Discover the best of Anna Maria Island, a charming coastal escape known for its powder-soft sand, turquoise waters, and Old Florida charm. From boutique shops and local eateries to dolphin tours and breathtaking sunsets, AMI is the perfect place to unwind. Find more travel tips and island inspiration in the blogs below.
From parasailing over turquoise waters to exploring aquariums, zoos, and theme parks, the Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key area offers something for every member of the family. Whether you’re looking for relaxed island adventures or full-day outings, here’s a guide to the best family-friendly experiences, all active as of 2025. Top Attractions & Day Trips Adventure Island (Tampa) Seasonal…
Before you hit the sand, make sure you know what the beach warning flags mean. This quick guide breaks down the color-coded flag system used along Florida’s Emerald Coast—so you can enjoy your vacation safely and confidently with Best Beach Getaways.
Summer may get most of the attention, but fall can be one of the best times of year to plan a Gulf Coast beach vacation. The beaches are still beautiful, the Gulf is still inviting, and the pace becomes noticeably more relaxed once the peak summer crowds begin to thin out. From Panama City Beach and 30A to Destin, Okaloosa…
From Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Beach on Florida’s central Gulf Coast to Panama City Beach, Scenic Highway 30A, and Miramar Beach in Northwest Florida, the Gulf Coast hosts an impressive lineup of music festivals and live performance events throughout the year. Whether you’re planning a winter escape, spring beach trip, or summer vacation, these events combine live music with…
Sun, Sand & SerendipityFeel the soft white sand between your toes, breathe in the salty air, and listen to the rhythm of gentle Gulf waves. Around Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, every day brings new adventures—from paddling mangrove tunnels to soaring above turquoise waters or exploring lush gardens. Here are twenty of the best outdoor experiences to make your…
Planning your escape to the Florida sugar-white sands? Whether you’re heading to Destin, 30A, Panama City Beach, Pensacola or Anna Maria Islan, packing smart makes all the difference. Here’s our top 10 must-pack items to help you soak up the sun, avoid surprises, and enjoy every beachy moment. 1. Sunscreen (and lots of it!) Florida sun doesn’t play around. Go…
Anna Maria Island (AMI) is a charming barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast, renowned for its sugar-white sand, turquoise waters, and relaxed, old-Florida vibe. The island’s blend of natural beauty, small-town charm, and locally owned shops and eateries make it a top destination for travelers looking to unwind and enjoy a more authentic beach vacation. Whether you’re planning a family…
Teeing Off by the Coast: Golfing Around Anna Maria Island & Longboat Key 🏌️♂️ If you love the sound of waves as much as the crack of a perfect drive, you’ll find paradise on the fairways surrounding Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key.This stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast is known for its sugar-sand beaches and breathtaking sunsets—but it’s also home…
Local Coffee Shops & Best Pastries Worth Visiting During Your Beach Vacation From Anna Maria Island to 30A, Destin, Navarre & Panama City Beach A beach vacation and great coffee go hand-in-hand — but the real magic happens when you pair that latte with the perfect pastry. Across Anna Maria Island and Florida’s Emerald Coast, local coffee shops double as…
From the Emerald Coast to Anna Maria Island & Bradenton If your idea of a perfect beach vacation includes fresh Gulf seafood, craft beer, and sunset wine tastings, you’re in the right place. Across Florida’s Gulf Coast—from Panama City Beach and 30A to Destin, Navarre, Pensacola, and south to Anna Maria Island and Bradenton—the calendar is packed with food, beer,…
Summer on the Florida Gulf Coast has a way of calling people back year after year. Warm Gulf waters, sugar-white sand, beautiful sunsets, fresh seafood, family-friendly attractions, and relaxed coastal communities make this one of the best places to enjoy a summer beach vacation. Whether you are planning ahead or looking for a last-minute beach getaway, July and early August…
Smart tips to enjoy sugar-white sands without blowing your budget A Florida Gulf Coast vacation doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag. With a little planning and a few insider strategies, you can enjoy beautiful beaches, warm Gulf waters, and unforgettable experiences—while keeping more money in your pocket. Here’s how savvy travelers save on their Gulf Coast getaways.…