Arrival day & Saturday changeover

The clock

• ●Most rentals check in at 4pm and check out at 10am. source
• ●Early check in and late check out usually aren't offered, because the cleaners need the gap. source
• ●Golf cart companies work the same clock. One big renter guarantees delivery by 4pm on your first day and picks up at 10am on your last. source

Getting in early? Before 4pm

• ●Stock up off island at the Publix in Beachway Plaza, 7310 Manatee Ave W, near 75th St W. Open daily 7am to 10pm, with a Publix Liquor store next door. source
• ●Local tipThe island Publix gets packed on check in day. Regulars shop on the way in or order pickup or delivery ahead. source
• ●Grab lunch and a beach hour. Manatee Beach sits right where the Manatee Ave bridge lands, with lifeguards, parking and restrooms. source

Want the kitchen stocked before you walk in? See grocery delivery and the book ahead list.

Crossing the bridge

• ●Local tipSaturday is changeover day, so the bridges are busiest late morning to early afternoon on weekends. Sunday brings the day trippers. Cross early or after 2pm if you can. source
• ●Local tipHeading to Holmes Beach or Anna Maria? Come in on Manatee Ave. Staying in Bradenton Beach or near Coquina? Cortez Rd lands you there. Check the bridge card for Cortez Bridge work first.

Live traffic and the Cortez Bridge work →

Going home day

• ●Check out is 10am. Pack the car the night before and take your last beach walk early. source
• ●Local tipBook your airport ride the day before. Rideshare can be scarce on a Saturday morning, and regulars don't risk it. source

Airports and rides →