Guest Hook Travel Guides Anna Maria Island | Page 8

MARIE & TOMAS' PRACTICAL TIPS...
Where is the Nearest Airport?

There are several airports within driving distance of Anna Maria Island.
The closest is Sarasota airport (SRQ) which is only 30 min drive away.
Then there's St. Petersburg-Clearwater (PIE) at 55 min followed by
Tampa (TPA) 1h 5 min, Fort Myers (RSW) 1h 55 min, Orlando (MCO) 2h,
Orlando-Sanford (SFB) 2h30 min and Miami Airport (MIA) 4h.

How Do I Get From the Mainland to AMI?

Three bridges lead to the Island. Two from the mainland and
one from the north end of Longboat Key. Your own boat is of
course also an option!

How Easy is it to Get Around?

It's very easy to drive, but especially during weekends and spring there can be
traffic jams. Speed restrictions are strictly enforced and there are more police cars
on this little island than one would expect. If you'd like to leave the car behind
there are shuttles that can pick you up from the airport and take you to the Island.
A free trolley runs up and down the Island every 20 minutes between 6 am and
10.30 pm. Bike paths are abundant and the Island is only 7 miles long without hills,
so it's very easy to get around by bike. If you don't fancy pedalling you can even
rent a golf cart to travel more leisurely and as they're electric it's eco-friendly too!

Where Can I Shop for Groceries?

Just off Manatee Ave there's a Publix which is the biggest grocery store
on the Island. There are other places on the Island but they are more like
convenience stores and will not have much of a selection. In Bradenton
there's several food chain stores off Manatee Ave and Cortez Rd. If you
arrive late, Walmart off Cortez Rd in Bradenton is open 24/7.

What’s the Weather Like?

You will often see rain showers on the forecast but it will often just rain over
the mainland while the sun is shining over Anna Maria Island. When it rains it's
usually the tropical type with a down pour that lasts a short time and refreshes
the air. The average high is a balmy 82F (28C) and average low 64F (18C), our
wettest month is August with 9.81in (249 mm) and the driest is April with 2.15in
(55 mm), More details can be found here.

Where do I Find Beach Chairs?

There is a beach chair and umbrella rental on Manatee Public Beach.
Several other renters on the Island will deliver right to your door step.
Publix, Walgreen's and other stores sell them for approximately the
same price as a week's rent.