Holiday Shopping on Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island is a haven hidden on the Florida coast, perfect for a warmer holiday getaway with your loved ones. While you’re in town, you’re going to want to get some shopping done! Our rentals on Anna Maria Island are conveniently located near some of the best shopping spots on the island, so whether you’re looking for a holiday gift for a friend or a souvenir for yourself, you can find it right around the corner.

Shopping Areas on AMI

Anna Maria Island has two main stretches of shops: Bridge Street and Pine Avenue. Historic Bridge Street is located in Bradenton Beach at the southernmost side of the island. The shops here are perfect for finding everything from apparel and beach equipment to local art, jewelry, and home décor. Not only will you find lots of unique boutiques and souvenir shops, but you can also visit one of the local restaurants or stroll up and down the Bridge Street Pier for an unmatched view of the water.

On the other end of the island, you’ll find Pine Avenue, located in the City of Anna Maria. Shopping is abundant here with all of your clothing, accessory, and jewelry needs. But Pine Avenue is much more than just shopping. You can also visit the Historic City Pier and the Green Village for your history lesson, grab lunch at a mouthwatering restaurant, and finish off with a treat from a local dessert shop.

Winter is the perfect time to visit Anna Maria Island farmers’ market! Throughout the season, you’ll find farmers’ markets operating on Bridge Street and Coquina Beach on the island, as well as Bradenton and Sarasota on the mainland. At any of these locations, you can chat up the locals while browsing the finest wares from the area’s most talented artisans.

Best Anna Maria Local Shops

So now that you know where you can shop in and around AMI, what are the must-see places? Start out with Bridge Street Bazaar. No matter what you’re looking for, they’ve probably got it! You can get apparel for the whole family or novelty items for a souvenir or gift. Bridge Street Bazaar has been a local staple since 1987, and once you visit, it’s not hard to see why.

If you’re looking for art, you’ll want to visit The Lot, located on Bridge Street. This shop has a little bit of everything, from beach toys to jewelry to photography and more. They even have Christmas ornaments for a timely holiday gift! The Lot is relatively new compared to some of the other shops on the island, but it’s quickly solidifying itself in the hearts of locals and visitors alike.

Want to shop and enjoy a delicious drink at the same time? Head to Ginny’s & Jane E’s Café and Coastal Store. Located in the City of Anna Maria, this shop is an eclectic destination in the heart of the “Old Florida” atmosphere. Grab a freshly made pastry from the bakery or treat yourself to a coffee, smoothie, or mimosa, then browse the store to find a unique collection of local art and specialty items. This is a relaxing and quaint stop that you’ll be glad you paid a visit.

If you find yourself in Holmes Beach in the middle of the island, be sure to visit Rader’s Reef. You can’t leave Anna Maria Island without picking out a one-of-a-kind shell, and this is the place to do it! You’re not just limited to shells, though. You can also find a wide selection of jewelry, gifts, beach décor, antiques, and more. You’ll experience that true “Old Florida” feel here, and since the prices are so reasonable, you can get something for everyone in your family!

What to Buy

You know where you can shop, but what should you get? Like we mentioned, shells are some of the best souvenirs to pick up while you’re staying in one of our Anna Maria accommodations. They’re inexpensive, unique, and almost universally available. While you could search on the shore for your own souvenir shell, purchasing one from a store ensures that your selection will be in good condition and will stay pristine for years to come.

Consider picking out a local art piece to bring home with you. There are so many talented artisans that call AMI home, it won’t be hard to find a piece that speak to you. The island has several different galleries for you to browse and pick out the ideal piece of art to hang in your home.

Crafts are another great souvenir option since they’re typically small, affordable, and easy to transport back home. You can find incredible handcrafted jewelry, home décor pieces, and other trinkets to purchase at the island’s boutiques or farmers’ markets. You very well might be able to meet the artist who created your piece!

Christmas Events

While shopping on Anna Maria Island is always a fun activity, it’s not the only thing you should be doing! Especially in the Christmas season, there are tons of awesome events for you and your family to get involved in.

Early in the season, you can come out for the annual AMI Chamber of Commerce Annual Tree Lighting and Holmes Beach Holiday Open House. Watch as the Christmas lights come to life on AMI’s Christmas tree, then visit the shops of Holmes Beach to grab holiday treats, listen to live music, and take advantage of special holiday sales. 

What would the Christmas season be without a holiday parade? The Anna Maria Island Privateers Island Christmas Parade is not one to be missed. You can find a spot anywhere along the parade route from Coquina Beach Park to City Pier Park. You and your kids will love watching the floats go by and seeing Santa as he heads down the street! 

But if you’re in the mood for a parade that’s a little different, check out the Bradenton Beach Holiday Boat Parade at Bridge Street! Local boaters will steer their vessels through the waters so guests can watch the stunning lights sparkle and dance off the water’s reflection. There’s never been a more magical way to experience the Christmas spirit!

Winter Vacation Rentals

Christmas can be fun on Anna Maria Island even if you’re not living in a winter wonderland. But trust us: You can still get a full dose of the holiday spirit without freezing! When you’re planning your winter getaway to AMI, consider staying in one of our beach houses on Anna Maria Island!

We are proud to have the widest selection of AMI accommodations, more than any other rental company on the island. Whether you’re taking a getaway with your partner or are bringing the whole family along, we’ve got room for everyone! Our team will be with you from the day you select your rental until the very last day of your stay. Come down to Anna Maria Island and experience the Christmas and New Year’s season on the beach! Contact us today to learn more about our Anna Maria Island vacation homes.

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