Getting some insider information about planning a vacation is something everyone should do to ensure they’re getting the most out of their upcoming trip.

If you haven’t visited Anna Maria Island before or are simply looking for new ways to enjoy this beautiful island on Florida’s Gulf Coast, get some tips and details about everything from booking an Anna Maria Island vacation rental to reserving your table for the most sensational waterfront dining experiences AMI has to offer.

We’ve done some of the legwork here for you! Read on for all the information you need about booking Anna Maria Island beach rentals early, Anna Maria Island golf cart rentals, restaurant reservations, and details about the AMI area. These tips will help you take full advantage of day trips, activities, and attractions you might have overlooked.

Book Early

The early bird gets the worm or, in this case, the best homes! The earlier you are, the more comprehensive a selection you’ll get, and you’ll save money to boot. Vacationing with a large or extended family and need a 4+ bedroom rental with the ability to sleep a dozen or more? That type of rental might be harder to find the closer you get to your vacation, especially if it is high season. The more popular the rental amenities, such as oceanfront or pet-friendly, the more quickly they will go.

Suppose those are the kinds of Anna Maria Island beach rentals you seek. In that case, it’s highly recommended to book as early as possible, as availability is sure to dwindle the closer the hot season gets.

Money savings is a big part of early bookings. Some rental companies will allow you to book in advance to take advantage of special rates. 

Finally, booking a vacation condo or other accommodation in advance frees up more time to plan the activities you’re looking forward to doing during your Anna Maria Island vacation. You’ll also have more time to arrange transportation if you’re not driving. Now that you know what you’re spending on accommodations, you can budget for the other parts of your vacation: which attractions you want to visit, which restaurants you want to dine at, etc.

Secure Your Anna Maria Beach Rentals Beforehand

Your lodgings are not the only rental you should secure before hitting Anna Maria Island.

You might be looking to rent beach items such as chairs or umbrellas, bikes, a golf cart, or even baby items such as playpens or strollers. Your mind may not be on these things weeks or months before your AMI vacation, but sometimes if you wait until your arrival on the island, some of these could be sold out.

In many cases, rental companies will allow you to reserve items online so that you can secure them in advance of your vacation dates. We highly recommend if you are hoping to scoot around the island in a golf cart or scoot coupe, book ahead of time. These vehicles are in high-demand come the summer, so don’t miss your chance to ride in style!

Saving money might play a role in pre-reserving rentals beforehand, too. You may be likely to avoid accruing fees by booking sooner than later.

Reserve Your Waterfront Dining Experience

Anna Maria Island offers many stunning views of the beaches and Gulf waters, and an AMI vacation would not be complete without experiencing these views.

Several restaurants, such as The Waterfront Restaurant Anna Maria Island and The Sandbar Restaurant Anna Maria Island, provide these spectacular views and some of the finest food in the area. As you would expect, these restaurants fill up quickly during the busy season, and your chances of getting a table with a view may fall slim; more often than not, none.

Why take the chance of missing out on a tasty meal and tasty view?

While some restaurants do not take reservations or may not take reservations too far in advance of your stay, be sure to take advantage of those who do. 

Even if you cannot reserve too far ahead of time, book your waterfront dining experience as soon as you get to the island. If you wait until the evening you’ve selected for this experience, or only hours before, chances are greater that you’ll miss out and likely not get another chance.

Do Your Area Research

Anna Maria Island has more than enough to keep vacationers entertained, but the surrounding areas also hold plenty of attractions and activities worth the short trip. AMI is near Sarasota, Bradenton, and Siesta Key. You can easily plan day trips to these locales and not regret it!

Sarasota is home to St. Armands Circle, one of the most popular spots in South Florida. From its tropical plants and enticing patios to various boutiques, shops, and restaurants, St. Armands Circle promises a full day of fashion, food, fun, and even festivals! Car shows, art festivals, musical events, and holiday season specials abound on the Circle, so there’s always something extra besides the usual attractions.

As if the Circle doesn’t offer enough, you can further entrench yourself into Florida’s culture in downtown Sarasota. Art galleries, theaters, boutiques, and festivals will keep vacationers enthralled throughout the day. 

But the fun doesn’t stop once the day ends. Sarasota’s nightlife teems with bars, nightclubs, and lounges. Live music showcasing everything from jazz to rock fills the air. Perhaps a drink or two in a cozy lounge is more up your alley. Downtown Sarasota is an exciting place to visit for the day well into the night.

Other fascinating Sarasota destinations include the Ringling Museum of Art, Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, Sarasota Classic Car Museum, and Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.

About 20 miles from Anna Maria Island is Siesta Key, a barrier island off the coast of Sarasota. Spend hours on the sparkling white sands of Siesta Beach (which is the #1 ranked beach in the U.S. in 2020 by TripAdvisor), see the Point of Rocks, take a ride on the trolley, and walk Siesta Key Village for shopping, dining, snacking, and more nightlife, such as outdoor drinks and live music at the Daiquiri Deck.

Just ten miles southeast of Anna Maria Island, Bradenton offers the best in Old Florida history. Visiting parks, museums, and nature preserves can fill a full day in this city! See cultural and historical artifacts in the Bishop Museum of Art and Science; hike nature trails and kayak through wetland at the Robinson Nature Preserve; or take guided tours of historical buildings at the Manatee Village Historical Park.

These only scratch the surface of the fun available on Anna Maria Island!

Stay With Island Vacation Properties

Vacation starts with the best accommodations, and Island Vacation Properties is ready to ensure that your Anna Maria Island vacation is the best it can be. There’s something for families of every size with one-to-five-plus bedroom homes and condo rentals throughout the island, as well as Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach rentals. Some may even allow you to include your pup!

Island Vacation Properties not only fulfills your search for the perfect rental condo or home, but we also provide top customer service and amenities, including linens and beach toys. You can also look to Island Vacation Properties for information about the main attractions and activities in and around AMI and even details about “hidden gems” that might be overlooked. Get in touch today!