When you’re planning your next vacation, you likely want somewhere where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You’re looking for a place where you can relax and unwind, partake in the local activities like the food and history, and it would definitely be nice to save a few dollars along the way.
Anna Maria Island is a hidden gem off of Florida’s Gulf Coast, and it provides the perfect backdrop for your next family getaway. You’ll have seven miles of gorgeous white sand beaches at your disposal, along with some of the freshest seafood in Florida, unique boutiques run by local vendors, and fascinating historical sites to explore. Planning a vacation to Anna Maria Island can be easy and relatively cheap when you know where to look. Here is our full guide to saving money and making the most out of your stay in one of our waterfront Anna Maria Island rentals.
FREE Things to Do
If you want to save money on your getaway, it just makes sense to find some free things to do, and Anna Maria Island is full of them. First, you simply can’t have a Florida getaway without visiting the beach. On Anna Maria Island, you can find an incredible beach whether you’re looking for a family-friendly location or something a bit more private. Manatee Public Beach is one of the most popular spots on the island, featuring amenities like lifeguards, a playground, sports equipment, and more.
Anna Maria Public Beach is another great spot for families, as is Coquina Beach. If you’re looking for something a bit more hidden, check out Bean Point Beach. It’s the perfect beach hideaway if you want to take a romantic afternoon stroll with your sweetheart or watch the sunset over the water.
If you’re a nature lover, you’ll find plenty of free things to do in and around Anna Maria Island. The De Soto National Memorial Park is an incredible resource for checking out the nature of the area and learning more about the history that shaped it. There are also several nature preserves in the area, including Robinson Preserve, Neal Preserve, and Perico Preserve.
Several of the attractions in the area have free admission on certain days of the week. For example, the John and Mable Ringling Museum offers free admission to the exhibits and the grounds every Monday. On Wednesdays, enjoy free admission to the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum, and on Thursdays, you can get into the Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy for free. Be sure to also join in on the Sarasota drum circle every Sunday evening, and use the free Anna Maria Island trolley to get to each attraction!
Cheap and Delicious Local Restaurants
No matter what you’re in the mood for or what time of the day it is, you can find some incredible Anna Maria Island restaurants. If you’re looking for breakfast, Peaches on Holmes Beach is a great option. You’ll find all your classic morning dishes like pancakes, waffles, omelets, benedicts, and local favorites. They also have a mix and match lunch menu if you find yourself dining later into the day.
In the mood for Mexican food? Tortilla Bay Southwest Grill in Holmes Beach is the perfect solution for your craving. The Tex-Mex food here is made with the freshest local ingredients and is served by friendly staff. It’s no wonder this restaurant has won the Readers’ Choice Award in the Anna Maria Island Sun for 5 years in a row! Come in for all your favorite nachos, wraps, tacos, and more, all for a great price.
If you want some classic bar food, stop into Duffy’s Tavern for their “world famous burger and coldest beer in town.” Locals have been flocking here for more than 40 years, and it’s easy to understand why! They have a wide selection of burgers made just the way you like them, as well as sandwiches, hot dogs, and more. You can also grab your favorite beer or wine to wash it all down.
If you want a cheap way to satisfy your sweet tooth and cool off on a hot day, visit Island Scoops in Bradenton Beach. Come experience Florida’s best homemade ice cream in favorite flavors like Rocky Road to specialties like Gator Tracks! Get a sundae, milkshake, or classic ice cream cone. They also serve up dairy- and sugar-free varieties, so everyone can take part! All of these spots are cheap, family-friendly, and delicious.
Best Happy Hour Deals
When you want to go out for a drink, you shouldn’t have to spend an arm and a leg. Hurricane Hank’s has one of the best happy hour deals on the island. Come in Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. to get $2.25 well drinks, $2.25 domestic bottled beer, $3.50 house wine, and $5 bar bites!
You’ll also want to stop by the Anna Maria Oyster Bar at the Pier for a delicious meal and a great happy hour special. Every day from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m., get $4 select liquors, $3.50 house wine, and $2.50 select draft beer. You’ll also get buy one, get one half off on select appetizers during this time. No matter what time of the day it is, if it’s raining at the pier, you’ll get happy hour pricing!
Finally, stop by Harry’s Grill not only to experience the drinks, but also to grab what has been voted the best burger on Anna Maria Island for 2017, 2019, and 2020! During happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, you can get a dollar off all draft beer sizes and house wines. If there is a Harry or Harrietta in your group, they’ll get a free draft beer once they show their ID!
Other Ways to Save Money
There are plenty of ways to save money before you ever set foot on the beach. If you’re flying to Anna Maria Island, compare prices between the two closest airports: Sarasota Bradenton International Airport and Tampa International Airport. They are both relatively close to the island, though Tampa is a bit more of a drive. However, sometimes Tampa has cheaper prices, so it may benefit you in the long run. Be sure to also use tools like bookingbuddy.com and Farecast to look out for cheap flights.
As soon as you know you’re going on vacation, start saving every $5 bill you come across, or take out an extra few dollars whenever you get cash at the grocery store or the ATM. You won’t miss this money in the moment, but you’ll be able to take it out and use it as spending money on your vacation!
Eating out on vacation is a really fun part of your getaway, but it can add up quickly. Think about stopping by a local farmers’ market or grocery store and picking up items to bring back to one of our Anna Maria Island rentals. Then, you won’t have to spend money on breakfast, or maybe you can cook dinner in your rental for a night or two.
Budget-Friendly Vacation Rentals
When you’re trying to secure one of our rental homes on Anna Maria Island, be sure to check out our last minute deals! You can instantly save up to 20% off and have a place to stay on your upcoming vacation. We have rental options to suit a single traveler or the whole extended family. You can even personalize your stay by choosing a waterfront rental or a dog-friendly house. Contact us today to learn more and to start planning your getaway!
