WHERE TO STAY

Rent a Vacation Rental Home

For a truly personalized and luxurious experience, consider renting a private home through Anna Maria Vacations, AMI Locals, or Anna Maria Island Accommodations. These rentals offer the privacy and comfort of a home away from home, perfect for bonding with your besties.

Stay in a Beachside Resort

If you prefer a resort atmosphere, the Anna Maria Beach Resort, Bali Hai Beach Resort, and Anna Maria Island Inn provide stunning ocean views and direct beach access. These resorts offer the convenience of amenities like pools, spas, and kitchenettes, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

HOw to get around

Local companies such as Beach Bums, Beach’N Rides & Rentals, ZoomAround, Robinhood Rentals and The Toy Barn offer a variety of rentals, from classic golf carts and colorful MOKE vehicles to scoot coupe cars and surrey bikes for an extra thrill!

Gulf Islands Ferry: Take the Gulf Islands Ferry between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island for a scenic and convenient way to explore the area by water.

Free Anna Maria Island Trolley: Hop on the Anna Maria Island Free Trolley for a convenient and scenic way to explore the island. It’s an easy, eco-friendly option to navigate between the island’s top spots and enjoy the beautiful views along the way.

WHAT TO DO

Enjoy a beach day with Beach Suites: For the ultimate beach day, book a luxury setup with Beach Suites. Their premium chairs, umbrellas, cabanas, and Bluetooth speakers ensure a stress-free and enjoyable day on the sand.

Dolphin tours & boating excursions: Experience the magic of the local waters with a dolphin tour. Options like Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours, Paradise Boat Tours, Shore Thing Tiki Cruises, and Bradenton Beach Marina offer guided tours where you can spot dolphins, manatees, and other wildlife, or just kick back in the water on a sandbar.

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature: For a fun and educational stop on your girls’ trip, visit The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, the largest natural and cultural history museum on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Explore fascinating exhibits and engaging programs that delve into Florida’s rich heritage. With a constantly changing lineup of temporary exhibitions, there’s always something new to discover. Experience the cosmos at the Bishop Planetarium Theater, and don’t miss the Parker Manatee Habitat, a second-stage manatee rehabilitation center where you can get up close with Florida’s most adorable residents.

Kayaking in Robinson Preserve: Add an unforgettable adventure to your girls’ trip with a kayaking tour through Robinson Preserve. Paddle through the serene waters and lush mangroves with companies like Get Up and Go Kayaking Clear Kayak Tours, Kayak Jack, or Surferbus. These tours offer a unique perspective of the preserve’s stunning natural beauty. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as dolphins, manatees, and a variety of bird species. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or a beginner, exploring Robinson Preserve is a perfect way to immerse yourselves in the outdoors and create lasting memories with your friends.

Explore Historic Cortez Fishing Village: Step back in time with a visit to Historic Cortez Fishing Village, a charming community on the National Register of Historic Places. This quaint fishing village offers a peek into old Florida with its preserved heritage and vibrant culture. Wander through the local museum to learn about its unique history and soak up the laid-back Gulf Coast vibes. It’s a fun and educational stop on your girls’ trip, where you can enjoy the charm of traditional coastal life.

Shop until you drop

A girls’ getaway isn’t complete without some retail therapy, and the Bradenton Area offers a delightful array of shopping destinations that cater to every taste. Start your adventure on Pine Avenue, a vibrant street lined with locally owned boutiques. Here, you can discover chic beachwear at Pink & Navy, find resort-style clothing inspired by Lilly Pulitzer at The Island Cabana, and explore unique gifts and kid-friendly crafts at Shiny Fish Emporium. Each shop offers something special, making Pine Avenue a must-visit for a memorable shopping experience.

In Holmes Beach, don’t miss The Original Sand Dollar, a beloved lifestyle shop established in 1960. With a rotating selection of jewelry, kitchen goods, clothes, and vintage artwork, it brings coastal home decor, gifts, and boutique lifestyle items to Anna Maria Island. You never know what treasures you’ll find, making each visit a unique experience.

Next, head to Historic Bridge Street on Bradenton Beach, where the walkable community vibe and beautiful water views enhance your shopping excursion. Browse through charming shops like Back Alley Treasures for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, Bridge Street Interiors for coastal home décor, and Beach Blossom Studio for handmade jewelry and art. The mix of unique stores and the picturesque setting make Bridge Street a delightful spot to spend an afternoon.

For a truly curated experience, visit The Fox Mercantile in Cortez, offering timeless homeware and decor, fashionable clothing, and a cozy coffee shop, The Foxi Coffee, perfect for a relaxing break during your shopping spree. Be sure to spend time in their lush outdoor area and enjoy their Foxi Garden. The perfect place for a photo op!

WHERE TO EAT

Whitney’s LBK: Enjoy everything from brunch classic to seafood towers at Whitney’s LBK, where vintage decor and a full bar create a charming atmosphere. Enjoy brunch favorites like Lemon Ricotta Pancakes or Crab Cake Benedict, or visit later to savor their dinner specials. Don’t miss the chance to try their renowned Frosé cocktail, a refreshing highlight that’s a hit with guests any time of day.

Gulf Drive Cafe: For a relaxed start to your day, visit Gulf Drive Cafe. Situated directly on the beach, this cafe offers breakfast classics with a view of the Gulf of Mexico’s turquoise waters. The restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner, making it the perfect spot to grab a casual meal with an unbeatable view of the Gulf of Mexico.

Breakfast at Victoria’s: Aptly named, Breakfast at Victoria’s is a swanky breakfast and lunch spot where modern decor and a large covered patio set the stage for a delicious breakfast. For something sweet, the blueberry orange pancakes are a must-try. Breakfast at Victoria’s also boasts an authentic Italian bakery, offering fresh bread and pastries daily, including bomboloni, tiramisu, and chocolate mousse.

North Shore Café: Open for breakfast and lunch, North Shore Cafe is a fun outdoor cafe with a picture-perfect vintage mural perfect for group photo ops. Their menu consists of handcrafted espressos, teas, coffee and smoothies, healthy breakfast and lunch food, and some “grown up” beverage options.

Lunch with a rooftop view at Oak & Stone or Daiquiri Deck: For a casual lunch with spectacular views, head to the Daiquiri Deck. Enjoy a wide selection of frozen daiquiris alongside seafood and land lover options, all served in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Or head to downtown Bradenton to hit Oak & Stone on the Riverwalk. Located on the rooftop of the Springhill Suites in Downtown Bradenton, Oak & Stone offers craft beer, artisanal pizza, and gourmet fare. With over 50 rotating beers and stunning views of the Manatee River, it’s a perfect spot for a laid-back lunch.

The Waterfront: For a memorable lunch with a focus on fresh local flavors, head to The Waterfront Restaurant. Enjoy New American cuisine made from scratch in their charming old bungalow setting directly across from the Anna Maria City Pier. The spacious dining area and beautiful waterfront views create a relaxed setting, perfect for savoring their seasonal menu while soaking in the picturesque surroundings.

Beach House Restaurant: Enjoy beachfront dining at The Beach House Restaurant in Bradenton Beach. With a menu featuring farm-to-fork and gulf-to-table cuisine, this spot offers a perfect blend of delicious food and stunning views.

Poppo’s Taqueria: Dive into vibrant flavors at Poppo’s Taqueria, where you can enjoy a quick, casual lunch. This popular spot offers a build-your-own taco experience with a variety of fresh ingredients and flavorful salsas. From savory fillings to zesty toppings, Poppo’s delivers a deliciously customizable meal that’s perfect for a laid-back lunch with friends.

3 Keys Brewing: Plan a fun night away from the island and head into Bradenton for a fun girls night out at 3 Keys Brewing! They offer a variety of flavors of beer, so there is sure to be something to fit everyone’s taste buds. If you can’t decide, you can always order a flight. They also offer yummy food that pairs well with any beer you get! Their homemade taco baskets and salads are very popular on their menu.

Wicked Cantina: Experience the laid-back vibes at Wicked Cantina in Bradenton Beach, where stunning Gulf views and a casual setting make for the perfect dining spot. Known for their exceptional margaritas, this lively eatery offers a variety of Mexican-American dishes that are sure to satisfy.

Drinks at The Doctor’s Office: End your night with craft cocktails at The Doctor’s Office. This cozy bar, located in a former doctor’s office, offers a unique atmosphere and exceptional drinks, perfect for unwinding after a day of adventures.

SALT Bar + Table: This trendy spot is where coastal culinary artistry takes center stage. Enjoy a unique dining experience in their stylish interior or on the chic outdoor patio. Known for their creative brunch options, SALT also offers a fantastic happy hour, making it an ideal spot for a girls’ getaway. Whether you’re there for a relaxed brunch, a lively happy hour, or a sophisticated dinner, SALT’s blend of exquisite flavors and stunning ambiance ensures a memorable visit.

The Chateau Anna Maria: Experience the elegance of Chateau Anna Maria, where French sophistication meets traditional American fare. Located in the picturesque Waterline Villas & Marina, this upscale dining destination is brought to you by the renowned Foy family. Indulge in their exquisite menu while enjoying the serene waterfront views, making it a perfect spot for a luxurious meal on Anna Maria Island.

The Ugly Grouper: After a fun-filled day, head over to The Ugly Grouper, the ultimate spot for a girls’ night out on Anna Maria Island! Enjoy some of the best food and coldest drinks around while you and your friends play yard games and take advantage of the fantastic happy hour. Don’t forget to snap a group pic with the giant grouper sculpture for a perfect memory of your trip!