Choosing where to stay on Anna Maria Island
The island is about 7 miles (11 km) long and has three towns: Anna Maria in the north, Holmes Beach in the middle and Bradenton Beach in the south. Where you sleep decides which beach, pier and trolley stop is closest. It matters more than the type of place, because the free trolley runs the whole length of Gulf Drive.
Boat trips also depend on the town. One dolphin cruise departs from Holmes Beach, and another uses the public docks at the Bradenton Beach City Pier. If a trip is the main reason you are coming, check the departure point first and pick the town to match your Anna Maria Island dolphin tours.
Anna Maria Island hotels and rentals by town
Each town is close to different places. Individual properties vary by address.
| Town | Where | Close to | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anna Maria | North end | City Pier, Bean Point | The City Pier is still under construction, so its facilities are not open yet |
| Holmes Beach | Middle | Manatee Public Beach, shops | Rules for rentals differ by zone |
| Bradenton Beach | South end | Coquina Beach, Bridge Street, Cortez | Free parking at Coquina and Cortez beaches closes at 9:00 p.m. |
For most visitors, Holmes Beach is the simplest base. It sits in the middle of the island, so both ends are a short trolley ride away, and Manatee Public Beach is in town. If you want to be on foot to Coquina Beach and Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach is the better pick.
Tours and activities for your stay
Dolphin cruises, sunset boats, kayak trips and fishing charters from the island, with live prices and availability.
Anna Maria Island rentals and vacation rentals
The rules depend on the town and, in Holmes Beach, on the zone.
Holmes Beach certificate
A rental in Holmes Beach needs a vacation rental certificate. Hotels and motels hold business tax receipts and the relevant state licenses instead. The fee for the certificate is paid by the owner. Ask your host whether the certificate is in place before you pay a deposit.
Minimum stays by zone
In Holmes Beach, a rental in the R-1 and R-1AA zones must run at least 30 consecutive days. In R-2, R-3 and R-4 it must run at least 7 days, and not more than once in that period. In A-1, daily rentals are allowed. A few older hotels are exempt. Do not assume the whole island is rented by the week.
Other towns
Do not carry the Holmes Beach zone rules over to Anna Maria or Bradenton Beach. Ask the owner of the property you want about the minimum stay and what the booking includes.
Beach and pier distance
Manatee Public Beach is in Holmes Beach, Coquina Beach is in Bradenton Beach and the City Pier site is in Anna Maria. How near a house is to the sand depends on the address, so check the exact street on a map.
Before you book
A short checklist.
Condition after the storms
Hurricanes Helene and Milton hit the region in 2024, and repairs continue. Not every hotel, house and shop may have reopened, so confirm the status with each property. The hurricane guide explains what is still being rebuilt.
Car or no car
A stay close to a trolley stop makes daily driving less necessary. You will still need to plan the airport transfer. See the airport guide and the trolley guide.
Season
Hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November, and summer is hotter and wetter. Read the weather and best time guide to match your dates.
Prices and fees
Nightly prices, cleaning fees and platform fees vary widely by property and date. Compare the total cost, not the nightly rate, and read the cancellation terms before you pay.
Siesta Key, farther south, has its own stay guide. See where to stay on Siesta Key if you want to compare.
Plan the rest of your trip
Places to check before you choose a town.
Where to stay on Anna Maria Island: frequently asked questions
Which town suits a first visit to Anna Maria Island?
For most first visits, Holmes Beach works well because it is in the middle of the island and has Manatee Public Beach. Bradenton Beach suits you if you want Coquina Beach and Bridge Street close by.
Are hotels or vacation rentals more common on the island?
The island has both. Rental rules differ by town and zone, and a few older hotels are exempt from the rental limits. Compare by location and the total price, not by the type of place.
Can I rent a house for just a few nights?
It depends on the zone. In Holmes Beach, R-1 and R-1AA require at least 30 consecutive days, R-2, R-3 and R-4 require at least 7 days, and A-1 allows daily rentals. Ask the owner about the minimum stay before you book.
Do I need a car if I stay on the island?
Not for every day. The free trolley runs the length of Gulf Drive. You will still need a way to reach the island from the airport and to make trips to the mainland.
Are all hotels and rentals open again after the 2024 hurricanes?
Do not assume it. Repairs continue, so confirm the status of each property with the owner or manager before you book.
Does the vacation rental certificate matter to me as a guest?
A rental in Holmes Beach needs a vacation rental certificate, and the owner pays for it. Ask your host whether it is in place before you pay a deposit.