitors alike. In 2024, all summer long you can enjoy live music at Harry’s Grill at 9903 Gulf Drive on Sundays from 6:00 pm until 8:30 pm. June marks the start of the Village of the Arts Artwalk Weekend events held the first Friday and Saturday of each summer month in nearby Bradenton. As you browse local studios and galleries, you’ll be treated to a combination of food vendors and live music to make the experience even more entertaining! The Bradenton Marauders baseball season is in full swing in the summertime so if you want to catch a game, make sure to make plans to head over the island bridges to LECOM Park in Bradenton at least once. Summer often means the arrival of live concert series on the Bradenton Riverwalk but when the Fourth of July rolls around, Anna Maria Island hosts a parade and a thrilling fireworks display which can be enjoyed from Sandbar Restaurant. A variety of kids art camps are hosted in the area in early July as well making this the ideal destination for a creative and fun family getaway.
Day 1
If you’re fortunate enough to have three days to spare in the summer in the name of getaway fun to Anna Maria Island, you’ll want to dedicate the first day of your stay to some incredible wildlife experiences. After breakfast, be sure to book your place on a wildlife spotting sea excursion with the team at Paradise Boat Tours or Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours. Both companies are happy to offer small-group outings that are insightful and thrilling. There’s something wonderfully exciting about seeing marine life thriving in their natural habitats and when your tour operator can provide insight into their behavior and current operations underway to protect their ecosystems, the outing is even more meaningful for everyone involved. If you choose to book your excursion through Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours, you’ll enjoy the opportunity to pair your wildlife watching experience with a snorkeling tour or a pontoon boat rental as well. After you’re back on land and have recharged with a delicious lunch stop, it’s time to partner up with the team at C Ponies and make the most of an afternoon of island horseback riding. This promises to be an equestrian adventure like no other as you ride alongside your guide on the sand and through the bay. The horses that lead these tours are well equipped for a swim, making this a refreshing experience when Anna Maria Island summer temperatures are on the rise. There’s no need to be an experienced rider before you set out as you’ll have all the instruction you need before your ride including the gear to make it a safe and successful experience.
Tonight, treat yourself to dinner at The Porch located at 9707 Gulf Drive. Dinner is served here daily between 4:00 pm and 9:00 pm and the eatery sits in a restored home that’s charming and welcoming alike. Some of the fan-favorite dishes here include shrimp and scallops as well as ribeye, filet mignon, and sherry chicken. You can top things off on a sweet note by ordering up double chocolate cake or Basque cheesecake before you head out for the evening.
Day 2
The second day of your Anna Maria Island stay this summer should be a testament to all things beach hopping and on-the-water fun. Anna Maria Island has earned a reputation around its gorgeous shorelines and taking time to discover as much of it as possible during your stay is certainly worht your while. If you’re spending time on the south end of the island, consider settling in on Coquina Beach. If your trip has you lingering on the northern end of the island, Bean Point is a must. Manatee Beach is a top-rated public beach in the area to enjoy when you’re looking for convenient parking options and plenty of space to stretch out under the sun. If you let the local team at Beach Suites or Anna Maria Island Coconuts know where you’re going to be in advance, you can organize a coconut water delivery during your day on the sand as well as beach chairs and umbrella rentals that are set up and torn down for you. When you’ve had your fill of fun on the sand, it’s time to take to the waves with Happy Paddler. This local and family-owned tour company can help you make the most of a kayak outing on day two of your stay with options like the Coastal Tour including exciting shelling stops along the way. Many of the kayaking tours available give guests access to nearby Beer Can Island and provide unique insight into the watery surroundings along the way.
This evening, dine at Beach Bistro found at 6600 Gulf Drive in nearby Holmes Beach. They open at 5:00 pm for dinner service and are the right choice for upscale dining in an elegant space overlooking the Gulf. When you’re here, you’ll enjoy Zagat-rated service and a menu that features a four-course tasting experience that’s one-of-a-kind. Menu highlights often include shrimp & lobster cocktails, smoked salmon, bistro pate, maple leaf farms duckling confit, and Hudson Valley foie gras as well. Every dish is perfectly paired with an excellent wine giving guests even more to look forward to.
Day 3
Sightseeing and history go hand-in-hand on day three of your Florida summer 2024 journey to Anna Maria Island. After you’ve enjoyed breakfast in your luxurious vacation rental, make time to take a stroll down historic Pine Avenue. In the early 1900s, this is a route that day trippers from Tampa would take as they explored the bayside pier and nearby beaches. Today, you can walk in their footsteps towards the Sandbar Restaurant which was once the old bathhouse in town. There are also opportunities to expand your historic experience with a stop at the Historical Society House and The General Store. After lunch, it’s time to gather your crew and enjoy some mini-golf over at The Fish Hole. This 18-hole family owned adventure golf course is ideal for all ages and located on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. The whimsical setup is sure to delight with cooling mists included along he way and a koi pond filled with fish to admire as well. The course includes a tropical atmosphere and fun features to conquer. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself signing up for a second game when the first comes to an end.
Tonight, end your summer getaway with a dinner enjoyed at Hurricane Hanks. Located at 5346 Gulf Drive. This family-friendly pub is open until 9:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 pm on weekends and is a one-stop resource for delicious beer-battered fish, burgers, savory sandwiches, pasta, salads, and more!
