BEACH RIDE RENTAL !
LOCAL GOLF CART PICKUP & DELIVERY.
At Beach Ride Rental, we believe Anna Maria Island is best experienced at your own pace, on your own path — and of course, in your very own golf cart.
Whether you’re heading out for sunrise coffee or coasting home from an evening festival, an Anna Maria Island golf cart rental turns every little errand into a beachy breeze.
We’ve rounded up the festivals that get locals out of their beach chairs, the holiday happenings, and the fresh openings in town. Now all you gotta do is book your golf cart and drive there!
New Attractions You Can Cruise To
2025 has been a big year for Anna Maria Island, and if you haven’t visited in a while, you’re in for some serious updates. Some of the island’s most beloved spots have reopened better than ever, and a few hidden gems got a fresh new vibe that’s perfect for a laid-back ride and an even better hang.
First up: The Drift-In is back. This Bridge Street classic, nearly a century old, reopened with just enough polish to feel fresh but kept all the dive-bar soul that locals love.
A few blocks away, The Trap Yard behind Blue Marlin has also returned, serving up cottage cocktails under string lights with live music and crab trap décor.
History fans, you’re covered too: the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum reopened this spring after storm damage repairs, with a refurbished Belle Haven cottage and brand-new exhibits. And if it’s the beach you came for, good news: AMI’s shoreline has been fully restored.
Smooth, wide sands from Coquina to Bean Point mean sunset walks and cartloads of beach gear are back on the agenda. Just get on your golf cart and take the scenic drive to all the new attractions Anna Maria Island has to offer!
Quick Hop: Bradenton & Sarasota Highlights
Sometimes a little off-island exploring is exactly what your vacation needs. And with our street-legal golf carts, you’re free to cruise the coast, from the heart of Anna Maria to the charming streets of Bradenton and Sarasota, all while sticking to low-speed roads and high-reward destinations.
New Places Worth the Detour
In Bradenton, the Bradenton Area Convention Center just debuted a stunning expansion this summer, complete with a grand new ballroom and breezy outdoor plazas designed for major community events.
Right next door, the brand-new Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa offers rooftop views, a luxe spa, and upscale dining, perfect for a post-adventure unwind.
Over in Sarasota, University Town Center (UTC) has become the new go-to. L.L. Bean opened its first Florida store there on May 9, and local favorite Florence and the Spice Boys brought their Middle Eastern street food magic to the scene just weeks earlier. Expect bold flavors and gift-worthy finds—just a smooth cart ride away.
And in Lakewood Ranch, the region’s largest indoor adventure zone is officially on the radar: the Urban Air Adventure Park, opening July 2025, promises trampolines, ninja courses, VR games, and more for those energetic, golf cart-powered day trips.
Save These Dates
No Anna Maria Island travel guide is complete without some events, and at Beach Ride Rental, we know exactly what kind of events will keep you entertained all weekend.
August 20, 2025: The Blend Food & Wine Trolley Tour: A progressive culinary event rolling through Sarasota and AMI with wine pairings and chef-crafted bites at every stop.
November 29, 2025: The Bridge Street Christmas Tree Lighting: Kick off the holiday season with carolers, lights, and festive energy by the Bradenton Beach Pier.
There’s no shortage of Anna Maria Island things to do by golf cart, especially when the map includes new openings, seasonal experiences, and foodie hotspots just minutes from your rental drop-off.
Ride Into the Action: Anna Maria Local Festivals
Those new attractions not enough? Just wait until the island, and its neighbors, kick into full celebration mode.
From fall festivals to Christmas parades, the second half of 2025 is stacked with events that make Anna Maria Island more than just a pretty beach. And the best part? These are all golf cart-friendly events Florida vacationers love to stumble upon.
Bay Fest
BayFest (October 18, 2025) transforms Pine Avenue into a day-long street fair with live music, food trucks, and a classic car show that runs straight down the avenue. It’s one of AMI’s biggest block parties, and yes, golf carts are the transportation of choice to get close.
Trail of Treats
Trail of Treats (October 31, 2025) is the ultimate Halloween experience for families. Kids decked out in costumes trick-or-treat from business to business across Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach.
Locals decorate their carts and bounce from zone to zone—Pine Avenue, Marina Drive, Bridge Street—with treat bags in tow.
Veterans Day Parade
The US Veterans Day Parade (November 11, 2025) honors service members with floats, scouts, pirate ships, and marching bands. The parade runs down Pine Avenue, where golf carts are not only allowed, but many are decorated and driven in the parade itself.
Bridge Street Christmas
Bridge Street Christmas on the Beach & Boat Parade (December 20, 2025) closes out the season with carolers, a kids’ zone, and a stunning lighted boat parade. Locals roll up early to Bay Drive South and tailgate from their golf carts with hot cocoa and holiday tunes playing from the dash.
You just can’t miss these upcoming 2025 events in Anna Maria Island!
Ready to Roll?
From fresh new hangouts to the most anticipated events of the year, Anna Maria Island is more vibrant than ever and at Beach Ride Rental, we’ll be there with you every step of the way.
Whether you’re checking out a newly reopened spot like the Drift-In or cruising to a festival with hot cocoa in one hand and your camera in the other, there’s always something worth exploring — and always a better way to get there.
Rent your cart now and cruise AMI like a local. With flexible sizes, free delivery, and street-legal carts built for adventure. We’ll drop it off; and you can take it from there.
FAQ's
Is there an Anna Maria Island travel guide that covers golf cart routes and stops?
Totally! Our Anna Maria Island travel guide gives you the full lowdown: beach shortcuts, food stops, and scenic ride ideas. Looking only for the highlights? Check the Top 7 Golf Cart-Friendly Spots. And if you’ve got kids in tow, this family day itinerary is basically your blueprint for an epic (but chill) island day.
What beach events are accessible by golf cart?
Plenty! While you can’t drive on the sand (nobody wants a beached cart), there are tons of beach events accessible by golf cart. Think: sunset drum circles near Bayfront Park, early-morning yoga at Manatee Beach, or live acoustic sets on the sand by Coquina.
What are some weekend events near Anna Maria Island worth checking out?
If your weekend needs a little spark, start with the Bridge Street Market on Sundays, where you’ll find live music, handmade art, and pastries that are way too good to share.
Just off-island, Bradenton’s Village of the Arts comes alive one weekend a month with gallery walks, craft vendors, and food trucks you’ll smell from three blocks away. And in Sarasota, you’ll find weekend events near Anna Maria Island like waterfront art shows, plant swaps, and (yes) the occasional goat yoga session. It’s a thing.
How do I find upcoming events on Anna Maria Island in 2025 that visitors will love?
The best way? Think like a local. Check the Anna Maria Island Chamber site, follow local Facebook pages, or peek at restaurant boards, as that’s where you’ll hear about everything from holiday concerts to last-minute street parties.
Can I get a child seat for my golf cart rental?
Yep! Families use our carts all the time, so we make it simple to add a proper child seat. Just let us know when you book and we’ll have it installed before drop-off.