Hi Laura,
We are in a similar family situation as you and your family but also have 2 grandkids. We live in Michigan and have rented places on the lake for all of us in the summer but the prices are so high now, we would love to go to AMI. Having never been there, it’s hard to know where would be a good place to stay. Would you have any recommendations on where to stay on the waterfront for us? I’m on FB if you’d rather pm me😊 Thank you so much!

I want to go so bad. For years now.

My husband has been going there since he was 3, he is now 59yrs. My children have been going since they were 1 and 3 and they are now 19 and 22. It has gotten busier but still one of the best places for a family vacation. My kids hope to bring their children some day.

Hello would you mind giving me the names of a few places to stay on Anna Maria? We plan to arrive at the bevy of September 2022! There will be 4 of us! Thank you!

Top 3 restaurants/bars

The south of AMI tends to be less crowded than the north. Coquina beach has lots of free parking, restrooms, changing rooms and a cafe. There are lifeguards on duty. It’s an easy walk around the south end over to Anna Maria Sound, best place to see dolphins. I have seen manatees occasionally. A free trolley bus route runs the length of the island with stops at the beaches with parking and points in between. Plenty of restaurants on the north end, but there is quite a selection on bridge street just south of Cortez Rd. There’s a seafood restaurant directly on the Bridge St pier in the sound. Dolphin tours available at Cortez Rd. A beach market at Coquina Beach twice a week (typically Wed and Sat). Downside is traffic from the mainland onto the island, especially from midday on.