Anna Maria Island is a place like none other, and you’ve probably gathered as much just from browsing all the lovely Anna Maria Island rentals. This island is truly a standout among all of Florida’s islands. The best thing about AMI is that you can get anywhere you want to go here without having to drive a car.
Of course, cars are welcome on the island, but if you don’t want to drive yours or didn’t drive one in, to begin with, that’s okay! AMI has got you covered. From the free trolley to the bike rentals, getting around AMI is easy and enjoyable for everyone.
Golf Carts & GEM Cars
Golf carts and GEM Cars are undoubtedly popular on AMI, and you can rent GEM cars from right here at Lizzie Lu’s Island Retreat! They are easy to navigate along AMI’s slow-speed roadways, park in any parking spot, and are a great way to enjoy the Anna Maria Island weather as you travel around town. They come in handy and are certainly fun for taking kids out and about! They make getting around Anna Maria Island easy-breezy.
GEM cars are cool too. These let you get fresh air while exploring but are eco-friendly so that others can enjoy the air quality here for years to come. You can get a 4- or 6-seat GEM car on a daily or weekly basis from us here at Lizzie Lu’s Island Retreat. They are fairly cost-effective if you need them for an entire week but take note that they are somewhat limited in number. You will need to book ahead in order to secure one.
Trolley
The free trolley traverses almost the entirety of the island’s 7 miles in length. This isn’t a wide island, just a long one, but it is still short enough for a trolley to easily go back and forth between the northern and southernmost points every day. The best part? It’s free.
You don’t have to pay a cent to get around on AMI. The Island Trolley stops every 2-4 blocks, going from Anna Maria City Pier in the north to Coquina Beach in the south, then back up again. The trolley starts running at 6:00 am and goes until 9:00 pm.
Additionally, if you want to go off the island, you can ride as far as St. Armand’s Circle in Sarasota and back thanks to the trolley being partnered with Sarasota County Area Transit. The fee is just $0.75 to ride.
Bike Rentals
Bike rentals are an affordable way to get around AMI and make for some great exercise. Here at Lizzie Lu’s Island Retreat, you can rent Jamis bikes and you can get Weehoos for the littlest bike riders. Every bike comes with a helmet, and adult bikes have locks and baskets.
Plan Your Visit
Are you ready to book your dream vacation on Anna Maria Island? Contact us for more information!
You can find bikes to rent for just the day or can get them on a weekly basis. Again, you will want to book ahead when you come during AMI’s busy “in” season. Bikes can go fast since almost everyone wants to take one out on a fantastic ride.
Places to Stay
Need directions to Anna Maria Island? You can fly to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, which is the closest to AMI. US-41 N will get you to Bayshore Gardens Pkwy, where you turn left, then go along El Conquistador Pkwy/75th St W. Take a left onto State Hwy 684/Cortez Rd W, go over Cortez Bridge, then you’ll find yourself in Bradenton. You can get a taxi or Uber from the airport if you decide not to rent a car.
If you are a pet owner, bring Fido along! There are quite a few stunning and spacious Anna Maria Island pet-friendly rentals available. You will find that many places here welcome dogs and that people are friendly towards pets, kids, and, well, everyone! That’s the beauty of Anna Maria Island – everyone is here to have fun and feel relaxed.
