Anna Maria Island is the hidden gem of Florida, offering low crowd levels, welcoming locals, stunning white-sand beaches, fresh seafood, and rich history. But how do you get there? If you’ve never heard of Anna Maria Island before, you’re not alone. However, if you’re planning a Florida vacation, you’ll definitely want to get familiar with this seven-mile stretch of land. Here’s everything you need to know about navigating your way to our Anna Maria Island rentals!
Where is Anna Maria Island?
The first thing you’re likely wondering is, “Where is Anna Maria Island?” Anna Maria Island, often abbreviated as AMI, is a barrier island located off the coast of Manatee County, Florida. It’s surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on the west, Anna Maria Sound on the east, Longboat Pass on the south, and Tampa Bay on the north. It’s just about 20 minutes away from mainland Bradenton and 40 minutes away from Sarasota.
Plan Your Visit
Are you looking for a quiet beach destination with tons of charm and perfect beaches? Anna Maria Island is the place to be and we offer a wide variety of rentals perfect for your next family vacation.
Directions
Now that you know where Anna Maria Island is located, you’ll need to know how to get here! Luckily, Anna Maria Island’s directions are pretty simple no matter where you’re traveling from. If you’re planning to fly into the area, your closest airport will be Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, which is about a 30-minute drive. Once you leave the airport, you’ll take Route 41 N and head to Conquistador Parkway. Take a left at Highway 684, and you’ll be taken over the Cortez Bridge and onto the island.
Another airport option is the Tampa International Airport, which is ideal if you’re looking for an airport that’s a little bigger than Sarasota-Bradenton. It takes about an hour to reach AMI from here. You’ll want to get on I-275 S across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, then take Exit 5 onto US-19 S. Then, you’ll get on US-41 S and make a right onto FL-64 W.
If you’re coming in from the south from a city like Cape Coral or Fort Myers, you’ll have a picturesque drive that lasts about 2 hours. Your drive will mostly take place on I-75 N, then you’ll exit at 220B to merge to FL-64 W, which takes you onto the island in Holmes Beach.
Getting Around
Now you’ve got your Anna Maria Island directions and you’ve arrived at your destination. How do you get between all the incredible sights? There are several different transportation methods you can choose from. The island is only seven miles long, so it’s not unreasonable to walk just about everywhere you need to go.
Another great option is biking around Anna Maria Island. There are tons of rental companies around the island where you can get bikes, helmets, and other equipment for your entire family.
For something a bit faster but just as cool and convenient, you might want to rent a golf cart! It’s much cheaper and more fun than a car, but it can be less labor-intensive than a bike.
Finally, if you’re looking to get all around the island in a quick and budget-friendly way, you’ll want to check out the free Anna Maria Island trolley! There are trolley stops all over the island, so you’ll never be waiting for more than 20 minutes for a ride. Trolleys are comfortable and air-conditioned to keep you cool on your ride. Best of all? They have bike racks if you’ve been cycling and just need a break! You can take the trolley all over AMI, as well as onto the mainland for a small fee.
Book Your Anna Maria Island Rental with Beach House
Once you arrive on AMI and discover the fun to be had, you might never want to leave! Is the island calling your name yet? We’d love to have you! Contact us today to discover all of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals and to start planning the getaway of your dreams.
