Vacations to Florida have long been a spring break rite of passage, and every March you’re sure to find tons of vacationers from every walk of life hitting the coast. While some destinations have a raucous reputation for spring break, there are plenty of spots in Florida where you can enjoy a stunning spring break on the beach without the overbearing party atmosphere—and Anna Maria Island is the ideal location! Whether you’re taking the family on a spring break trip during time off from school, getting away with your friends, or even embarking on a solo getaway, AMI has something for everyone to enjoy in a more low-key spring break experience that’s sure to create memories that last a lifetime. There’s no doubt that one of the best spring break vacation destinations in Florida is Anna Maria Island!
Spend Your Spring Break on the Top Beaches in AMI
There’s no denying that this is hands down the first best thing about spending spring break on Anna Maria Island. You’ll find heavier crowds than normal of course as it’s peak vacation season, but you’ll find plenty of space on the beach to enjoy without the rowdy activity you might find in a city more popular with the party crowd. Try Bean Point for a chill beach with a natural vibe—as it’s on the northern tip of the island, you can also look out to Tampa Bay as well as the azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico, laying out in the sunshine on sugary white sand. You won’t find many facilities here, but down at bustling spots like Manatee Beach and Coquina Beach, you’ll find things like restrooms, BBQ grills, and picnic tables—perfect for a spring afternoon at the shore. The beaches down in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach are surrounded by eateries and shopping options as well!
Dine at the Most Popular AMI Restaurants
Sampling the local cuisine is one of the best things about going on vacation, and springtime in AMI is ideal for grabbing a patio seat outside and drinking up the views of the ocean and island scenery. Beachfront restaurants include classic spots like Sandbar Seafood and Spirits, offering an assortment of upscale steak and seafood, along with items like fish tacos, a chicken sandwich, and even a vegan burger. Another terrific beachside spot is Anna Maria Island Beach Café, where you can grab a table right in the sand. Their extensive menu has tons of options, including breakfast till 11:00 a.m. as well as tropical cocktails. If you’re after fresh seafood, try The Ugly Grouper, a family-friendly restaurant serving up an assortment of American fusion dishes including vegetarian, beef, and chicken. Wherever you decide to dine out on AMI, spring is one of the most lively seasons to do so!
Do Some Spring Shopping on Pine Ave
Pine Avenue sits on the northern end of the island and has long been a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike. Here you can shop for that perfect summer swimsuit, or pick up a sea salt candle to take home and remind you of your AMI vacation. There are lots of boutiques selling swimsuits and clothing, but you’ll also find quirky spots like the Pineapple Marketplace, which offers a variety of gifts and goods, as well as home décor. Have fun going out to lunch at one of the many restaurants on Pine Avenue, and enjoy browsing the street for shops in gorgeous weather. You might even find some springtime sales!
Visit the Historic Bridge Street Pier
In Bradenton Beach, you can find the Historic Bridge Street District, home to the pier of the same name. You can walk the pier and admire the views of the eastern side of the island, and if you like to fish, you can get a saltwater fishing license online and fish directly from the pier. Or do things the easy way, and swing by the Anna Maria Oyster Bar at the end of the pier for happy hour instead. Beyond the pier, the streets surrounding it are full of local shops and restaurants, and it can be a beautiful area to explore during spring break! Even more ideal, you can rent a bicycle and adventure around the district by bike—it’s also a great way to explore the rest of the island too!
It’s Time to Book Your AMI Spring Break Getaway!
When you’re booking a spring getaway to AMI, you want your vacation rental to have it all—and that’s exactly what we offer with our spring break Anna Maria Island rentals! Browse our stunning properties for your spring break getaway, and chat with us to learn more about our fabulous Anna Maria Island vacation rentals!
All over the country, Memorial Day is hailed as the unofficial start of the summer, bringing excited travelers to seaside destinations, each searching for their own slice of summer paradise—and Anna Maria Island is no exception. Easily one of the most celebratory weekends of the season, guests to the island will enjoy a festive atmosphere—think beach bars with live music, bustling shop-lined streets, and lively local eateries with cocktails and tacos. When you’re not living it up for the holiday weekend, you’ll find you have your choice of stunning tropical white-sand beaches all up and down the island, as well as a gorgeous stretch of bayfront land where you can frolic in the calm waters of Tampa Bay. Besides the abundance of recreational beach activities, you can spend your days exploring different parts of the island, each with its own distinct character and highlights, from Anna Maria in the north to Bradenton Beach in the south. It’s everything you need for a sublime Memorial Day weekend at the beach!
Explore North End Beaches and Parks
On the gorgeous northern end of the island, you’ll find a collection of beaches and parks perfect for a little Memorial Day R & R. Bean Point is a beach situated at the very tip of the island, where the Gulf flows into Tampa Bay, and has an unhurried and relaxed feel. One of the excellent things about staying on the north end is that you’ll also have access to the bay side of the island. Take a morning swim in clear gulf waters, and in the afternoon have a Memorial Day BBQ with the picnic and grill amenities at Bayfront Park. A convenient network of island canals also gives the chance for recreation such as kayaking and fishing in Bimini Bay.
Stay in the Action in Holmes Beach
Down in Holmes Beach, there’s a lively atmosphere that perfectly lends itself to Memorial Day celebrations. Head to Manatee Beach to find all the amenities you need for some Memorial Day fun, such as bathrooms, picnic tables, and volleyball courts. Manatee Beach is also home to the Anna Maria Island Beach Café, where you can dine right in the sand and order everything from burgers to tropical cocktails.
Discover Bradenton Beach
At the southern end of the island, you’ll find Bradenton Beach, which offers an upbeat atmosphere with lots to keep you entertained. Coquina Beach is a popular spot to catch a bit of sun, with a lengthy swimming area, picnic amenities, and play areas. Check out the open-air Coquina Beach Market on Wednesday or Friday from 10 AM to 2 PM. You can grab a bite to eat and browse clothes, jewelry, home décor, and other goods from different booths. Bradenton Beach isn’t just home to amazing beaches though—there’s also the Historic Bridge Street District, with shops, dining, and a pier with a restaurant, the Anna Maria Oyster Bar.
Treat Yourself to Local Cuisine
We think one of the best parts about the holiday vacation is the cuisine, and here on Anna Maria Island, you won’t be disappointed with your choices! Offering an impressive array of restaurants that span from cool and casual to upscale and refined, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re chasing the best fish tacos or on a hunt for the best appetizers with a seaside view—try The Waterfront Restaurant for the latter! The Wicked Cantina in Bradenton Beach offers casual Mexican fare in a waterfront setting with happy hour and margaritas. The Sand Bar has long been a popular seaside spot, serving up a mixture of traditional dishes with a Florida twist. These are just a sampling of the options you’ll have for your Memorial Day getaway!
emorial Day Festivities
The Chamber of Commerce puts on an annual Memorial Day event, and everyone is invited! At City Pier Park the Memorial Day Symphony Salute takes place, where you’ll be treated to a symphony performance from the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra, as well as a posting of colors from our local Marine Corps. There will be plenty of seating for all! If you’d like to get into a bit of evening Memorial Day festivities, you’ll find restaurants and bars such as D Coy Ducks Bar & Grille and Island Time Bar and Grill have live music and pub fare. If you like to do a bit of holiday shopping, the shops on Pine Ave have always been popular among visitors, and the free island trolley will easily take you there, as well as up and down the island!
Reserve Your Memorial Day Vacation Rental on Anna Maria Island Today!
A holiday getaway to the beach is always a special occasion, especially on Memorial Day weekend! Take a look at our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals and call us to speak with us about reserving your Memorial Day vacation home, contact us today!