If you’ve vacationed in Florida before, you probably expect a bunch of crowds on the beach and at the attractions no matter which city you visit. Luckily, there is still one hidden gem of Florida where you can truly relax on your getaway: Anna Maria Island. Anna Maria Island is a stunning seven-mile stretch of land where the locals will wave as they pass by. Enjoy the best local cuisine, interesting historical sites, white sand beaches, and so much more, just minutes from the mainland.
When you’re planning your first vacation to Anna Maria Island, you may be wondering what to pack. There is plenty that you can get while you’re on the island, so there are a few items that you can leave behind. Here is everything that we recommend you bring and leave behind when you stay in one of our rentals on Anna Maria Island.
General Info on the Weather, Climate, Landscape
Anna Maria Island is a barrier island on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It is bounded on the north by Tampa Bay, on the south by Longboat Pass, on the east by Anna Maria Sound, and on the west by the Gulf of Mexico. The island is divided into three unique cities: the city of Anna Maria in the North, Holmes Beach in the center, and Bradenton Beach in the south.
Like the rest of Florida, Anna Maria Island weather includes hot summers and mild winters. During the summer months of June, July, and August, you can expect average temperatures around a high of 90 and a low of 70. The fall months of September, October, and November bring cooler temperatures around the mid-80s for highs and the mid-60s for lows. As winter comes in December, January, and February, high temperatures only reach around 70 degrees while low temperatures stay in the 50s. Finally, things start to warm up in the spring months of March, April, and May, as temperatures rise into the 80s for highs and the 60s for lows.
If you’re traveling to Anna Maria Island in the summer, you’ll definitely want to bring an umbrella. The summer is the wet season for the island, and each summer month sees an average of 7 to 9 inches of rain. Typically, this rain comes in the form of an afternoon shower, which helps to cool down the island and give you a chance to explore some of the indoor activities.
What to Pack
When you’re trying to decide what to bring to one of our Anna Maria cottages, think about what you would typically wear at the beach. You’ll definitely want a swimsuit or two, a cover-up or extra t-shirt, and a big hat and sunglasses to protect you from the sun’s bright rays. Be sure to also bring flip flops, a beach towel, and even a big umbrella if you want it.
When you’re not on the beach, you’ll still want to be comfortable. Light, breathable shorts and shirts will always do the trick. Also, pack a durable pair of shoes that are great for walking. Since the island is only seven miles long, you can walk all around it, and you don’t want your feet to hurt at the end of the day! You may also want to pack one outfit that is a bit dressier in case you find yourself at a more upscale restaurant or an evening show.
Anna Maria Island doesn’t get too chilly, but you will likely still want to bring a light jacket in case you run into a rainstorm or you want to go out in the evening when it’s cooler. If you are visiting during the summer, bring an extra umbrella as well. If you’re visiting in the winter, you may want to pack a pair of jeans or sturdier long pants.
Other than apparel, you’ll want to bring swimming equipment, entertainment options, and safety items. We’ve already mentioned bringing an umbrella and beach blanket, but you’ll also want a bag to carry it all in. If you have a GoPro or waterproof camera, bring that along as well to get some incredible shots on the water. As for entertainment, don’t forget your laptop, tablet, or e-reader. You may also want to bring a book or two if you want a more relaxing activity on the beach. Don’t forget to bring chargers for all of your devices! Finally, be sure to keep your family safe by bringing a first aid kit and hand sanitizer along, as well as safety equipment if you plan to bike or skate.
What Not to Bring
One of the great things about Anna Maria Island is all of the rental facilities in the area. While it’s helpful to bring your own beach towel and umbrella, you don’t have to worry about lugging your boogie boards, chairs, or beach wheelchairs. If you’re looking to participate in some water sports, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard from one of the shops on the shoreline. You can even rent a bicycle in Anna Maria Island for a fun and unique way to exercise and see the area!
Particularly if you’re traveling with a baby, it may seem intimidating to try to pack everything they may need. Luckily, there are a few baby gear rental facilities on the island, so you don’t have to lug everything you’ll need for your child. If you fly into Anna Maria Island, you may not have a car seat, but you can easily rent everything from an infant seat to a booster seat. Everything from bath equipment to cribs, strollers, toys, silverware, and more can be found at a reasonable price on the island. This will save you a lot of time and hassle and let you truly enjoy your vacation.
And of course, it goes without saying that you can leave your big winter coat behind. Though you may want to bring one long-sleeved shirt, don’t pack your whole wardrobe. In general, when traveling to Anna Maria Island, pack lightly. We all know that we wind up overpacking for a vacation most of the time anyway!
Where to Stay
Now that you know everything to bring on your Anna Maria Island vacation, you’ll need somewhere to stay! We are proud to be the premier destination for Anna Maria Island lodging. We have the largest selection of condo rentals and vacation rentals on the island and treat every guest like our close personal friends. Each of our beachfront Anna Maria Island rentals has been designed to combine luxury and comfort, providing everything you’re looking for in a beach getaway.
One of the things we’re proudest of is our flexibility. No matter whether you’re traveling alone, with your spouse, or with your whole extended family, we have a rental that will suit you perfectly. If you want to be in a specific city or stay within a certain budget, we can handle that, too! Our team is always ready and willing to help you with a question about your rental or with a dinner recommendation. All you have to do is ask!
Ready to start planning your getaway to Anna Maria Island? Contact us today to learn more about all of our available rental options.
