Anna Maria Island consists of three unique cities: the City of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach. Holmes Beach is where you can go to reach everything else on the island, and it’s full of great attractions to enjoy. Right in the middle of the city, there is a haven for food and fun, giving your family hours of quality time together. Read on for all you need to know about the heart of Holmes Beach, conveniently just minutes away from our Anna Maria Beach Resort.
How to Get There
Everything on Anna Maria Island is easily accessible thanks to the free trolley that runs the entire seven miles of shore and has frequent stops all over. There is a convenient stop at the corner of Gulf Drive and Holmes Boulevard that will drop you right in the center of the action. Of course, you can walk, bike, or take your golf cart as well. If you drive, you can find parking at 4000 Marina Drive.
What to Do
This area is jam-packed with fun activities for the whole family. Namely, you can have a great meal any time of the day. For breakfast, stop into Minnie’s Beach Café for classics like eggs, waffles, and more. They’re also a great lunch spot if you’re getting out later. Minnie’s is cash-only, so be sure to head to an ATM before you go!
For a morning cup of coffee, head to Island Coffee Haus, where you can sample the blend of Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Columbian beans. They also have tons of fresh pastries for you to enjoy with your drink. This is the perfect spot for a quick sip or a leisurely morning refreshment.
For lunch or dinner, Tortilla Bay is great for a relaxed Tex-Mex meal. Fresh Southwest flavors will have your mouth watering and offer something for the whole family to enjoy. If you’d rather have Italian, Vinnie’s Italian Kitchen is your best bet, where you can find classic “Old School” Italian fare in a casual and friendly location.
If you’re looking for a drink, Hurricane Hank’s is a local favorite, and the view is not to be missed. You can also head to Freckled Fin for an Irish pub vibe complete with live music, or visit Doctor’s Office to find a craft cocktail to cure what ails you.
There are also tons of great shops on this stretch. The Island Shopping Center has everything you could need for your trip, and the Sand Dollar Gift Shop is great for finding a souvenir. Find a unique local painting at Island Gallery West, pick up a new outfit at Irene’s, or discover a new piece for your home at The Island Trader.
Finally, there are several stops in the area that will help you prepare for your time on the beach. Just 4 Fun is your bike rental headquarters, giving you the perfect way to get around the island, or you can head to AMI Beach Buggys if you have a larger party to transport. ABC Baby and Beach Equipment Rentals has all your needs from beach chairs to high chairs, and AMI Health and Fitness will help you stay active while you’re on vacation.
All of this and more can be found just minutes from our Anna Maria Island resort, so you have immediate access to some of the area’s best attractions. Spend the day exploring Holmes Beach, then return to your rental for a relaxing night with your sweetheart or your family. For more information about Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island, and all of our available vacation rentals, contact us today!
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