Celebrating With An Anna Maria Island Bachelorette
A bridal party poses during a sandbar hop. Photo Credit: Concierge AMI.
Nestled in the Gulf of Mexico, Anna Maria Island used to be one of Florida’s best kept secrets. From the seven miles of white sandy beaches to the small-town beach vibe, there’s a lot to love about this little island, much like a Palm Beach bachelorette!
Speed limits rarely exceed 35 mph, making it the perfect place to kick back and relax. Even though it’s known for its old-Florida charm, Anna Maria Island is the perfect place for a modern bachelorette party!
Here’s everything you need to know to plan the best Anna Maria Island bach party for your bride-to-be.
Where to Stay on Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island Beach Resort- $350/Night
An expansive pool and a gulf view at the Anna Maria Beach Resort.
The Anna Maria Island Beach Resort is a 31-room, 4-star resort with unparalleled Gulf views in a quiet, relaxed setting. You’ll have full, private beach access so your squad can relax in the sand.
Or rent one of the private pool-side cabanas and sip on a fruity adult beverage. They also offer exclusive experiences and amenities, like grocery delivery, golf cart rentals, and parasailing right at the resort.
Tropic Isle at Anna Maria Island Inn- $175/Night
The beautiful blue sky makes the Tropic Isle look even more inviting.
This location is one of 8 unique locations of the Anna Maria Island Inn, which is one of the most affordable spots on the island. Each room opens up to either the pool or the beach, so you’re never more than a few steps away from the cooling island waters.
Each location has stunning views of the famous Anna Maria Island sunset. So just imagine the photos of you and your girls you’ll get!
Bungalow Beach Resort- $279/Night
You’ll be steps from the beautiful white sand beaches at the Bungalow Beach Resort.
Bungalow Beach Resort offers private beachfront bungalows that are perfect accommodations for a bach party. Choose from one or two bedroom bungalows to share with your squad, which will save you big money.
Each one comes with private beach access, deck chairs and umbrellas, grills, pool access for a pool party bach event, and a fire pit.
Where to Grab a Bite to Eat
Breakfast & Brunch
The Chateau Anna Maria
Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe and Gift Store
Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe
Mademoiselle Paris French Restaurant
The Chateau Anna Maria
Minnie’s Beach Cafe
Lunch or Dinner
Sandbar Seafood & Spirits
The Porch Restaurant Anna Maria
The Waterfront Restaurant
Rod and Reel Pier
Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier
Harry’s Grill
Slim’s Place
Hurricane Hanks
Wicked Cantina
Sweet Treats
Two Scoops
Anna Maria Island Creamery and Bakery
Hometown Desserts
Dips Ice Cream
The Cheesecake Cutie
Gelato-go Anna Maria Island
Frosty Oasis
Anna Maria Island Bach Party Activities
Fun Outside in the Sun
Anna Maria Island Beach
If you’re planning an Anna Maria Island bachelorette party, you better be ready to hit the white sandy Anna Maria Island Beaches! That’s because they are the biggest draw on the island.
There are many beaches to choose from on the 7-mile long island. Some are public while others require resort access. You can purchase a day pass to any of the multiple resorts for prime beach space.
So pack a cooler, rent an umbrella, and enjoy the crashing waves!
Anna Maria Island Aventures Boating
Two ladies enjoy a ride on a Banana Boat off the shore of Anna Maria Island.
The Anna Maria Island Adventures Boating offers a multitude of amazing activities for you and your bridal squad. There are boat tours and fishing charters that will take you deep into the Gulf.
They also offer comedy boat rides, jetski experiences, and other amazing ways to enjoy yourself out on the water. There’s something for everyone!
Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours
Anna Maria Island is famous for its abundance of sea life, especially bottlenose dolphins! So if your bride has always dreamed of getting up close and personal with these adorable creatures, book a two-hour dolphin tour.
They also offer snorkeling adventures to collect seashells, which is perfect for the adventurous bride. Looking to party on the water? You can also rent a double decker pontoon boat, complete with waterslide!
Manatee Discovery
A group takes an illuminated evening kayak ride to find manatees. Photo Credit: Trip Advisor.
Manatees are Florida’s gentle giants. Get up close and personal with them as you kayak in their natural habitat for a Manatee Discovery.
This tour will take you on a 1.5 hour tour, where you’ll also encounter dolphins and ospreys. Your dedicated tour guide will also point out our natural wonders and amazing sights as you paddle your way around the island.
Indoor Activities
Anna Maria Island Historical Society
An outside view of the historic Anna Maria City Jail.
If your bride-to-be is a history buff, treat her to a visit to the Anna Maria Island Historical Society. Start at the museum, which takes you on a trip down memory lane as you explore the island's history.
You’ll also encounter and explore the old jail and a mangrove forest, where you’ll learn about native plants and the dangers of invasive species. Seasonally, you can purchase bread that is made from the original island recipe.
Island Players Inc
Escape the heat and take in a show performed by Island Players Inc. They offer a rotating series of high-quality shows for every occasion.
Your bride will enjoy taking in a show and then strolling the avenue exploring the shops and restaurants the locals frequent.
Aluna Wellness Center & Spa
Your bride deserves to be pampered. So book her a visit to the Aluna Wellness Center & Spa during your visit! This eco-friendly wellness spa is all about the holistic approach.
They strive to help you balance your mind, soul, and body. There are several different treatments to choose from, like acupuncture, massage, and cupping.
Your group can take a yoga class or enjoy some herbal tea in their zen garden. It’s a lovely oasis you’ll never forget.
Shopping & Nightlife
Pine Ave Shopping Area
Colorful signs advertise wonderful shops on Pine Avenue on Anna Maria Island. Photo Credit: City of Anna Maria Island.
The best shopping area on the island is Pine Avenue. You’ll find everything from boutiques to thrift stores to unique restaurants.
You can park the car and explore on foot, traveling the entire length of the island if you’re looking to shop till you drop! Heck out Pineapple Marketplace, a gift shop that has everything you need to remember your trip to the island.
Anna Maria General Store will give you a small town shop vibe with everything you need during your stay.
The Doctors Office
The Doctor’s Office is a craft cocktail bar is the perfect spot for a bachelorette party night out! Their menu calls back to the 1930s with rum punches and the latest, most unique craft cocktails.
But The Doctor's Office isn’t just a bar, they also offer a menu that offers high-quality culinary delights, as well as classic bar food and snacks.
Bortell’s Lounge
Located at the top of the island, this lounge is great for a casual bite to eat and a delicious drink any time of the day.
Bortell’s Lounge first opened its doors in 1976 in the building that used to be Sundries Drug Store, complete with a luncheonette counter and candy counter.
Although it was renovated in 2018, the building still retains its old school charm and makes the perfect stop after spending the day on the beach with your bach.
Dcoy Ducks
Anna Maria Island doesn’t have many late night spots. So if you’re looking to party into the wee hours of the morning, Dcoy Ducks is your best bet.
They are open until 3am and host live music on select evenings. Every night boasts a fun event, like trivia night, karaoke, and poker, so you can visit on multiple nights for a new experience.
Explore the Area Around Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is a small slice of paradise. If you’re looking to do more than relax on the beach, enjoy water activities, and explore, you can take a 10 minute car ride across the bride to Braedenton.
Here are some things you can do if you choose to leave the island for an outing or two.
Neal Preserve (Bradenton)
If your bride-to-be enjoys hiking, take a trip to the Neal Preserve. It’s only 15 minutes from Anna Maria Island. You’ll explore over 120 acres of natural Florida landscape.
As you hike, you’ll walk through mangrove forests, salt terns and pockets of oak hammock uplands. It’s the perfect place to look for gorgeous sea shells and enjoy a stroll on the boardwalk.
Astro Skate Roller Rink (Bradenton)
Looking for some old school fun? Head across the bridge to Astro Skate Roller Rink. There, your squad can strap on some stakes and take some turns around the floor.
You can reserve the party area and enjoy food or partake in one of their many skate classes. They offer beginning and speed skate lessons, so you can perfect your roll!
Red Barn Flea Market (Bradenton)
A bright red sign advertises one of the most popular shopping destinations in the AMI area.
If you’re looking for the ultimate shopping experience, you won’t want to miss Red Barn Flea Market. This 80,000 square foot, air conditioned space has everything you expect from a traditional market plus more.
You’ll find shops, an open air farmers market, food courts, and 600 market booths. There’s something for everyone. The whole party can spend hours browsing, shopping, and snacking!
Tips For Navigating the Anna Maria Island Area Like a Pro
Sure, Anna Maria Island is only seven miles long, but there’s so much to do! You’ll need these tips so you can enjoy your trip without any issues.
Set a budget early on - Before you start making reservations, ask guests about budgetary expectations. Brainstorm a few scenarios and see how comfortable everyone is with the cost. Don’t forget; you’ll have to factor in the bride’s accommodations as well to ensure she’s covered! The earlier you set a budget, the less likely things will get out of hand.
Pack layers - Even a beach town like Anna Maria Island can get chilly when the sun goes down! Pack light layers to ward off the evening chill, as well as light, breezy layers to wear in the hot sun.
Plan your itinerary with care - Even though it’s a small island, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of the options. Plan your itinerary and decide what you will do each day. Don’t forget to factor in some downtime so everyone is refreshed for evening activities.
Pack an emergency supply kit - It’s easy to overlook small necessities when packing for vacation. Take a trip to the dollar store and stock up on small necessities, like deodorant, lint rollers, stain remover, and other items that will cost an arm and a leg on the island. Your girls will thank you!
Pick a theme that goes with the beach vibe - Since Anna Maria Island is beachy, you’ll want to pick a bachelorette party theme that fits the area’s vibe and culture! Themes can add a layer of fun to outfits, activities, and more.