Skip to main content

Tag: sunsets

Planning Spring Break on Anna Maria Island

Spring Break: The time to turn off the early alarms, put away the textbooks, and get a good dose of Vitamin D. Spring Break on Anna Maria Island is almost here so we have a few tips and tricks to plan your family’s best beach vacation yet!

A good thing to note about our quaint 7-mile island of Anna Maria is it’s typically not a party type of Spring Break tropical destination. Things move slower and places close earlier, really making the emphasis a relaxing getaway with plenty of fun for groups of all ages.

Spring Break

Coquina Beach is one of the most popular spots for families with children, as it has shallow water that makes it safe for kids to swim in. The beach also features picnic tables and grills if you want to make a day out of your trip to the shoreline. There is also everything you may need for a beach day at the Manatee Public Beach. If you’re driving, plan for some traffic so get here early to snag a coveted parking spot! If you’re staying at one of our vacation rentals, you’re in luck! Everywhere on the island is walkable, bike-able, or you can take our free trolley!

Springtime weather on Anna Maria Island tends to be warm and sunny. During the day, temperatures typically range from about 70°F to 85°F, with occasional highs over 90°F.

Nighttime temperatures can sometimes to dip down into the 50s or 60s, so you might want to bring a light sweater if you’re planning on spending time outdoors at night.

April is also the start of the rainy season in Florida, so you might experience some rain during your spring break vacation. Luckily, those showers are usually short-lived and don’t last more than a few hours at a time.

Spring Break

If you’re wanting to add some adventure to your laidback vacation – try some local water sports! Popular options include parasailing, jet skis, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and fishing. Make the most of our beautiful waters! Be sure to book early!

Speaking of booking early, we have so many great eateries and small businesses here on AMI. From ice cream shops to souvenir stores to restaurants and more. If you want to go out and grab a drink or a great meal, our expert tip is to make reservations where you can or arrive for early mealtimes. There are plenty of awesome options!

If you’re looking for a spot on Anna Maria, in Sarasota, or nearby in Bradenton – there are still some options available! Peruse our rentals page or reach out to our team and we can help you get set up. Our local experts can also recommend and help you get set up with a great local rentals, restaurants, or services!

Just a thirty-minute drive from Sarasota, Anna Maria Island’s soft sand beaches and warm waters make it the perfect spot for some relaxing beach time. So whether you want to go swimming, sunbathing, or just enjoy breathtaking sunsets, there’s something for everyone on this island paradise. The recipe for a Spring Break you won’t forget. Let’s make it happen.

Photos from Pexels.com

Anna Maria Island Summer Bucket List Ideas

Sweet Summertime is here and our team at A Paradise wants to help you have the best summer ever. Of course, we can set you up in your dream beach vacation rental or help you relocate here to paradise anytime. If you’re just looking for some fun ways for your family to celebrate Summer creatively here, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a local to the Bradenton area or just spending some family vacation time on Anna Maria Island, we’ve got some AMI-specific additions for your Summer Bucket List.

Summer

Jump in the water and play!

We know a beach trip is a given for your Summertime on AMI but how often do you let yourself dunk in and get your hair wet? When was the last time you went parasailing? What about kicking up your feet and floating? Let’s make this an all-in kind of Summer.

Get involved in a local cause

Think about what speaks to your heart. There are so many amazing local organizations, causes, and opportunities to make a difference. Maybe you want to learn how to help protect our sea turtles, or volunteer with the youth at The Center, or find ways to help local animal shelters. Even something as simple as picking up trash on your next beach walk will help make a difference in our local community and bring some extra sunlight to the sunny Summer days.

Find a shark’s tooth

Whether you’re an avid sheller, have an eye peeled for them anytime you’re on the shore, or have never even ventured to think about looking for shark’s teeth on the Anna Maria beaches. Try to spot a small, shiny, black shark’s tooth this Summer. It can really add some fun to your next shoreside stroll.

Ice Cream + Sunset

We know a true AMI Summer is never complete without some of our beautiful sunsets. Make it even sweeter by grabbing an ice cream cone and treating yourself to a delicious dessert and a breathtaking view!

Summer

Send a postcard

It’s so easy to stay in touch these days with cell phones, texting, and social media. Take a few extra moments of thoughtfulness to send a postcard to a loved one! Yes, even if you’re local. It’s such an inexpensive and easy act that can really brighten someone’s day and their next mail-delivery day!

Catch some live music

There are so many fun and talented local musicians and bands! Plenty of local restaurants have live music nights posted daily/weekly on social media so ask around or check out your favorites. If you’re looking for some larger acts too there are some big venues not far away in Tampa and St.Pete!

Travel from one end of the island to the other

Hop on your bike or the trusted trolley just for the sake of the journey! Put on some of your go-to Summer tunes and take in all of the beautiful sights all the way from the North End of AMI near Bean Point to Coquina, or even all the way to Longboat if you’re on two wheels. There is so much goodness all over Anna Maria Island.

Visit somewhere new or new-to-you

No matter how many times you’ve been to AMI or if you’ve lived here your whole life, there is always something new to discover in the area this summer. Visit a newer local restaurant, something off-the-beaten-path, or one you’ve been meaning to try for a long time. Order something outside your ordinary and we’re sure you’ll be delighted!

Summer

There’s our 8 suggestions for additions to your Summer plans list here in the Anna Maria area. We’re always so happy to chat to anyone about island suggestions so stop on in and see us or give us a call anytime if you’re looking for some more ideas. What else do you think is a must-do this Summer on the Gulf Coast? We’d love to be a part of your Best Summer Ever!

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