Situated on Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast and surrounded by the gentle, aquamarine waters of Tampa Bay to the north, Longboat Pass to the south, Sarasota Bay to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west is Anna Maria Island, a seven-mile long barrier island gem of white sand beaches set in a semi-tropical climate, making it a popular destination for those looking for a Florida beach vacation. Also known as the Sun Coast, this part of Florida boasts more sunshine than Honolulu and some of the finest beaches in the world.

Mike Norman Realty can arrange for you the perfect Anna Maria Island vacation rental and Florida seasonal rentals for Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach or historic Cortez Village. Florida beach vacations are Mike Norman Realty’s specialty.

The Timucan and Caloosan tribes of Native Americans initially populated Anna Maria Island before Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto claimed it in the name of the Spanish Crown in 1539. Europeans began their influx in 1892 when George Bean homesteaded much of what is now known as the City of Anna Maria on the north end of the island. Bean Point, the northernmost tip of the island, is named after him. Today, the island is divided into three municipalities, Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach, and boats a year-round population of approximately 8,500.

Anna Maria Island Vacation Rentals – The Best Florida Vacations

Florida beach vacations are made more fun by day tripping to the Tampa/St. Petersburg (an easy hour drive north) area where you’ll find the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Tampa Bay Rays, and the busy Tampa International Airport (TPA). Closer to home you’ll find the Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport (SRQ). And of course a drive of about two hours will take you to Orlando, home of Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld and all the touristy activities you can possibly imagine.

Two bridges connect Anna Maria Island to the mainland. Cortez Bridge, part of State Road 684, links the island to the historic fishing village of Cortez and the City of Bradenton to the east; and the Manatee Avenue Bridge, which brings State Road 64 onto Holmes Beach. Anna Maria Island vacation rentals are made easy with the entire island serviced by a series of free trolleys that connect to the Manatee and Sarasota County Area Transit systems.

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Anna Maria Island has a flourishing arts community led by the Anna Maria Island Art League, the Anna Maria Island Artists Guild, the Island Players, the Anna Maria Island Community Chorus & Orchestra, the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, and other smaller organizations found throughout the island. Art fairs, craft fairs, food festivals and music festivals can be found on almost every weekend throughout the year.

In addition to just a Florida beach vacation, Anna Maria Island has become known as the “wedding capital of Florida,” due to its spectacular setting, soft, sugar-white sand beaches, waterfront restaurants, romantic, beachfront accommodations, resorts and its magnificent sunsets.

Come spend a week, a year or a lifetime on our beautiful Anna Maria, the REAL Florida. Ask Mike Norman Realty to set you up with the best Anna Maria Island vacation rental, seasonal rental or own your own home.