AMI Vacation Guide

Got a single day to spend on the island? No worries, we know how to make it special! Grab your golf cart, fill your water bottle, and get ready for the best Anna Maria Island day trip out there! 

Start Your Day in Style

The best mornings on Anna Maria Island start with salt air and zero rush. This is the time for barefoot walks, strong coffee, and early views before the crowds awake.

Start with breakfast at North Short Café or Ginny’s & Jane E’s, both local-favored spots that serve plenty of charm with a side of caffeine. Order a to-go cup and head over to Bean Point, a spot you’ll find in all Anna Maria Island travel guides for a good reason: it has incredible views of the Gulf.

Early morning is also the best time to visit Anna Maria Island if you’re looking to spot some turtles, so hit Bean Point early or Bayfront Park. It’s not certain you’ll find any turtles, but your odds are better than later in the day.

And if that doesn’t work? You’re now at the beach early anyway, so you can secure the best spots if you want to spend some time relaxing at the beach, or you can go shell hunting before the crowds arrive. Win/win no matter how you spin it. 

Midday Boutiques and Bites

As the sun climbs, AMI comes alive, but thanks to your golf cart vacation rental, you’ll be coasting away from the midday traffic in no time flat.

This is your window for exploring, eating, and visiting all the best things to do in Anna Maria Island, so make sure to cram in as many things as possible. 

A good way to start is by driving or walking down Pine Avenue, a beautiful street lined by boutiques and artisan shops. Here, you’ll be able to find handmade jewelry, breezy linen shirts, and even quirky souvenirs at popular spots like Pink & Navy or The Shiny Fish Emporium (which is always a hit with the kids.)

If you’re still in the mood for shopping, you can head over to Coquina Beach Market (open Wednesdays and Sundays) or head south for a swim near Manatee Public Beach. 

Once your belly starts rumbling again, head over to Rod & Reel Pier or Bridge Street Bistro, where you’ll be able to enjoy laid-back but delicious lunches with incredible views of the ocean.

Want something quicker? Poppo’s Taqueria is a local legend where you can build your own tacos, or you can visit Two Scoops Ice Cream if you’re looking for something sweet. 

Pro Tip: Pine Avenue is also one of the best places to stay on Anna Maria Island, as you’ll find tons of vacation rentals and other accommodations just a few steps away from the action (and the beach). 

Remember, at Beach Ride Rental, we deliver our carts straight to you, so just let us know where you’re staying, and you’ll find your cart waiting when you arrive.

Afternoon Adventures

Now that you’ve had your tacos and done your shopping, it’s time to stretch your legs (or not; you can always just keep driving your vacation rental golf cart) and hit some Anna Maria Island attractions that’ll take you beyond the sand.

A solid idea? Booking a kayak and paddling through the mangroves, where you’ll be able to see pelicans and other aquatic birds. 

If you’d rather not paddle, you can always sign up for a dolphin cruise at the Bradenton Beach Marina, and if you’d rather not go in the ocean, you can always visit the Leffis Key Preserve, where you’ll find shaded trails, an observation tower, and beautiful—yet water-free—views of the bay. 

If you’re still in planning mode, some Anna Maria Island vacation packages bundle these excursions with vacation rentals, which makes them a steal if you’re traveling with a crew or want to lock in a few activities early. 

Speaking of booking things early, don’t forget to do the same with our golf carts. We have 4-seaters, 6-seaters (electric and gas), and 8-seaters, so you’ll be able to drive with the whole squad, no problem.

Sunset & Dinner

If you only plan one thing all day, make it this: catching the sunset on Anna Maria Island.

Whether it’s from Bean Point, the rocks at Cortez Beach, or on your golf cart along Coquina, the golden hour on the island is pure magic.

Want to make it a whole evening? Start with drinks at The Sandbar Restaurant, where toes-in-the-sand dining pairs perfectly with the unbeatable Gulf-front views. For a more low-key vibe, you can check out Harry’s Grill or The Waterfront Restaurant, both beloved for their cold drinks and delicious seafood.

Anna Maria Island restaurants and dining range from upscale to ultra-casual, and sunset is when they shine. You’re sure to find some place you’ll love; just make sure to roll in early and make reservations if you want to secure a spot. 

Take your time to order, enjoy the atmosphere, and don’t skip dessert. You’ve got an Anna Maria Island vacation rental waiting for you, so you can relax. 

By the time the sky turns pink, you’ll understand what makes Anna Maria Island unforgettable and why folks are already planning their next trip well before they leave.

Clue: No, it’s not just AMI’s beaches. It’s the whole thing.