Seven Reasons Anna Maria Island Offers Florida's Best Beach Vacation

Anna Maria Island, Fla., is a seven-mile island located on the southern edge of Tampa Bay in the Gulf of Mexico. For more than 100 years, it has been a favorite beach destination for Floridians. Here are seven reasons why AMI is widely considered Florida Gulf Coast's favorite beach escape:

1. SAND: Anna Maria's powdery white sand is primarily composed of ground quartz eroded from the Appalachian Mountains and washed down into the Gulf of Mexico over several centuries. Unlike the typical white sand that is formed from rocks and seashells, AMI sand is exceedingly soft and a poor conductor of heat. Meaning you're far less likely to suffer foot burn on Anna Maria Island.

2. SMALL BUSINESS: Florida was once the beach getaway capital of America. In time, corporations moved in to take advantage of the flocks beach travelers with roller coasters, luxury resorts and chain restaurants. But on AMI you'll find only privately owned resorts and cottages, no over-processed chain restaurants and shops loaded with funky treasures for the soul.

3. WILDLIFE: The Island is surrounded by many of the most captivating creatures in the sea. From the island piers you're likely to spot dolphins, eagle rays and dozens of sea birds. Don't forget to keep a watchful eye for manatee. The gentle sea cows are heavily populated in the Manatee River that opens to the northeast of Anna Maria Island.

4. ROMANCE: In all of Florida, there is no greater place for lovers than Anna Maria. From secluded cottages, to oceanfront views and empty beaches, romance is abundant.

5. FOOD: National publications such as the New York Times and USA Today have touted AMI beach burger joints Duffy's Tavern and Skinny's among the best in America. Meanwhile fine dining at Beach Bistro and The Waterfront are widely named among the best in the state of Florida.

6. PEOPLE: The local islanders embrace the classic-Florida beach lifestyle. In fact, most of them are travelers who fell so deeply in love with Anna Maria Island that they just never left. You'll find boat parades, fireworks over the water and loads of community events packed with people ready to celebrate this island oasis.

7. PRICE: With beach-front rentals available for less than $1,000 per week, most Americans can book an entire vacation on Anna Maria Island for less than the cost of airfare to Hawaii or the Caribbean. With world-class beaches, exotic wildlife, tremendous food and friendly locals, why pay more when Anna Maria Island has your perfect beach escape for just cents on the dollar?

Florida's best kept secret - Anna Maria Island

The trouble with coastline is that, as with land generally, God stopped making it a long time ago. This is why prime waterfront properties usually command premium prices over similar residences inland. Nowhere is this more of a fact of life than in Florida where tourists and retirees flock to its shores. There doesn't seem to be quite so much demand for properties in the state's interior.

 The city of St. Petersburg occupies a peninsular forming the northern side of the entrance to Tampa Bay on the Gulf of Mexico and is a prime example of the magnetic pull of the ocean. Apart from having shoreline on 3 sides, it claims to enjoy sunshine for an average of 360 days a year (yes, that only leaves 5 days for more inclement weather!). Not surprisingly nicknamed The Sunshine City, it is home to some 250,000 souls but is unlikely to grow much further since its location is effectively built out with only the inland option available for further development.

Tampa Bay Skyline

Needless to say, the area is a big draw for visitors, particularly from northern climes, looking for guaranteed sunshine by a warm sea. There are plenty of big name hotels such as Loews Don Cesar but savvy vacationers usually opt to stay on the much less developed island of Anna Maria which lies just across the mouth of the bay from -St. Pete-.

Tampa bay st. Petersborough

This 15 mile long finger of sand is connected to the mainland by 3 bridges and is often referred to as Florida's best kept secret. It has a plethora of very high quality, low rise properties available for rental and most have direct access to the water via the beach or dock.

Anna Maria Island was discovered by local indian tribes the Timucan and Caloosan American Indian tribes and then by Spanish explorers (including Hernando DeSoto) in the name of the Spanish Crown. Hernando de Soto and his crew entered the mouth of Tampa Bay north of Anna Maria in May, 1539, but passed it by to make their landfall on the mainland.

Florida Beach

The Island consists of three town communities; Anna Maria City to the north end, which houses some of the largest residential homes. Holmes beach in the centre and Bradenton Beach in the south; with its fun shops and restaurants. However with only 8000 inhabitants on the Island, it is far from being crowded.

Anna Maria Island is located on Florida's west coast, only 40 miles south of Tampa International Airport. More information on Anna Maria Island Vacation Rentals

Florida Family Fun Top Things To Do With Kids On A Summertime Island Vacation

Summertime means school is officially out for the season and it's time to start planning ways to fill up the kids' schedules for the next several weeks. For most families, the months of June through August often mean coordinating at least one family vacation to unplug and enjoy each other's company. But where to go? Anyone who has children understands that trying to get everyone in the clan in agreement on what constitutes "family fun" can be a little like herding cats; simultaneously awkward and unruly!

Fortunately, families of any size do have a superior option when beginning to plan their summer getaway; Anna Maria Island. Offering an abundance of sunshine, a host of diverse and fun activities, ample recreational opportunities and more, an Anna Maria Island vacation has long been a parent approved destination. Having a solid understanding of some of the most kid-friendly adventures you can embark on during your Anna Maria Island vacation can help you quickly fill up your travel itinerary and successfully eliminate ever hearing the words, "I'm BORED. What can we do NOW?" the entire duration of your stay!

Get Outdoors During Your Anna Maria Island Vacation

What's one of the best things about planning a getaway with the kids to this gorgeous Gulf Coast location during the summer months? The weather is almost guaranteed to be great! Take advantage of the sunny days by planning day trips with the kids to some of the island's most family-friendly hotspots. First up? Beaches are an absolute must-do. If your little ones love building sandcastles, body surfing and searching for shoreline shells and creatures, they'll love the seven miles of white sandy beaches this region boasts.

Anna Maria Island Sunset

Even if the beach isn't your family's forte, you'll still find plenty of ways to meet your vitamin D quota on an Anna Maria Island vacation. Charter a fishing boat, rent kayaks or even ride along on some of the area's guided wildlife tours. Children (and adults) of all ages will love taking in some of the breathtaking scenery this tropical paradise offers while trying to spy some of the Floridian wildlife that thrives here. From rare birds to dolphins and manatees, the day will prove both fun and educational for all. Depending on when you go, you may even get a rare glimpse of the sea turtle migration that happens throughout the summer on Anna Maria Island.

Other Fun, Family-Oriented Events And Activities

When you're ready to take a little break from the outdoor adventure, there's still ample opportunity for quality together time during your Anna Maria Island vacation. Summertime finds the island abuzz with all sorts of family-friendly festivals and events. Take a journey back in time at the Manatee Village Historical Park, hit the big top with Circus Pages show or simply check out all the fun shops and boutiques this area is known for.

Manatee Village Historical 

After a long day of adventure, take everyone to any of the delicious, family-centric restaurants found throughout the island. You'll find scrumptious meals guaranteed to please even the finickiest palettes! Finally, take in a gorgeous evening sunset on the beach and prepare for fireworks. That's right - many of the area beaches offer seasonal firework displays throughout the summer months, including spectacular events for Independence Day. A perfect way to end any day on your family-friendly Anna Maria Island vacation!