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Tag: Fishing

Places To Explore and Experience This Spring on Anna Maria Island

Spring is in full swing, and visitors and residents have the bug to get outside and explore. Whether you will be on Anna Maria Island for a weekend or live here, we have places you can explore. Of course there are plenty of water activities and locations to catch breathtaking ocean views from the shore, boat, or even dipping a toe in, but there is so much more to our beautiful little paradise.

Pine Avenue Shops

Of course, you cannot miss the wonderful, one-of-a-kind shopping available on Anna Maria Island. Pine Avenue’s revitalized main street runs from The Gulf of Mexico to the Historic City pier and its one-of-a-kind shops, boutiques, great restaurants, and “Old Florida” Cottage Style accommodations are creating quite a buzz, not only for the unique art and beachy gifts but also for it’s “Green” Construction and commitment. Come see what people are talking about!

Pine Avenue
Photo Courtesy of Pine Avenue’s Facebook

Cortez Deep Sea Fishing

Grab a bunch of crew, and contact Cortez Deep Sea Fishing to book your charter for a tour today. The deep sea tours require a minimum of 10 anglers, and all ages are welcome to join in. The charters go out on a U.S. Coast Guard-inspected 62-foot vessel and typically can expect to see such catches as Key West Snapper, Porgies, Red Groupers, Gag Grouper, Sea Bass, King Mackerel, Trigger Fish, and more. They depart from Cortex, Florida and can provide amazing memories.

deep Sea Fishing
Courtesy of Cortez Deep Sea Fishing

Food Choices Galore

Despite being small, Anna Maria Island is mighty in food choices. The amazing thing is that a lot of casual drink and dining options are peppered throughout this beach hamlet that won’t break the bank. If you are seeking more upscale date options with amazing cocktails, we have that as well. This LINK takes you to a well-curated list of options to give a try. What seafood, drink, or new breakfast favorites are you sure to find?

Anna Maria Food

Sarasota Jungle Gardens

This might not officially be right on Anna Maria, but so worth the visit by short car ride. Exotic birds, crocodiles, and lemurs are just a handful of amazing animals you’ll see at Sarasota Jungle Gardens. One of the state’s oldest continuously operated attractions, this place has been around since 1939! Today, they have over 200 exotic & native animals that live in the 10-acre facility.

Sarasota Jungle Garden

Key Royale Club

Okay, this one might not be for everyone, but we know there are some golfers out there. Key Royale Club is the only golf course on the island and is breathtaking. The Key Royale Golf Course is a par 32 nine-hole walking course on an island oasis. This course is designed to give higher handicappers an enjoyable and relaxed golf experience. This is a members-only play area, but they do offer summer memberships to the public, so keep it in mind this year should you be looking for some exceptional golf experiences.

Golfing AMI

Where are you headed this weekend here on Anna Maria Island? Golfing, outing with the family, or maybe just some amazing rest on a good beach. No matter what, we are excited to have you as a resident or visitor, and we encourage you to give Visit A Paradise a call should we be able to help you find a temporary or permanent home on this amazing paradise island.

Main Photo Courtesy of Deposit Photos

Relax on Anna Maria Island

It’s been a long day (week, month, year, etc.), and you’re craving some time to chill out. Coming to the crystal clear waters and powdery-sand beaches of Anna Maria Island is the perfect vacation to kick back and unwind. But, sometimes, you need to take the relaxation to the next level. Being intentional with your time-off or vacation to prioritize your zen, mental health, and wellness is paramount to making the most of your time on AMI. We’ve rounded up some local suggestions for all types of personalities and preferences to encourage relaxation after all the travel, planning, and preparing is over.

Quiet time at the beach

We’ll start with the obvious: There is nowhere more relaxing than the calm and beautiful beaches of Anna Maria Island. It’s ultimately why you planned a trip or moved here in the first place! Laying out, floating on the shoreline, escaping with a beach read, going shelling, and of course, catching a Sunset… Some of the simplest and best forms of self-care. All you need to do is head to the Gulf and our glorious AMI beaches.

Anna Maria Island

Zone in on a DIY-Home Project

Sometimes the only way for our brains and lives to slow down is to focus on a home project that requires your full attention for a bit. Maybe you’ve been thinking about adding a fun wallpaper to an accent room, adding a fresh coat of paint, building or putting together a new piece of furniture, or simply rearranging some bookshelves. While renovating the home may not be everyone’s idea of a relaxing day, simply knocking one item off your to-do list or wishlist can bring such a sense of relief. And, if you’d rather pass it off to the pros, our team of experts at A Paradise Home Maintenance will make it even more seamless! A win/win.

Get outside and get moving!

Take advantage of the outdoor adventures and advantages of the Gulf Coast. If you’re looking to get moving and seek a little bit of action or exercise, it’s always good to discover the Great Outdoors! Locally, there’s so much to do! Take a kayak tour, go for a bike ride, drop a line in and go fishing – the possibilities and benefits are endless!

Grab a drink with friends

Whether you’re traveling with a group, are a local with a flock of friends, or are heading out solo and want to socialize a bit, there are plenty of great watering-holes for whatever your speed! Kick your feet up, grab a cocktail or mocktail, keep your phone away, and enjoy the company of your crew. Being present really is the best present you can give yourself and the people around you.

Drinks

Treat Yourself

When in doubt, treat yourself. Sweeten up the deal with delicious desserts, shop til you drop and support a local small business, snag tickets to some nearby museums or entertainment, or book a luxurious spa day or just a treatment or two!

Anna Maria Island

Want to ensure maximum relaxation and take the stress out of your Anna Maria vacation or staycation? You can trust that our A Paradise vacation rentals are well-taken-care-of and you won’t get swindled into a scam. Our team of local experts are happy to help you find your dream rental or home or even help you with suggestions in the area! Give us a call (800-237-2252), and let us take care of you! You deserve it!

Photos from Pexels.com

Things to Do with Your Kids during Spring Break on AMI

Spring Break is the ideal time to make some cherished memories as a family. Regardless of what time-off may has looked like in the last year, it’s always important to be intentional with any extra time you may have together. Of course, Spring Break is great for doing all of the things you already love to do on Anna Maria Island — enjoying the beautiful Gulf Coast beaches! Here are a few other fun ideas to entertain your family during Spring Break on AMI.

Shell Scavenger Hunt

Go Shelling and search for treasures along our shoreline! It’s a great way to make your beach walk feel purposeful, focused, and for the more competitive and driven types – like a fun scavenger hunt right here in nature! See who can find the most shark’s teeth or who can find the most perfect scallop shell!

Night Fishing on the Pier

Here on Anna Maria Island, fishing is one of the most popular activities for locals and tourists so we highly recommend making fishing a part of your next trip to AMI. Now, you can visit the new City Pier for a nice stroll, great meal, beautiful view, or relaxing spot to fish. Fishing is always fun, night fishing on the pier can make it even more exciting for your kids!

Sunset or Lunchtime Picnic

Spring Break

Catching a sunset is always a good idea. Make it an even more special activity by making it a family picnic. Just pass your favorite snacks around, be sure to stay alert from any friendly seagulls, and enjoy your view!

Donuts in PJ’s

One of the best parts of Spring Break is… Sleeping in! The blessing of having a slower morning is sweet. Add some donuts in your pj’s to make it even sweeter. At The Donut Experiment on Pine Ave, donuts are made-to-order so flex your creativity, design your donut, and show your confidence to don your pajamas.

Learn a New Game

Family spring break

Either grab a new game from a nearby store, teach your young ones one of your favorites from childhood, or make up your own! This is a great time to just enjoying the activity of play. Maybe you’ll even find your family’s new favorite game!

Go Paddleboarding

If you have ever wanted to try stand up Paddleboarding what better place to do it then while here on Anna Maria Island? Our calm, clear waters are perfect for paddle boarding! You can rent paddleboards at one of the many local shops like Beach Bums and enjoy a new activity in nature!

Skate Park

In 2019 the Island Skate Park finally got a much needed upgrade. Rollerblades and skateboards are allowed. Bikes are prohibited but luckily you have the whole Island to bike around! Don’t forget to visit our friends at West Coast Surf Shop to grab your skate gear and then hit the park for a thrilling skate sesh.

5801 Marina Dr
Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Climb the Tower at Bradenton’s Robinson Preserve

There are endless activities to enjoy at the Robinson Nature Preserve, so you and your loved ones can spend the entire day exploring. One thing we especially recommend doing in the gorgeous Spring Break weather with your family is – Climb the Robinsons Tower! There, you can get some fresh air and view the stunning surroundings from the observation tower!

Once you’re done with your Spring Break to-do list, you can return to one of our Anna Maria vacation rentals to kick back and relax. Contact us today for more information about our rentals and other properties on AMI to help make this your best break ever.

Photos from Pexels.com

Visit the Anna Maria City Pier

When Hurricane Irma caused major structural damage to the Historic Anna Maria City Pier on the North end of AMI, it felt like a main piece of the island’s most beloved landmarks was now gone. Thankfully, our supportive community was dedicated to bring back the pier and make a fresh start of memory-making on a new pier. One big bright spot of 2020 was the re-opening of the City Pier.

Many believe that it’s truly not a trip to AMI without a visit to the City Pier. Ideally, with an ice cream cone in hand and a fishing pole in tow. Island locals and visitors alike have created countless fond memories created on this pier. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have access to the Pier back and better than ever!

Anna Maria City Pier

The new Anna Maria City Pier opened on a limited basis in June for the first time since the pier closed in September 2017, but full access to the $6.8 million structure and its grill and bait shop opened earlier in December. Now, you can visit the pier for a nice stroll, great meal, beautiful view, or relaxing spot to fish.

Anna Maria City Pier 2

The City Pier Grill and Bait Shop, owned and operated by longtime island locals, serves an extensive and largely locally-sourced options for any craving. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a beer and wine license and features six taps offering domestic and local craft brews, along with canned beers, and a wine selection.

All seating is outdoors, offering picnic tables, high-top tables and barstools along with benches throughout the pier, and the restaurant plans to feature live music regularly. Bait shop options include live and frozen bait, tackles and fishing rod and bait bucket rentals.

Fishing coincides with the grill and bait shop hours, which are 7 a.m.-10 p.m daily.

So, we’ll see you at the new City Pier, 100 N. Bay Blvd, you can’t miss it!

Photos from City Pier Grill Facebook