AMIExplorer

Plan your trip

Where to stay

The free trolley runs the whole island, so you can't really pick wrong. Here's who each town suits.

The towns

The free trolley runs the length of the island through all three towns, from the Anna Maria City Pier to Coquina Beach. Counts below are from our verified listings.

North end

Anna Maria

The northernmost city: Pine Avenue shops and restaurants, the historic City Pier (reopening after hurricane repairs), Bean Point and Bayfront Park.

🏖️ 3 beaches🍤 16 restaurants🧺 7 essentials🐬 16 things to do

Good for

  • Walking to Pine Avenue
  • Quiet evenings
  • Sunsets at Bean Point

Good to know

  • Strict beach rules: no pets, alcohol, glass, bikes or vehicles on the beach, and holes must be filled.
  • Paid parking is planned starting March 2027.

Bean PointAnna Maria Bayfront ParkPine Avenue storefronts

Sources (2)

Middle

Holmes Beach

The middle of the island, home to Manatee Public Beach (lifeguards, café, playground, restrooms) and the island’s Publix, pharmacies and most errands.

🏖️ 2 beaches🍤 18 restaurants🧺 17 essentials🐬 14 things to do

Good for

  • Families who want a lifeguarded beach nearby
  • Easy grocery runs
  • Central base for exploring both ends

Good to know

  • Permit-only parking zones are strictly enforced.
  • Every vacation rental needs a city Vacation Rental Certificate. The city publishes a searchable list.

Manatee Public BeachPublix (Holmes Beach)

Sources (2)

South end

Bradenton Beach

Historic Bridge Street with bars, restaurants and the city pier, plus the big county beach parks at Cortez and Coquina beaches.

🏖️ 3 beaches🍤 10 restaurants🧺 6 essentials🐬 22 things to do

Good for

  • Nightlife and live music on Bridge Street
  • Big beach parks with parking
  • Boat tours from Bridge Street

Good to know

  • Bridge Street gets lively at night. Pick a rental a few blocks away if you want quiet.

Coquina BeachCortez BeachHistoric Bridge Street

Sources (2)

Across Longboat Pass

Longboat Key (north end)

Just south of the island across Longboat Pass, with Beer Can Island and Whitney Beach. The free AMI trolley runs only from the Anna Maria City Pier to Coquina Beach, so you’ll need a car or bike to hop over.

Good for

  • Quieter beaches
  • Boaters

Good to know

  • Not on the free island trolley route.

Beer Can Island (Greer Island)Whitney Beach

Sources (1)

Mainland, over the Cortez Bridge

Cortez

A historic working fishing village on the mainland side of the Cortez Bridge, home to the Florida Maritime Museum and fish houses.

🍤 3 restaurants🧺 1 essentials🐬 3 things to do

Good for

  • Old Florida character
  • Fresh seafood
  • A short drive to the island

Good to know

  • You’ll drive or bike over the bridge to reach the beach.

Florida Maritime MuseumCortez fishing village

Sources (1)

We don't compare rental prices between towns because we haven't found a reliable public source. Rates swing a lot by week, so check a few rental managers for your exact dates.

Rentals

Vacation homes & cottages

Most island lodging is privately owned homes and condos rented by the week or night. Occupancy is regulated: Anna Maria’s ordinance limits occupancy (at most 8 people per rental, based on bedrooms), and Holmes Beach requires every rental to hold a Vacation Rental Certificate.

Sources (2)

Check your rental is registered

Holmes Beach publishes a searchable list of active vacation rentals on its Vacation Rental Certificates page. A quick way to check a listing before you book.

Sources (1)

Quiet hours

The City of Anna Maria strictly enforces its noise ordinance; pool, spa and hot tub quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., and noise fines start at $500.

Sources (1)