AMIExplorer

Plan your trip

Group guides

Pick your crew for ideas and a sample day built from verified listings.
Family with little kidsPick a lifeguarded beach with restrooms and a playground, go early, and save the afternoon for naps and the pool.Family with teensGive them some independence: bikes, the free trolley and a little adrenaline.Couples & romanceSlow mornings, a private boat trip and a sunset dinner with your toes in the sand.Guys’ tripFish early, golf cart around, and end on Bridge Street.Girls’ tripBoutiques, a food tour, a floating tiki bar and sunset margaritas.Church & faith groupsRoom to gather, sunrise and sunset devotions on the beach, and island churches that welcome visitors. Call ahead to confirm service times.Work groups & meetingsMeet in the morning, team-build on the water in the afternoon.SeniorsTake it easy: ride the free trolley, pick a beach with facilities, and enjoy island culture.AccessibilityManatee County’s two big beach parks have free beach wheelchairs and beach mats. Call ahead for anything else.

Traveling with 9 or more?

🏡 Sleeping arrangements

In the City of Anna Maria, a vacation rental can hold no more than 8 people, day guests included, and never more than two per bedroom. That cap applies per lot, even when there are two houses on it. Bigger groups usually split across neighboring rentals or look in Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. City of Anna Maria, Sec. 108-53

In Holmes Beach, homes in the R-2 to R-4 zones rent by the week (7 night minimum), while R-1 homes need a 30 day stay. Always check the maximum occupancy printed on the listing. City of Holmes Beach rental rules

Compare the towns

🍽️ Eating together

Call ahead for big tables and go early, since several island favorites don't take reservations. These do:

Or skip the wait: private chefs who cook at your rental.

🚎 Getting around

The island trolley is free and runs 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., so nobody has to be the driver. For carts, read the golf cart rules before you rent a fleet, and park legally: parking rules.

⛵ Boats that fit the whole crew