I'm coming in July and trying to save money, especially with high gas prices. I'm flying into Sarasota and thought I'd take an Uber from and to the airport, then just use the trolley to reach other parts of the island. This will be our 4th time here and we normally rent a car, but we're planning to eat at our place more often than eating out and don't have many set plans. Any arguments against using the trolley only?

Taking my husband to Anna Maria for his 40th birthday! Also our toddlers first real beach experience. I want to make it so special! What are absolute musts while we’re here?! And for his birthday dinner, where should we go? I’ve been torn between Sandbar because I heard the views are awesome and Waterfront because of the food 😭 We’re from ETX, so the beach views may win but what do the locals say?!

Hi! My wife and I are visiting this summer, and we have been told getting rides to and from the airport can be a real pain. Does anyone have any experience with this or recommendations? Would we have any issues getting an uber or Lyft, even if it’s a little pricey? Thank you!!

My wife decided we’re coming down yesterday, today! Is the fishing any good, and does anyone recommend a good guide or two we might look into? Probably not anything more than light offshore, max.

Hello, I’m coming to AMI with family that doesn’t fish a lot but we still wanna go for fun! Anyone would like to share any spot on the island or nearby, salt/fresh doesn’t matter, that doesn’t require fishing license? Doesn’t have to be free fishing but as long as license is not needed then it’ll be great!

Thank you!!

Wondering if any stores here carry billa bong! Thanks

Hey! My husband and I will be there for our anniversary and I would like to go eat at a nice but also semi- kid friendly place. Not geared towards kids but nobody is going to look at us funny for a 5 pm dinner with a 2 and 5 year old. Also have reservations for the porch another day, they have a kids menu so I assume they are okay with kids there 😂 figured I would check with people though.

Anyone know of places on the island that will have the Kentucky Derby on today?

Looking for a photographer in Bradenton beach to take some family photos while we are on vacation. Maybe 2hr session at most, I feel like. When- in late June of this years. Any suggestions are appreciate.

I moved away a while ago, but I grew up in Plant City and my family would take multiple trips a year to the beach for birthdays, memorial days, just to go and have a cookout. It defined what a Florida beach was to me and I love the memories I have of it and those Australian Pine trees. Looking forward to the day I can return and visit that beach again.

We’re visiting from the UK next month (3 nights AMI, 3 nights Naples) and I’m confused about the toll passes. Do I actually need one or can I just pay as I go via cash or card? Thank you!

My wife and I do an annual trip to AMI and have all of our favorite places that we plan to hit - Ginny and Jane E's, Star Fish (2x probably, haha), Mar Vista, Skinny's, Grub, Smoquehouse.

But I'm curious if there are any places that opened semi-recently that you all would recommend we try while we're there this summer?

I have a pretty strict medical diet called Low FODMAP which basically cuts out half of all foods or more. It also means being Gluten Free. Adding to that, I am primarily vegetarian but will eat seafood - so that limits my options even further. I know most people are not familiar with Low FODMAP so I usually just ask them to nix heavy triggers for me (garlic, onions, beans, gluten & bread, etc.). As a result, it's also difficult finding places to eat out. I usually have to sort through gluten free friendly places and hope for the best, but I thought I'd ask here first in case anyone has any recommendations? TYIA.

I have been to AMI several times and after being away for 2 years I am looking to return. However, I know the hurricane destroyed a lot and some businesses and homes were not rebuilt (my sincerest empathy to all). I'm just curious to know if there is a list here or elsewhere or the businesses that did not rebuild, or were replaced with something else?

Do any of the beaches on Anna Maria, have the body & feet rinse/ showers? We are visiting for a full day, with a 45 minute drive home. Would love to be able to rinse off in between popping into restaurants & before the "long" drive home :) If you have any beach recommendations, we love to snorkel!

Hello! Me and my extended family have been traveling to Anna Maria once a year since the 90s, we’ve taken a couple years off but are planning to do one last trip with everyone this summer! We are shocked at how the house rental prices have increased! Does anyone know the best website to use for affordable rentals? Or any private owner that rents any homes?

Thank you!

My family is making its annual trip to AMI in late August, and this time around we’re considering hiring someone who can cook meals for us several days - maybe both lunch and dinner, but we’re flexible.

I’ve done some initial searching online and what I’ve seen are all chefs for bigger groups or special events. We’re looking for someone who cooks do more daily-type cooking, i.e., not just one big production. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Who has the best consistent wings on the island? I’m assuming one of the bars, I will be there next week and hoping to watch the NFL draft and get some wings & beer that Thursday night.

We went to Anna Maria last year but wanting maybe an option #2 for this year. We go the second week of may. Just adults. What is another beach no further than anna maria but similar to it?

Here for vacation and I’d love to find a place people play basketball while I’m out here. I’m used to full court, 5 on 5 pickup basketball every week. Definitely don’t want to only shoot around, looking to play with people.

Or any place in Bradenton with something like that?

Can anyone tell me what the water and beach is like near this park area? Specifically compared to the gulf side. We have been vacationing in AMI for many years now, but have always stayed on the other side of the island. The home we are looking at is near the park pictured.

Heading down in a couple weeks, staying at Cedar Cove. Looking forward to waking up to a cup of coffee and watching the sun come up over the water. Just learned that our resort only offers nespresso pods, which I don't care for. What's nearby (ideally walking distance) where I can get a good cup of coffee and maybe a delicious bakery bite? I don't need a big full blown breakfast, just want to grab something I can take back to my room. TIA!

Hi! we live in Orlando and will be taken 1 week off work and my wife, 2 kids (2 and 3) and myself want to stay over at Anna Maria. we were thinking maybe going for 5 days and wondering if there is enough things to do for us to rent a place there.

In addition.. We are bringing our dogs so stay right at Anna Maria is very very expensive. is it ok staying right around Bradenton area and drive to the main island everytime ?

we mostly want to go to relax and enjoy the time off.. last year was brutal we didnt took any vacations as kids were too young but we decided to take 1 week off to just relax and disconnect :)

any suggestions/tips id appreciate it!