White sand beaches, tropical turquoise water, the salty, crisp scent of the ocean drifting through the air—it's a typical day on Anna Maria Island, where we live the best of life by the sea. Our charming island hosts visitors year-round, from the guests of the lively summer season to the snowbirds looking for a reprieve from winter storms, but one of the times that many people overlook is the fall season on Anna Maria Island! The weather is certainly warmer than most of the country, but even our temperatures are dropping a bit, giving way to comfortable evenings where you can relax beachside with a glass of wine. It’s all the festive parts of fall without the impending winter, and you can bring out the summer wardrobe that you might have already packed away for the year. There are lots of things to do in the fall on Anna Maria Island, so if you’re considering an AMI fall getaway, we’ve compiled a list of activities ideal for the season! Here are some of the best Fall Activities in Anna Maria Island for 2022.
One of the best things about visiting in the fall is that it’s technically the “off” season, meaning that you get to experience the benefits of skipping the summer crowds and the winter-break surge. The weather cools off a bit but depending on the day the water can still be swimmable, meaning you get to revel in all the glory of a beach day without the overabundance of tourists. Manatee Public Beach and Coquina Beach are sure to still have an upbeat atmosphere, as they’re near restaurants, beach cafes, and shopping, but there are other spots if you’re looking for more of that deserted island vibe. Bean Point is known for having a more remote feel but doesn’t have any facilities. Bayfront Park is well-maintained and offers a calmer shorefront on the bay, perfect for splashing around. You can still soak up the sun during the fall season on AMI!
Dive Into Anna Maria Island’s Best Restaurants
With weather that’s great for sitting on the patio (especially in the evenings), it’s an opportune time to grab a reservation at some of our island’s highly rated restaurants. Take a night out at the unassuming Waterfront Restaurant, situated right off Bayfront Park with elevated views, specializing in sushi and fusion fare. The Ugly Grouper in Holmes Beach offers a selection of dishes straight from the sea, from fish tacos to expertly prepared grouper. If seafood isn’t your culinary style, you can find almost any type of cuisine on AMI—try Vinny’s Italian Kitchen for casual Italian dishes, or Smokehouse for authentic American BBQ dishes as well as unique twists on the old classics.
Your Selection of AMI Fall Festivities
Fall is a terrific time to visit if you’d like to get a feel for the island’s local markets. The Bridge Street Market reopens annually in November and has hours every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.--even better, you can take the island trolley to get there! Also nearby, you can visit the Bradenton Farmer’s Market, open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through October to May. Grab some fresh ingredients to bring home to your vacation rental—with over 30 local vendors selling a variety of crafts and goods, you’ll likely find lots to love. Another market to explore includes the Coquina Beach Market, opening November 2022—also accessible from the free trolley route, with an offering of local food, handmade items, and fresh produce.
Up on Pine Avenue, you’ll find our island’s main shopping hub, with lots of local stores and a generous amount of stops on the free island trolley, making it easy to explore the avenue. Grab some seasonal closeout beachwear, pick up a fall scented candle—maybe even buy a lightweight scarf to take home!
Celebrate the Season at Your Beach Vacation Rental
There’s always plenty to keep you entertained at your vacation rental, whether it’s a leisurely pool day or a homecooked family meal with fall flavors to get into the spirit of the season. If you’re visiting during Halloween, you can pick up some pumpkins and have a carving contest, or just pick up a local fall brew and relax with a scary movie marathon on your vacation home’s large smart TV. From relaxing in the hot tub at night and stargazing to admiring early morning ocean views, your vacation home can be the highlight of your fall vacation on Anna Maria Island!
Book Your Fall Vacation Rental on Anna Maria Island Today!
There’s no question that the fall season is an excellent time to visit AMI, as it’s less crowded than usual and just as beautiful! If you’d like to learn more about our selection of Anna Maria Island vacation homes, give our friendly reservation team a call today!
