On a spur of the moment decision we thought we’d go to Anna Maria’s Island the week before Memorial Day. On a random google search for rentals we came across Dans Florida Condos (www.dansfloridacondos.com). I was able to call and talk to Dan directly to determine availability and he promptly returned my call. Due to a last minute cancellation he had the week open. The booking process was very easily done electronically with no issues. His rates are very competitive so we committed. There were no hidden fees or administrative costs – just one flat fee for the week.
On our arrival, we were very pleasantly surprised at how nice the condo was. Just as advertised on his website. Very clean and comfortable with absolutely everything you need for a beach vacation. Including beach chairs, umbrella, cooler and even a cart to take the short walk to the beach. And if you need anything else, Dan recommend ABC Baby and Beach rentals which we used to rent a portable Beach cabana for just $40 for the week. And they delivered and picked up right at the condo front door! His location is perfect with both beach access and a pier on the bay side.
I texted Dan for restaurant, transportation and things to do ideas. Again he was quick to respond with great suggestions. The free trolly makes it easy to go up and down the entire island. There is definitely a different vibe at different areas of the island. In Bradenton Beach where the condo is located you can walk a few blocks to bridge street where you find plenty of restaurants and local shops. We tried the Beach House and Gulf Dr. Cafe. Both were excellent with beautiful views of the gulf. Having dinner and watching the beautiful sunset was amazing. I also recommend one of the many frozen daiquiris on the roof top of the Daiquiri Deck with an excellent view of the Gulf.
One day we walked 4 miles north stopping at various places for drinks or to do some shopping and ending at the Sand Bar Restaurant. After that walk we were thankful for the free trolley ride back. Which stops right in front of Runaway Bay Condos. We took a non-beach day and drove our car to the iconic St. Armands Circle on Lido Key. Lots of really nice shops and art galleries as well as restaurants to try. We opted to have dinner on the way back stopping at Mar Vista Restaurant on the bay side of Long Boat Key. Excellent outdoor dining setting under the trees. On our last day we went north on AMI again to the Bay side and walked both the City Pier and Rod and Reel Pier where we actually saw someone catch a hammerhead shark!
This was our first visit to Anna Maria Island. It was a lot of fun both on and off the beach. We will definitely go again and hope that Dan has availability in his 1 BR condo or maybe we will bring friends next time and try his 2 BR condo!!
Wow Patrick, for a last minute vacation, you really made it worth while. Glad you got to see so much of Anna Maria Island during your vacation, and love your “off the island” day. St Armands Circle is great for a day or half day trip. Look forward to hosting you and your friends next year. Take care!