Top Ten things to do with Pets on Anna Maria Island

I am married to a veterinary technician.  Dogs, cats, birds, snakes, lizards and lots of other pets are all part of the family.  So why leave your pet behind when Island Real Estate has so many pet friendly properties.  Let’s get down to business….the best spots to take Fido, the family pet while visiting Anna Maria Island.   Unfortunately, Anna Maria Island does not have any pet friendly beaches but there are plenty of other options.  By the way, not sure if this is the exact order but they are all great things to do!

#10 – Take a walk up in Anna Maria City with an easy to tie up leash.  So many places to visit and so many businesses that are excited to see your pets.  Just walk Pine Avenue or Rudy’s and string them up.  Rudy’s actually has a dog paw wall where you can measure the height of your pet(s).   Last time I was at Rudy’s sub shop they had a dish of water outside.  Don’t forget Ginney and Janie’s, they are pet friendly inside last I was there.

#9 – Go up to Bayfront park in Anna Maria City and enjoy a picnic while you enjoy the bay.  If you have children they can have fun on the playground as well. Grab a sandwich for a quick fun afternoon.

#8 – Go take a walk at Robinson’s preserve.  The park has a wonderful tower that has gorgeous views of the Tampa Bay.  There are miles and miles of walk way’s with pet friendly bag stands as well as paved walkways as well for roller bladers.

#7 – Go to the causeway and let your pet enjoy the beach and the water.  The causeway is the beach you see traveling to Anna Maria Island on Manatee avenue or State Route 64.  It is only about 1/4 of a mile from 75th Street on the mainland of Bradenton, Fl.  Just a short 5 minute drive of Anna Maria.  If you want to grab Google maps type in Anna Maria Island in and move the map East until you see Palma Sola Bay.  That is the spot where pets can play in the water.

#6) - Go visit Sarasota amd St. Armand’s circle.  The Circle in Sarasota is a fantastic shopping area with clothing,

 jewelry, artwork, etc.  Lots of great local gifts and trinkets to grab.  In addition, lots of ice cream shops and restaurants with outdoor seating that allow you to sit outside with your pet and grab a bite to eat.  If shopping is your passion then try Red Barn Flea market in Bradenton as well.  Much of the flea market is outside and there are some indoor areas however sorry, not absolutely sure they allow pets.  Here is a video of the Red Barn Flea market.

#5) – Go visit the Sarasota Bay and water park, Bay Front park.  There is a great park over by Marina Jack’s.  I am sorry we do not yet have a blog on this but hope to write one soon.  While there go grab a special treat for your pet in downtown Sarasota.  Grab a snack at Max’s dog bakery on main street in Sarasota.   Walk up and down main street window shopping, maybe even grab yourself a snack then stop in at Max’s dog bakery for a treat!

#4) - Fort Desoto Park in St. Petersburgh.  There is a very large dog park that allows for dogs to swim in the Ocean.

#3)  Just bringing your pet on vacation is a big treat.  Grab one of Island Real Estate’s pet friendly properties with a pool and let us know a pet will be using the pool during your reservation.  Many of our pool properties can be pre-arranged to be cleaned twice during your stay for no extra charge!  Island Real Estate’s vacation rental website allows you to search for only pet friendly vacation rentals!  They have made the process easy!  

#2)  Visit Lakewood ranch and take in a Polo match.   Horses and lots of spectators taking in the Polo action.  Polo matches are open to the public on Sunday’s and they typically start matches in December and they go until April.  The kids can take a hay ride on one of the breaks and your pet will love you for it.  Get out in the sunshine on their over 140 acres and spend some time outside where the entire family including your pet will create memories for a lifetime.   Check out the polo match video below.

#1)  Drum roll…. All dogs love to run and play take them to GT. Bray Park in Bradenton, Florida.  This is a fenced in park where dogs can run and have fun with lots of other dogs.  Of course you need to have a mild mannered dog as there are lots of dogs inside the area.

Carol’s top ten list of things to do when visiting Anna Maria Island

1)  Have lunch at Tortilla Bay after….
2)  Shopping at Irene’s – the only island Brighton retailer!
3)  Watch the sunset at Café on the Beach on a Friday night
4)  Take a photo of friends inside the Anna Maria City Jail
5)  Split a banana split at Joe’s Eats and Sweets
6)  See what is new at the Sterling Anvil – all locally made silver jewelry
7)  See a movie at Burns Court – independently owned theater in
8)  Sarasota that shows independent and interesting films
9)  Trivia night on Tuesdays at Lakewood Ranch Beef O Bradys!
10) Sarasota Main Street Friday nights Art Walk – galleries open late and all local artists showing their work
11) St. Armand’s Circle Walk – start at the South end for dinner at Tommy Bahamas and end of the 360 gets you at Kilwins for ice cream!

Amy’s top ten list of things to do when visiting Anna Maria Island

10) Go to miniature golf on Bridge Street

9 ) While on Bridge Street go to Bridge Tender for lunch.

Walk out on the Bridge Street pier

7) Ice cream  at Joe’s Eat’s and Sweet’s

6) Walk to the beach for a sunset with your ice cream

5) Kayak in Robinson’s Preserve

4) Eat or visit the Rod n’ Reel restaurant

3) Visit or have a picnic at Bay Front Park

2) Dine at the Star Fish Restaurant

1) Rent or take a boat out in the Gulf of Mexico or Tampa Bay

Kacey’s Top Ten list of things to do on Anna Maria Island

1.    Lay out in the sun is the top thing I’d do!!!
2.    Karaoke out on Siesta Key Captain Curts
3.    Dinner at Waterfront restaurant
4.    Site seeing on Mystic Dolphin
5.    Deep sea fishing – Used to use Flying Fish Fleet before they moved to Marina Jack’s in Sarasota
6.    Mote Marine
7.    Shopping at St. Armand’s Circle
8.    Dinner at the Columbia House Restaurant on  St. Armand’s
9.    Ride the Trolley with no set destination
10.    Breakfast and coffee at Ginny and Janie’s

Anna Maria Island and Bradenton, Florida area golf courses

Visiting Anna Maria Island provides for a great vacation.  We do see a few golf vacations however the Anna Maria Island area is still unfound territory in regards to golfing holidays.  Island Real Estate and vacation rentals can assist your group in finding the perfect large home holiday villa or several vacation rentals in the same village or condominium complex.  Island Real Estate has the most luxury vacation rentals on Anna Maria Island perfect for a corporate golfing event.

Buffalo Creek Golf Course
Open to the Public
8100 Erie Road
Palmetto, Florida, 34221
(941) 776-2611

IMG Academies Golf and Country Club
Private golf course
4350 El Conquistador Parkway
Bradenton, FL, 34221
(941) 758-1466

Imperial Lakewoods Golf Course
Semi-Private Golf
9680 Buffalo Road
Palmetto, Fl, 34221
(941) 747-9432

The links at Greenfield Plantation
Open to the Public
10325 Greenfield Plantation Blvd
Bradenton, Fl, 34202
(941) 747-9432

Manatee County Golf Course
Open to the Public
6415 53rd Avenue West
Bradenton, FL, 34210
(941) 792-3288

Pinebrook/Ironwood Golf Club
Executive Golf Course
4260 Ironwood Circle
Bradenton, Fl, 34209
(941) 792-3288

The River Club
Semi-Private Golf Course
6600 River Club Blvd
Bradenton, Fl, 34202
(941) 751-4211

River Run Golf Links
Open to the Public
1801 27th Street
East Bradenton, Fl, 34208
(941) 708-6331

River Strand Golf Club
Semi-Private Golf Course
7155 Grand Estuary Trail
Bradenton, Fl, 34212
(941) 708-3617

Stoneybrook at Heritage Harbour
Open to the Public
7900 Stone Harbour Loop
Bradenton, Fl, 34202
(941) 746-2696

Terra Ceia Bay Country Club
Executive Golf Course
2802 Terra Ceia Bay Blvd
Palmetto, Fl, 34221
(941) 729-7663

University Park Country Club
Semi-Private Golf Course
7671 The Park Blvd
University Park, Fl, 34201
(941) 359-9999

Waterlefe Golf and River Club
Semi-Private Golf Course
1022 Fish Hook Cove
Bradenton, FL, 34202
(941) 744-9771

Anna Maria Island, Florida Fishing information

There are plenty of spots to fish on Anna Maria Island.  Many come to Anna Maria, Fl for the sun, the beach, and the fun.  Some come to Anna Maria for some serious fishing.  There are three primary areas one can fish while visiting Anna Maria Island.   Of course people fish on the island.  Off piers, off canals, and off bridges provide fair fishing.  Fishing in the Bay provides for more entertainment as well as more consistent results.  Finally, many go deep sea fishing into the Gulf of Mexico.

There are lots of spots to fish while staying on Anna Maria Island.  You can reserve a canal property and fish right off the canal although results are pretty inconsistent.  If you need some help finding a vacation rental be sure to visit Anna Maria Island’s leading vacation rental company for real time accurate on-line availability.  Many reserve canal front properties and bring down their boat and head out into the waters on their own.  Lastly you can pick up a canal vacation rental and RENT a boat for $800 – $1500 per week.  In fact, Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island, Inc has a special offer that if you rent a canal property and a boat you will receive a 5% discount off the boat rental.

Fishing can also be had on the public pier in Anna Maria City or on the Rod and Reel pier.  The Rod and Reel pier charges a small fee to fish and will supply bait if needed.  Net fishing can be used up to a certain point on both piers and is clearly labeled.  There are fishing stations supplied with water if you need to cut up bait or big catch.  On my last visit to the public pier I saw a big one get away and one side was filled with young local boys fishing for shark.  I thought different about the boys fishing after I spoke to several other fishermen that were fishing for shark also.  One had caught a bull shark about an hour prior and threw him back because he was told it was not good eating.  Please note, both the Anna Maria City pier and the Rod and Reel pier are not young child friendly as there is no fence enclosing the pier.  Of course both piers in Anna Maria City can double for lunch or dinner also in the restaurants at the end of the pier.

Bradenton Beach has fishing on the pier also.  At the East end of Bridge street just past Rotten Ralph’s restaurant you will find plenty of people fishing.  I have personally witnessed fish being caught at the end of the pier however they were all thrown back due to their size.  At the base of the pier there is a new bait shop that should help with what the fish are biting on.  The Bradenton pier is perfect for the whole family with convenient fishing pole holes all along the fence line.  The pier is fully fenced in so it is more child friendly than the piers in Anna Maria City.  The Bridge street pier also has several swings that the family can sit on and watch the fun.

I also see several people fishing on any one of the draw bridges off the island as well as some of the smaller bridges along the causeway.  I have never spoken to anyone regarding their success rate however I have seen individuals on several occasions pulling nets with fish in them.  Most of the folks I see on the bridges are pretty serious as the traffic passing by is not usually a visitors idea of fun.

Bay fishing is also known as backwater fishing and is less expensive than deep sea fishing.  A good deal of the catch must be returned to the waters due to size however it is best to discuss specifics with guides you interview.  Most Bay guides have smaller boats and can accommodate about 3-5 passengers however once again check with the experts.  Backwater fishing guides do not have a crew and the cost is about $400 for 1/2 a day.

Gulf Fishing also known is as deep sea fishing and provides for more action and usually more time on the boat.  Obviously the longer the tour, the deeper the fishing.  Gulf Fishing requires a crew and the boats are larger and typically can accommodate 4-12 passengers.  In addition, you can expect larger tackle to support larger game that should be caught.  Most deep sea captains guarantee entertainment but not the amount of fish they will catch.  They all abide by bag limits and are concerned about keeping the sea healthy since is supports their livelihood.  The cost for deep sea fishing is $650 – $1000 and usually the more passengers the less cost per passenger.  A successful catch will include grouper, snapper, and bigger game.   

All captains suggest booking ahead of time and Christmas week normally books out one year in advance as well as other popular holiday weeks.  Make no mistakes, I am a beginner when it comes to fishing so I strongly suggest you call Anna Maria local captains for additional information.  If you have additional information please post comments below as our readership will appreciate any added information you can provide.

St. Petersburg Times Forum offers wonderful venue for Anna Maria, Florida

The St. Petersburg Times Forum is the permanent host to the Tampa Bay Lightning Hockey team as well as the Tampa Bay Storm football team.  The Forum offers Anna Maria Island residents and visitors big time entertainment.  At the time of this writing the St. Pete Forum is hosting many big name entertainers.  Neil Diamond, Wiggles, AC/DC, Celine Dion, and Dane Cook the comedian.

The St. Pete Times Forum has a fantastic interactive Seating diagram that allows you to see the view you can expect when choosing your seats.  130, 101, 102 and 117, 116, and 115 are first level and in the middle of the Forum.

The Forum has several ATM’s.  There are two Tampa General Hospital first aid offices in the forum.  Smoking is not permitted inside although there are several outside areas provided.  Disabled seating can be purchased at (813) 301-6536.  The Forum restricts Alcohol, food or beverages, bottles, cans, laser pointers, large banners or signs, chains, fireworks, weapons, and no video or audio recording devices.  Be careful, if your camera has video recording capabilities you may be required to make a long trek back to your vehicle to deposit your camera.

There are plenty of food choices at the Forum however expect to eat for twice what you would at Mcdonalds for similar eats.  Hamburgers, Chicken Nuggets, Pizza, ice cream, peanuts, cotton candy, french fries, hot dogs, just about anything you can imagine.

The Forum website has great directions but in case you need directions from Anna Maria Island: travel along Route 64 East to RESIDENTIAL State Route 41 North (The Non-Business Route).  Take 275 South and move on to I-75 North to Tampa, Florida.  Off of I-75, take State Route 618 also known as Crosstown West until Exit #7.  Take Exit 7 which is known as Downtown West exit and follow the exit loop.  There is a parking lot to your immediate left once the exit ramp ends.  Turn left on East Bell Street and Park.  Parking at the time of this article is $8.

St. Petersburg Times Forum
401 Channelside Drive
St. Petersburg, Fl, 33602
(813) 301-2500 For Entertainment tickets
(813) 301-6600 For Sports tickets

Tampa Bay Hockey is great big city sports entertainment

Tampa Bay Lightning offers wonderful “big city” sports entertainment for Anna Maria Island residents and visitors.   Tampa, Florida entertainment starts in early October and regular season games end in Mid-April.  Post season games typically last until late May, early June.  The drive from Anna Maria via East of Tampa is about a 1 hour drive and West of Tampa is about 1 hour and twenty minutes.

Specific directions from Anna Maria Island are as follows:  take Route 64 East to Route 41 North (The Non-Business Route).  Pick up 275 South and then take I-75 North to Tampa.  Take State Route 618 also known as Crosstown West until Exit #7.  Take Exit 7 which is the Downtown West exit and follow the exit loop.  There is a parking lot to your immediate left once the exit ramp ends.  Turn left on East Bell Street and Park.  Parking at the time of this article is $8.  The exact address of the St. Petersburg Times Forum is 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa, Fl, 33602.

There is plenty of food to choose at the Tampa Bay Lighteing hockey games.  Westshore pizza has good pizza but I would skip the philly cheesesteak.  I absolutely love Five Guys Burgers and Fries.  They give you a bag of fries that is large enough to feed two big guys or a family of four.  Their burgers are fantastic.  Of course there are peanuts, beer, soda, pretzels, cotton candy, chicken fingers and fries, hot dogs, etc.  Yes there is a place that sells salads on the first level where Five Guys Burgers and Fries can be found.

If you go to a hockey game give yourself about 1.5 hours to make the normal 7:30 PM starting games.  They have lots of games with give-aways so plan accordingly if you the give away is a must have.  Be ready for a late night.  Normally we get back to Anna Maria Island at about 11:30 PM.

St. Petersburg Times Forum
Tampa Bay Lightning
401 Channelside Drive
Tampa, Fl, 33602

Top Six things to do, activities on Anna Maria Island Rainy days

Ok, so paradise needs to have a rainy day or two.  If you are unfortunate enough to catch a rainy day while on Anna Maria Island there is still plenty to do.  Most things to do on a rainy day are off the island in Bradenton, FL however it is just a short drive away.  Most area attractions off Anna Maria Island can be found on Manatee Avenue or Cortez road.   Below is our top six things to do on a rainy day but I know there are plenty of other things to do while enduring a rainy day on Anna Maria.

#6) Just off Anna Maria Island in Bradenton you can find Bowling.  Only 15 minutes from Anna Maria, FL you will find open bowling just of Cortez.  Visit our Florida Bowling Blog for more information.

#5) Go take in the latest big screen movie.  The Oakmont Theater is a newly renovated theater just of Cortez only 15 minutes from Anna Maria Island.  There you will find all the normal requirements necessary to enjoy the latest blockbuster of a movie.  Popcorn, stadium seating, hot dogs, candy, soda, everything you need to gain those extra 5 lbs needed to ensure you were on a true vacation.  One last note, if you are looking for a movie on the “cheap” and don’t require the newest Movies, try the Desoto Dollar Movie Theater.  Just 15-20 minutes from Anna Maria Island, Fl.

#4) Go work out at one of many local fitness centers.  At the time of this blog there are two fitness centers on Anna Maria Island.  One is located in Anna Maria City and Holmes Beach, Fl.  Both have plenty of equipment to ensure you have plenty to do to keep the calories burning.  The Anna Maria City fitness center is about half the size while the Holmes Beach fitness center has more room as well as double the cardio equipment.

#3) Go out to anyone of our fabulous restaurants on Anna Maria island.  Obviously outdoor seating will not work well under rainy circumstances but there are plenty of restaurants to choose from.  Whether it be a breakfast or lunch just to catch up or a 5 course meal your are sure to find plenty of choices on or off Anna Maria Island.

#2) Go relax and read a good book or catch up on the latest magazine gossip or news at the Holmes Beach City Library.  For a small amount you can become a member of the library.  Of course you only need a library card if you plan to take books, CD’s, or DVD’s home for review there.  It’s absolutely free to use the 8 computers they have on site with Internet as well as use their Internet hub for your laptop.  They have an amazing collection of DVD’s, VHS movies, as well as some recent publications for self help or the latest novel you have been looking to read.  The children’s area has plenty of books, games, a computer for their use as well as soft plush toys to play with.

#1) Pamper yourself with a spa day.  Anna Maria Island enjoys many “full meal deal” spas that can accommodate your every whim.  Massage, pedicure, hair, sea wraps, you name it.  Anna Maria City, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach boasts several spa choices to choose from.  In addition there are several individuals that will come to your vacation rental and give you a massage in your accommodations or perhaps on a covered beach front patio.  Of course it’s a bit tough to schedule a rainy day in paradise but you should be able to plan your spa day last minute as there are plenty of choices on Anna Maria Island.

Of course if you first need a place to hang your hat for your vacation in a beach cottage or you are a looking for a longer lifelong stay be sure to visit Anna Maria Island’s leading Real Estate provider, Island Real Estate.

Top ten things to do while staying on Anna Maria Island

Top 10 attractions while staying on Anna Maria Island

(Note, there are several links below with further information.  Just look for the underlined items…example, this link is to Island Real Estate’s web site.)

10. Go gift shopping…There are lots of shops on the island in Anna Maria City, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach.  Don’t spend all your time looking for the perfect trinkets or gifts for the dog or house sitter…but it’s allowed to spend one or two afternoon’s checking out our local artistic and craft flavor.  Don’t forget to try out the FREE trolley that runs the entire length of the island.  This makes traveling the island carefree, what more could you ask for?

9. Take a day trip…Heading South down to Sarasota is a neat experience and the journey provides plenty of entertainment.  Take Gulf Drive South through Longboat Key and enjoy the Gulf scenery on the 30 minute drive South.  If you have children go to the Mote Aquarium which has fantastic things to do for children.  When complete with Mote, go just down the street to St. Armand’s circle where you can take in lunch or dinner and briefly walk through shops in the early evening.  You can also make St. Armand’s circle an entire day trip for those of you that are shop-a-holics.  Just be sure to bring lots of money, it’s not uncommon to see T-shirts for $25 – $50 per pc.

8. Grab a kite, Frisbee, football, volleyball and get out on the beach and get some exercise.  Throw it around with your children.  Build a sandcastle or just a wall that holds back the Gulf water.  Body surf the waves.  So much to do on the gorgeous white sandy beaches of Anna Maria Island.  Information on water temperatures.

7. Rent a bicycle and ride around Anna Maria City.  There is something great about biking up and down the streets of Anna Maria City.  Start at White avenue and work you way North up the streets.  Be sure to take a ride down Beach and Park while the Huge trees still exist.  They are gorgeous and offer a once in a life time view of PURE nature.  Bicycle riding also lets you search for your next vacation rental or “peace” of paradise.  There is nothing like searching for Real Estate while feeling the breeze through you hair.  If Real Estate is more your speed, check out our properties for sale.

6. Anna Maria City Piers…Go up to Anna Maria City and either walk on the public pier at the end of Pine Street or walk the pier at the Rod and Reel Restaurant.  If you try the public city pier at the end of pine street, stop at the outdoor plaza just across the street where you can find great shopping and even better, ICE CREAM.  Grab a ice cream cone and walk the pier or grab lunch or Dinner at Rod and Reel pier.  If you like fishing, bring a fishing pole and pick up an inexpensive fishing license and try fishing off one of the piers.

5. Take a Nap…So you know you have achieved “Anna Maria” relaxation if you are able to take a nap in the mid day.  I know, this is too good to be true especially if you have young children.  I can promise you if you make this a priority it can happen on Anna Maria.  There is nothing better than hitting the beach in the morning, having a bite to eat, and then taking a mid day nap! aaaahhhh

4. Local Dining….Go to a local burger hang out and eat like the locals.  There are several fabulous local dining areas where you can pony up to the bar or just have a good down to earth hamburger with french fries.  If you are still not out of the work mode and you want to multi task then hit the Manatee public beach and eat lunch at Cafe on the Beach or at Skinney’s just across the street.  If you have been successful in your journey to RELAXATION and multi-tasking is not necessary then try Hurricane Hanks, Duffy’s, or Rod and Reel pier.

3. Shelling…Walking the beach looking for nature’s little treasures is a wonderful way to unwind.  This is one of the best things to do on your first day of your vacation.  I often find it difficult to unwind from work so creating a task for myself lets me take step one of many steps before I can just lay on the beach and do nothing.  Going cold turkey and laying on the beach the first day can be difficult for a lot of people so searching for shells conveniently has a goal and your children can participate in the fun!

2. Of course, Go to the beach…have a day or several days at the beach.  A beach umbrella can make a summer visit a little more enjoyable but there is no better way to relax but to go to the beach and enjoy the Gulf of Mexico.  Remember, leaving items behind or equipment on the beach overnight is a big no-no.  Sea turtles climb up on the beach at night and can easily get caught up in beach equipment and die.  Reminder no dogs allowed on any Anna Maria Island Beaches.

1. Walk, Drink, watch a Sunset…Take a walk about 2 hours prior to Sunset time.  Either bring beverages with you or stop in at one of many of the Gulf Front Restaurant’s on the island and have an appetizer, cold beverage, reconnect with family and friends while watching the sun go down over the Gulf of Mexico.  If the conditions are perfect who knows you might even see the green flash!!

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