General and Overseas Visitor Information
If you have not traveled to Florida before we have outlined a few pointers for your information. If you need to contact us by telephone from Europe please call us after 11.30 European time. Anna Maria Island is a small, friendly island community that welcomes and appreciates overseas visitors who come to the island for rest, relaxation sun and fun.
Closest Airports to Anna Maria Island
Direct flights from the UK and the rest of Europe:
- Tampa Airport 1 hr
- Orlando Airport 2 hrs
- Miami Airport 5 hrs
- Sarasota Airport 20 minutes (for connecting flights from other American airports such as New York, Atlanta or Washington)
- Fort Myers Airport 2.5 hrs
Travel Insurance
This covers you in case of cancellation of your trip. Choose one that covers both the cost of your flight and accommodation. Check out the policy carefully so you fully understand what you are covered for.
Transportation Services
Blue Sky Airport Limo Service will pick up from Tampa or Sarasota Airports. Phone and pre-book this service before you leave home. If you are not renting a car then this is the way to travel down to the island. The drivers are local and know how to get you to your property efficiently and speedily with no fuss airport.
This service does not cover Orlando Airport.
Call 1-941-366-3500 to speak with this company directly.
Anna Maria Island Car Rentals
We have a code with Enterprise/National for our guests to receive a discount: XZ35AMV.
Keep in mind that a small car in the USA is similar to a medium in Europe. All cars have air conditioning. Beware some companies try to sell you extra personal insurances. If you have travel insurance you may not need them.
Other Ways of Getting Around Anna Maria Island
The free island trolley that runs up and down the island, passing by every 20 minutes. There are plenty of stops and it is a great way to explore. It also has a bike rack on the front so if you want to cycle out and ride back this is a fun way to travel.
The island is entirely flat and there are many cycle paths, so its fun to rent a bike and explore using pedal power! You can also book excursions, rent golf carts, paddleboards, kayaks and more from our Preferred Partners.
Anna Maria Island Lodging
We have the largest selection of Anna Maria Island vacation rentals ranging from 1 bedroom cottages to 5+ bedroom homes for large groups. With beachfront homes and luxury vacation rentals, we have something for everyone!
We have a sister hotel brand, the Anna Maria Beach Resort, which offers guests a beachfront location with added amenities.
Visiting Orlando, Florida
Orlando is the world’s number one attraction which draws huge crowds. Lining up with children for hours in the Florida heat is extremely tiring, so make sure you have plenty to drink and wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
A whole week of theme parks is exhausting. Our suggestion for a really enjoyable vacation is to unwind after your flight on the island and enjoy the sun, sea,
Travelling with Children
Cribs, cots, high chairs,
Make sure small children wear sun hats, T-shirts and sunblock to prevent sunburn. Nearby shops sell them, plus a great range of beach toys, buckets & spades. Walgreens pharmacy is centrally located on AMI, which sells many baby items plus prescription and
Best Local Shops
If you’re looking for local shops to purchase souvenirs or quick necessities, head to either Pine Avenue or Bridge Street. Both are easily located on a map and offer store-lined streets to walk and explore. Many of our favorite restaurants can also be found on these streets.
For really serious shoppers the nearby town of Bradenton is home to an incredible factory outlet mall where you can “shop till you drop”. Also really worth a visit is De Soto Mall just over on the mainland, with three large department stores, diverse small shops, coffee shops
What To Pack
Make your journey easy, travel light. You have a large washer and dryer in your vacation home – you can buy great beach hats & swimsuits here on the island. Bring a light jacket for cooler evenings in winter months (November – February) and cotton fabrics are great for more humid, hot months from May-August. If you are planning to take a trip up to Busch Gardens in Tampa or Disney in Orlando wear comfortable shoes.
Island Information
We place a local information file in your vacation property with the answer to almost every question that has been asked of us by our guests. This contains emergency numbers, contact information, getting around, things to do and places to visit, info on your property, services, taxis, local restaurants,
Our two local island newspapers can always be picked up at Publix Grocery store on the island and are a mine of information for visitors on local events, new restaurants to visit, fishing news and all the local gossip. The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce office also has a plethora of maps, brochures
We look forward to welcoming you to Anna Maria Island!
Medical & Emergency
Do not leave home without taking out a Travel Insurance that also covers medical emergencies. Make sure your insurance covers you for travel in America. The excellent Pinnacle Medical walk-in clinic 941-761-1616 (similar to UK GPs – General Practitioners) for minor accidents and ailments is just over on the mainland – approx 10 minutes drive.
Blake Hospital comes highly recommended by many island residents. It is a large, modern and extremely well-equipped hospital that offers a comprehensive range of medical services. Island Dental Spa offers emergency dental treatment for visitors.
