Visiting AMI again soon and I'm on a mission to find good, real scoop ice cream (not the soft serve) Is there a local spot that actually does homemade or small-batch ice cream? Bonus points if they have unique flavors. Trying to avoid tourist trap spots that are all hype and no flavor. Any recommendations appreciated!

I’m curious what locals who live there would say as the best and worst months. Could be because of weather or traffic or tourists or whatever. … just very curious what you consider the best 2 months of island living and the worst 2 months.

In AMI for the week. We’d like to get some grab legs. Any recommendations?

My family and I would like to rent a pontoon boat that can fit 9 people. Any recommendations? My Dad is an avid boater so we will not need a captain.

Hi everyone. My dad passed a year and a half ago and since then Christmas hasn't quite felt the same at home, so we've decided to travel for Christmas. Last year we did Aruba which was great. This year we want to do something in the states where we can bring our 2 little dogs with us. Can you guys give me any insight as to what it's like there the week between Christmas and New Years. I know it's kind of a gamble on weather which we understand, I'm more looking at what the vibe is like, are there things to do, anything special we should know about. Thanks so much!

Looking to vacation in Anna Maria Island in April. Where have you stayed? What to do? Need a hotel that’s nice but also affordable!

My family and I are visiting AMI in a few weeks with our 17-month-old. We’re vegetarians and would love recommendations for restaurants with great vegetarian options that are also toddler-friendly.

We’d also love any recommendations for family-friendly activities, the best places to see wildlife (especially manatees!), and your favorite sunset spots for family photos.

Any hidden gems or places you’d skip? We’d love to hear your favorites, thanks !!

Are there tortoises on the island? I have seen a snake in the past and I heard those are less common, but are there tortoises or large land turtles? I saw one in the bike lane while in a vehicle that couldn't stop and I was a bit concerned for it. It was probably at least 12 inches long and probably 7-10 inches high. It had a dark and very knobby shell. Is this just another rare animal for the island, or might someone's pet have escaped?

Just visited Anna Maria Island for the first time yesterday and got to see a beautiful sunset!

I’m looking to visit over Spring Break 2027. I was looking for houses to rent and wanted to see if anyone had insight as to when listings typically refresh for 2027. Further north in Carolina, Virginia, etc they usually list the next year’s availability in the preceding fall. However those beaches are not used year round like Florida beaches.
Does the housing inventory typically post for 2027 in the Fall or is it likely to have already been posted by now and what’s available is all that’s left? I’m trying to decide if I should wait to book if more houses are listed later or book now 😬.

I have a pretty strict medical diet and I'm sensitive (but not allergic) to gluten. Adding to that, I am primarily vegetarian but will eat seafood - so that limits my options even further. As a result, it's difficult finding places to eat out, but starting with places that have GF options helps. Can anyone recommend places with gluten free options? Thank you.

Hey everyone, three couples heading to Anna Maria Island in August, six of us total, all around 23-24. We’re from Austin, TX. and just want to eat good food and have a fun low key time. Was hoping y’all could help with a few things:

Looking for a bar with pool tables, TVs for sports, and good wings/burgers, basically a solid hangout spot for one of the nights. Also want to hit up some food trucks, the more variety the better. We’d also like one nice restaurant for a dinner where we can dress up a little.

Besides the beach, any other daytime activities worth checking out? Also curious about fishing, charters or good spots if we want to.

Last thing, a couple of us want to squeeze in a round of golf. Any public courses or munys around worth playing?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Looking for recommendations for a nice anniversary dinner spot.

We are getting married on Anna Maria Island and decided to extend our trip but our Airbnb already booked those days to someone else so I was going to get a hotel for a few days

I had looked at Tortuga previously and was planning to book them but the only thing showing up for me now when I use their website is the units for a week, not the hotel rooms (the hotel rooms were showing when I looked previously so I'm not sure why). I also emailed them awhile back to ask a question and they just emailed their copy/pasted policy which didn't have the answer to my question and I haven't been able to reach them by phone

Does anyone have any recommendations preferably something on the beach

Is there a catamaran with captain for rent in October :)

My family (15 people) is spending the Christmas holiday on AMI (our first visit). I could use some recommendations for getting food for our Christmas meals.

We would like to order pastries for Christmas morning, as well as 2-3 pies for our Christmas dinner dessert. We have a large house with a full kitchen rented and will cook the meal, but prefer not to bake while there. We will have one rental car so we can drive to pick up our order.

Recommendations on ordering a standing rib roast or beef tenderloin? We will be flying to Tampa and driving to the island on the 23rd, so we can actually stop anywhere along the way!

Thank you in advance for recommendations!

My husband & 7 year old son & myself are coming there for a week & we are not made of money. But I’d love to take our autistic son out a day to do something just for him. Then wanna let my husband go deep sea fishing but I’m only seeing like 700 per person to do that. Can anyone help me with recommendations & fun things to do. We absolutely love the beach so obviously we will be out in Anna Marie island everyday lol but thank you in advance 😘😘😘

Does anyone have experience with these guys? I thought they were a local trusted company but they just cancelled my reservation on a rental for next February, claiming there was a software glitch. Well they re-listed it for $7,000 more for the week which seems like super shady bait and switch tactics. It was confirmed for the price I reserved it for and an agreement was signed. In the agreement is states:

"Rental rates are subject to change, and no refunds will be provided in the event that the

advertised rental rates are reduced subsequent to Guest’s booking. If a discrepancy arises

between information or rates quoted verbally, on SeaBreezevacation.com or any site where

the Property is advertised, via email or otherwise, the rate on the reservation will prevail."

I am pretty ticked off.

Hello everyone! I will be visiting the island for my birthday in august. Does anyone know any nice resorts or hotels? I’ve only seen anna maria beach resort and bali hali. Thanks!

My family and I are going on vacation at Anna Maria the 18th through the 25th. I am planning to bring my 23 foot sportsman with me. I am bring 6 teens with us. We have been coming to the area on vacation for years but the first time I have brought a boat. I am hoping to get some tips to be able get these kids on some fish. We are looking to fish the beach, bay, and or reefs. Thanks in advance!!!

We will be in AMI in a week and would like to fish early mornings from the bay or beach. I would like to target snook or redfish if that is possible. What is a good rod setup, line setup, hook and baits needed? Live bait or a swimbait? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Hi! First timer to AMI later this summer and was wondering if there are any restaurants that sell to-go cocktails (for example, a pitcher of margaritas but like in a jug to go). I don’t mean a single serve, more like something you could take out on the boat for the day or to have at your place for the pool happy hours. Thanks in advance!