How to Pick Your Anna Maria Island Vacation Rental

When you’re planning your next trip to Florida, you may find yourself overwhelmed when picking a place to stay. There are seemingly countless Anna Maria Island vacation rentals for you to choose from, and you might not even know where to start; that’s what we’re here for!

This guide is here to help you narrow down your options and determine which vacation rental is best for your personal situation, no matter what you plan to do while you’re on your trip. Before you know it, you’ll have picked out an amazing rental property that you and your family are sure to enjoy

Where to Stay on Anna Maria Island?

First things first: where exactly do you want to stay? In its entirety, Anna Maria Island encompasses three towns: Bradenton Beach,  Holmes Beach, and the city of Anna Maria.

The city of Anna Maria is the northernmost city on the island and furthest away from the mainland. Still, the island is only about seven miles long in total, so it won’t be too big of a journey to get across the bridge. This area of the island is where you’ll find stunning Bean Point Beach, one of the island’s largest, most private and romantic beaches. This is also the location of Pine Ave that is popular for its variety of shops and attractions like the Historic Anna Maria City Pier. You’ll also find several great restaurants up and down Pine Avenue. No matter if your looking for local sea food, burgers, Mexican food, or are in the mood for pizza or pasta, you can pretty much find anything here! Anna Maria is more laid-back than its southern counterparts and offers more seclusion and privacy, so if it’s relaxation you’re looking for, Anna Maria may be for you

The city of Holmes Beach is located right in the middle of Anna Maria Island. This destination is incredibly family-friendly and puts you right near any attraction you might want to enjoy during your vacation. The most popular destination here in Holmes Beach is Manatee Public Beach probably due to its convenient amenities. Here, you’ll find indoor dining, outdoor gulf front dining, a tiki bar, ice cream and gift shop, volleyball, outdoor showering facilities and changing areas, bike racks, and a grilling area with picnic tables. You can always find locals and visitors of all ages splashing around in the water and enjoying the sunshine. Holmes Beach tends to be quite laid-back and calm despite being the biggest community on the island. 

The city of Bradenton Beach is the southernmost city on the island. It is close to the Cortex bridge and just a few minutes away from the mainland. If you want to spend time exploring mainland Florida, staying in Bradenton Beach is a good decision. Here, you’ll find the beautiful Coquina Beach as well as the exciting Historic Bridge Street https://www.annamaria.com/bridge-street-shopping/, full of unique shops and delicious restaurants for you to enjoy, and of course, the Historic Bridge Street Pier. There’s a little something for everyone in this town, so you can enjoy Bradenton Beach whether you’re on a romantic getaway or an exciting family trip.

Anna Maria Island Condo or Home Rentals?

When you’re choosing your perfect Anna Maria Island vacation rental, you’ve got two options: condo or vacation home. But what’s the difference, and what makes one better than the other?

Condos are individual units, almost like apartments, grouped into one building. As you might imagine, condos tend to be smaller than vacation homes, but they are also often wonderfully priced, great for those who are on a budget. These condo complexes have plenty of extra amenities including pool access and many are direct beach front offering amazing views at all times. Renting a condo could be a good option for an individual or couple who doesn’t need much space.

Vacation homes, on the other hand, are exactly what they sound like. You’ll have an entire house to yourself while you’re on vacation! These properties can be located either in town or in a more residential area, and they tend to offer more seclusion and privacy than what a condo can provide. You can come and go as you please and will have plenty of room for everyone in your group. You can even find vacation homes that can suit a dozen people or more, making this the superior option for those traveling with a larger group.

Variety of Amenities

Finally, you’ll want to consider what amenities are important to you when selecting your Anna Maria Island rentals. We’ve listed a few of the most popular selections here, but you might even find that some properties offer more than one of these amenities! 

Beach Front

While you’re on Anna Maria Island, you’re going to want to spend plenty of time near the water. So, why not consider a beachfront rental? These rental properties not only offer you a stunning view of the Gulf of Mexico, but they also put you just steps away from the sand! This might be an excellent option for your group if you’re really looking to relax, unwind, and spend as much time in the sunshine as possible. It can also be great for those with kids who want to splash in the water all day long! 

Waterfront

Consider a waterfront rental if you want to be near the water but don’t necessarily need to be on the beach. If not directly on the beach, you can still rest assured that you’re going to be presented with a fantastic view of the water since these rentals often have their own porches, balconies, and private docks with a waterfront view. Additionally, you’ll still be a short trip away from the beach, so you can get to the sand whenever you please. 

Pet Friendly

Planning a vacation when you have to leave your pet at home can be a bit stressful. If you don’t want to leave your furry friend behind, you can bring them with you when you stay in one of our pet friendly rentals! These properties are perfectly designed for humans and pets alike and often feature some fenced-in outdoor space so your dog can run around. Remember that you might incur an additional fee when you bring a pet, and you could be restricted by breed. Just contact us ahead of time so we can ensure that your furry friend will be comfortable in your vacation rental.

Luxury Rental

All of our vacation rentals are designed for your utmost comfort, but if you’re genuinely looking to have the time of your life, consider a luxury rental. These properties go above and beyond to provide everything you need for an unforgettable stay. In these rentals, you’ll often find modern furnishings and tasteful, beach-themed décor, along with amenities like fully stocked kitchens, flat-screen TVs, carefully designed outdoor spaces, and much more. You’ll also be close to the water in some way, whether you have access to a pool or are just steps away from the beach. 

Private Pool

Speaking of the water, sometimes you don’t want to lug all your stuff down to the sand. That’s why you should consider a rental with a pool. If you’re selecting a vacation home, you can choose one with its private pool, perfect for relaxing at the end of a long day of sightseeing. Having your pool can also give you some peace of mind if you’re traveling with kids since you know you’ll have the whole pool all to yourself. If you’re staying in a condo, you’re likely to have access to the complex’s pool as well.

Private Boat Dock

Last but not least, if you really want to spend as much time as possible out on the water, consider a home with it’s own private boat dock! These homes allow you to rent a boat (or sail your own!) and park it right near your house, so you can set sail whenever it suits you. Not only can you explore the waters on your own time, but you can also sail right up to one of the many boat-friendly restaurants in the area!

Plan Your Visit

We hope this guide helps make your vacation rental decision a bit easier. Have more questions about all of the Anna Maria Island rentals we offer? Ready to book your stay? Contact us today to get started!