When you hear the word “vacation,” what do you think about it? Do you automatically jump to a warm location, toes in the sand, and a tropical drink within reach? Or do you start thinking about beautiful sunsets across turquoise waters with a gentle sea breeze blowing through your hair? Maybe you even begin to think about all the incredible food that you could be indulging in! Whatever the case may be, Anna Maria Island (AMI) is the place you are looking for, without a doubt.
We have some of the most unique and beautiful beaches on Anna Maria Island, in all of Florida, complete with the luscious white sands you would expect from a tropical destination. With plenty of various local Anna Maria Island restaurants, including some beachfront options, you can enjoy incredible food without having to leave your picturesque setting!
We also have lots of fun and entertaining things to do on the island and in the surrounding inland areas!
Anna Maria Island is also home to some excellent Anna Maria Island pet-friendly rentals that you and the whole family can enjoy! Whether you are looking for something directly on the beach or perhaps something with a private pool, there are plenty of rental properties for you to choose from! But while you’re enjoying these rentals and all the activities on AMI, try to take some time to enjoy our neighboring city of St. Pete. You’ll find countless more attractions to take advantage of in this bustling location!
St. Pete Beaches
We know that the main reason you are choosing Anna Maria Island or heading to St. Pete Beach as your next vacation choice is because of the beaches that you have heard so much about. While you’re exploring St. Pete, don’t miss out on the simply breathtaking beaches in and around the city! These are a few of our favorite spots on the shoreline.
St. Pete Beach
This beach is best described as an urban beach but is very quaint. We know it sounds different, but it is one of our favorite beaches in the area! There are many mom-n-pop businesses along the beachfront, and there are also lots of glam resorts giving you incredible views! The luscious soft sands and the emerald, green waters are what lead to St. Pete Beach being named TripAdvisor’s #1 Beach in the U.S in 2021! It doesn’t get much better than that!
Treasure Island Beach
Offering the same kind of mom-n-pop shops as St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island beach gives its visitors a nostalgic and fun beach feel. The area is known as “mid-island” by the locals and offers a lovely mix of restaurants and shops to have you entertained for days! This area tends to be a bit less crowded but still just as fun!
Madeira Beach
If you want to experience the “Old Florida” beach vibe, then Madeira Beach (or Mad Beach) is where you need to go. With Johns Pass Village and Boardwalk just across from the beach, you will be able to experience a rustic feel to this area for sure.
Redington Beach
The final beach that we want to mention is Redington Beach. Believe it or not, Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio once vacationed on the sands of Redington Beach, and we can understand why! While it is a smaller beach, it has a distinctly local vibe and has all the amenities you would hope to find at a public beach.
St. Pete Attractions
One of the biggest attractions in St. Pete is the Dali Museum, which has been the unofficial heart of fine arts in the Tampa Bay area since it opened in 1982. With its incredible “Avant-garden” and beautiful architecture, this is something that needs to be on your list of things to do while in St. Pete.
While you are at the Dali Museum, you need to make time to enjoy the Van Gogh Alive exhibit that they have available. You will be able to experience Vincent van Gogh’s amazing artwork in a new and immersive art installation. Imagine being able to literally walk through his “Starry Night,” or even through “Sunflowers.” You will be able to truly take in all of the luminous colors, light, and sounds that the interactive exhibit has to offer!
We also highly suggest checking out St. Pete Pier, where we can guarantee the entire family will find incredible things to do and see! Whether you are hoping to find a place to walk and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Gulf or want to find a relaxing place to enjoy a spa treatment, then St. Pete Pier is the place for you. With a plethora of restaurants, quaint little shops, a playground and discovery center for the kids, and plenty of “Instagram-able moments,” St. Pete Pier is one location that you absolutely will not want to miss!
Plan Your Next Visit
With all of these exciting things to do, places to dine, and beaches to lounge on to look forward to, isn’t it time to book your next Anna Maria Island vacation? We have excellent Anna Maria Island vacation rentals available that are perfect for any group size, and we are ready and waiting to help book you in for your next getaway! Simply contact us today and let us get you on your way to your next unforgettable Anna Maria Island vacation!
St. Pete Restaurants
There are so many incredible places to eat while you are in St. Pete’s that we believe you might have a hard time choosing! To make it a little easier for you, we have listed a few of our personal favorites below.
Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill on the Beach
Located right on Clearwater Beach is Frenchy’s, Rockaway Grill. This is the perfect restaurant to enjoy fresh seafood and delicious frozen beverages. In contrast, you’ll enjoy the breathtaking view of the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. Their open-air eatery offers you a fantastic atmosphere to enjoy their extensive menu. It is home to daily live music by local artists.
Caretta on the Gulf
If you are looking for something a little more upscale, then we suggest checking out Caretta on the Gulf. Open for all of your meals, this incredible AAA Four Diamond restaurant serves fresh, locally caught seafood. It also has an “all-natural, organic menu, paired perfectly with their extensive wine menu. Whether you choose to dine inside or out, the views will be something that you will be talking about for days!
Directions to St. Pete
With three different bridges connecting Anna Maria Island to St. Pete, you have a few other choices regarding travel. You can either take a bus, a taxi, or drive yourself, and in most cases, you will be at St. Pete’s in about an hour. The drive will take you off the island into Bradenton and then over the Skyway Bridge, offering you a lovely view of the bay! Once you have crossed the bridge, you just need to take a left on 54th Ave S, and you will be in St. Pete’s in no time!
