Anna Maria Island is a haven for vacationers with its crystal water, clear blue skies and white sandy beaches. Its laid back vibe provides a perfect opportunity for relaxation and fun if you are looking for a nice romantic getaway. Besides, if you want to spend time with your special someone, Anna Maria Island is a great place for a date night too! 

There are plenty of activities and attractions that you can do with your partner on this island situated off the coast of Florida. From romantic sunsets to exquisite dining, here are some of the best Anna Maria Island date night activities you can plan for the perfect evening. (more…)

Bradenton and Anna Maria Island are hotspots for tourist attractions for their beautiful beaches, sunsets and relaxed lifestyle. Many travelers love to come here to unwind and get away from their busy lives. You may also be debating taking a trip to this charming island with your loved ones. But what if your schedules do not align? Will you cancel your entire trip?

Vacations in Anna Maria Island can be highly beneficial for you. You can better experience the island to its fullest, especially if you travel alone. If you are worried about accommodations, there is no need to be. We at Anchor Down Vacation Rentals have you covered. 

In this blog, we provide you with increasingly convincing reasons to stop putting off your trip to Bradenton. (more…)

We talk to a lot of vacationers, and we’ve come to the conclusion that there are two types of trip-takers.

  1. Those who pack methodically, 24 hours before departure, according to a detailed list.
  2. Those who throw random things into a suitcase minutes before it’s time to leave. 

Whatever kind of packer you are, we have some ideas on how to prepare for your Anna Maria Island vacation. This is a beach town, so you’re probably expecting to bring a selection of swimwear and sunglasses. That’s good – but it’s not a complete list of what you’ll need. 

Let’s take a look at what you’ll be doing and where you’ll be going so you know how to pack accordingly. (more…)

 

Every traveler looks for something different when it comes to the place they’ll stay while on vacation. 

When you decide to visit Anna Maria Island, on Florida’s serene Gulf of Mexico, you’re not going to find a lot of the chain hotels and high-rise condos that many other beach communities have. We’re a bit different – more about making you feel at home. Our vacation rentals are cozy homes away from home, where you can cook, relax, spread out, and enjoy the slower pace of all your days off. 

So how should you choose your own vacation rental on Anna Maria Island

We work with vacationers all the time, helping them decide on the place that’s going to serve their needs and those of their traveling companions. We’ve put together some things you should think about before you book. 

There are plenty of options here, but don’t take too long deciding. Properties book quickly, and you don’t want to miss out on the vacation home of your dreams. Take a look at these tips, and then let us know how we can help you plan the perfect beach getaway. (more…)

Welcome to Anna Maria Island! If you’re planning a vacation here, you can expect warm waters, dazzling sunsets, and lots of local shopping, dining, and entertainment. We aren’t like other beach towns, and it’s our unique qualities that keep visitors coming back every year. 

At Anchor Down Vacation Rentals, we want to help you have the best possible experience. We love this part of Florida’s Gulf coast, and we’re proud of the properties we provide to travelers like you. 

One of the first things you’ll have to decide when you’re planning your getaway is – where will you stay on Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island is a seven-mile barrier island just south of St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay. The entire island is divided into three separate towns. Each town has its own main street, full of restaurants, shops, art galleries, specialty shops, and opportunities for entertainment and recreation. 

The towns on the island are:

Anyplace you stay will undoubtedly be lovely. But, we want your vacation to be just right, so here are some of the things you’ll want to think about when you’re deciding where to stay when you visit Anna Maria Island (more…)

Whether you’re visiting Anna Maria Island for a weekend or staying for a season, you don’t want to simply have the tourist experience. 

You want to know what it’s like to be part of the culture and community. 

We understand that – it’s part of what creates a memorable and meaningful travel experience. As we welcome visitors to their vacation rental homes here, we like to help them put together a unique Anna Maria Island vacation that will mean more than just going to the beach and filling up on seafood. 

We want you to feel like a local. 

Here are some of the ways you can experience Anna Maria Island like a local. (more…)

What does your bucket list look like? Most people have that list of goals they want to accomplish and things they hope to see before it’s too late. 

When you’re coming to Florida’s Anna Maria Island for vacation, you need a separate bucket list just for the trip. 

Trust us, there are a lot of Anna Maria Island things to do and see you just don’t want to miss. 

First, let’s introduce you to the island.  (more…)

Anna Maria Island is on the west coast of Florida. Neighbored by the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, there are three separate towns along the seven-mile-long island. These are Bradenton Beach on the south end, Anna Maria on the north side, and Holmes Beach settled in between.

You won’t find high-rise condos and luxury hotel chains here. There’s less commercialization and more chill. When you visit, prepare to drive slowly. Speed limits across the island top out at 35 miles per hour. All three towns are extremely walkable, and the beach is never far away.

Each beach town also has its own restaurants, shops, live music, and entertainment. These attractions can be found on Main Street in Holmes Beach, Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach, and Pine Avenue in Anna Maria.

We can provide dozens of reasons to visit Anna Maria Island, but for the purposes of this blog, we are narrowing those reasons to three.

Come in the summer, when the beaches are full of sunbathers and swimmers or in the winter, when the water stays warm and the sunsets are majestic. Just make sure you visit.

Here are the top three reasons you should.
(more…)