White sand beaches, tropical turquoise water, the salty, crisp scent of the ocean drifting through the air—it’s a typical day on Anna Maria Island, where we live the best of life by the sea. Our charming island hosts visitors year-round, from the guests of the lively summer season to the snowbirds looking for a reprieve from winter storms, but one of the times that many people overlook is the fall season on Anna Maria Island! The weather is certainly warmer than most of the country, but even our temperatures are dropping a bit, giving way to comfortable evenings where you can relax beachside with a glass of wine. It’s all the festive parts of fall without the impending winter, and you can bring out the summer wardrobe that you might have already packed away for the year. There are lots of things to do in the fall on Anna Maria Island, so if you’re considering an AMI fall getaway, we’ve compiled a list of activities ideal for the season! Here are some of the best Fall Activities in Anna Maria Island for 2022.
Enjoy Fall Beach Weather on Anna Maria Island
One of the best things about visiting in the fall is that it’s technically the “off” season, meaning that you get to experience the benefits of skipping the summer crowds and the winter-break surge. The weather cools off a bit but depending on the day the water can still be swimmable, meaning you get to revel in all the glory of a beach day without the overabundance of tourists. Manatee Public Beach and Coquina Beach are sure to still have an upbeat atmosphere, as they’re near restaurants, beach cafes, and shopping, but there are other spots if you’re looking for more of that deserted island vibe. Bean Point is known for having a more remote feel but doesn’t have any facilities. Bayfront Park is well-maintained and offers a calmer shorefront on the bay, perfect for splashing around. You can still soak up the sun during the fall season on AMI!
Dive Into Anna Maria Island’s Best Restaurants
With weather that’s great for sitting on the patio (especially in the evenings), it’s an opportune time to grab a reservation at some of our island’s highly rated restaurants. Take a night out at the unassuming Waterfront Restaurant, situated right off Bayfront Park with elevated views, specializing in sushi and fusion fare. The Ugly Grouper in Holmes Beach offers a selection of dishes straight from the sea, from fish tacos to expertly prepared grouper. If seafood isn’t your culinary style, you can find almost any type of cuisine on AMI—try Vinny’s Italian Kitchen for casual Italian dishes, or Smokehouse for authentic American BBQ dishes as well as unique twists on the old classics.
Your Selection of AMI Fall Festivities
Fall is a terrific time to visit if you’d like to get a feel for the island’s local markets. The Bridge Street Market reopens annually in November and has hours every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.–even better, you can take the island trolley to get there! Also nearby, you can visit the Bradenton Farmer’s Market, open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through October to May. Grab some fresh ingredients to bring home to your vacation rental—with over 30 local vendors selling a variety of crafts and goods, you’ll likely find lots to love. Another market to explore includes the Coquina Beach Market, opening November 2022—also accessible from the free trolley route, with an offering of local food, handmade items, and fresh produce.
Up on Pine Avenue, you’ll find our island’s main shopping hub, with lots of local stores and a generous amount of stops on the free island trolley, making it easy to explore the avenue. Grab some seasonal closeout beachwear, pick up a fall scented candle—maybe even buy a lightweight scarf to take home!
Celebrate the Season at Your Beach Vacation Rental
There’s always plenty to keep you entertained at your vacation rental, whether it’s a leisurely pool day or a homecooked family meal with fall flavors to get into the spirit of the season. If you’re visiting during Halloween, you can pick up some pumpkins and have a carving contest, or just pick up a local fall brew and relax with a scary movie marathon on your vacation home’s large smart TV. From relaxing in the hot tub at night and stargazing to admiring early morning ocean views, your vacation home can be the highlight of your fall vacation on Anna Maria Island!
Book Your Fall Vacation Rental on Anna Maria Island Today!
There’s no question that the fall season is an excellent time to visit AMI, as it’s less crowded than usual and just as beautiful! If you’d like to learn more about our selection of Anna Maria Island vacation homes, give our friendly reservation team a call today!
Stretching white sand beaches, an expanse of turquoise-blue water, and tropical vibes along the Gulf of Mexico—it’s a typical summer vacation to Anna Maria Island, where you can indulge in the best of the beach life and escape the summer heat, whether it’s by taking a dip in the ocean or sipping on a Mai Tai poolside. Beyond all the outdoor activities you can get up to, you’ll find that it’s a great season for outdoor dining, feasting on freshly caught seafood, and admiring waterfront views. If you’re interested in some of the best outdoor dining spots, we have a selection of recommendations for a variety of cuisine and tastes! Check out our list of best summer outdoor dining on Anna Maria Island below!
Rod and Reel Pier
Located at the north end of the island facing out toward Tampa Bay, this casual two-story joint is situated at the end of a pier, offering beautiful views of the striking Gulf water and sailboats drifting around the bay. Wake up early to grab breakfast and a Bloody Mary on their patio or dine out for a romantic evening and enjoy dishes like Coconut Almond Mahi to the sound of the waves splashing against the pier. They offer a daily selection of fresh fish, as well as steak and chicken dishes!
You can find Rod and Reel Pier at 875 N Shore Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216, or give them a call at 941-778-1885!
The Sandbar
This restaurant can be found right on the gorgeous beach, with a large outdoor patio that also offers tables right in the sand! With generously sized umbrellas, it’s a great spot to kick back and enjoy some fresh oysters on the half shell with your choice of an afternoon cocktail. Vegetarians and even vegans will rejoice, as this spot has options for plant-based diners as well, such as their Vegan Burger. You’ll also find an assortment of delicious dishes like Chicken and Waffles and Fish Tacos. With gluten-free options, there’s something for everyone on this menu!
You can find The Sandbar at 100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216, or give them a call at 941-778-0444!
Island Ocean Star
If you’re a fan of sushi, you’ll love this Japanese spot, which has a great location mid-island, right on the marina overlooking Bimini Bay. Their large building offers a spacious upper deck, where you can relax in the breeze and check out the names of the boats docked in the harbor. Offering an assortment of nigiri, sashimi, and signature rolls, they have an extensive sushi menu, but also offer a selection of gyoza, yakisoba noodle entrees, tempura entrees, teriyaki, and katsu.
You can find Island Ocean Star at 902 S Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL 34216, or call them at 941-251-6940!
Anna Maria Island Beach Café
If you’re looking for a more casual spot on the beach, where you can dig your toes into the sand and order an ice-cold beverage, a few appetizers, and chat for a few hours, look no further than Anna Maria Island Beach Café! This adorable café also has tables in the sand, with shading umbrellas perfect for the summertime. Offering a lively assortment of colorful cocktails and even a robust morning breakfast menu, you can find a variety of American-fusion eats, such as sandwiches, salads, burgers, and tacos. Whether you’re hanging out with friends or bringing the whole family, this café is a great spot right on the shore!
You can find Anna Maria Island Beach Café at 4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217, or give them a call at 941-778-0784!
Reserve Your Summer Getaway with SeaBreeze Vacation Today!
If you’ve been thinking about booking your summer getaway to AMI, there’s never been a better time than now! We’re pleased to offer a variety of Anna Maria Island vacation homes for rent, from locations right on the shore to homes with stunning backyard pools and jacuzzies. If you’d like to learn more about reserving one of our vacation homes for your summer vacation, give our friendly team a call today—we’re waiting to hear from you!