Taking a break from work and getting a getaway can benefit your body, mind, and spirit. People’s mental and physical well-being often improves after a vacation. A trip may do wonders for your motivation and productivity, as well as your happiness, your outlook on life, and your relationships with others.

Are you having trouble finding a cool family-friendly vacation spot? Read on as we explore Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. They are the perfect family spots for your summer vacation, and you might just give them a try!

Anna Maria Island

History
Anna Maria Island, Historical Society records show that the island was shaped 25,000 years ago. Around 12,000 years ago, people began settling in what is now Florida. About 4000 years ago, people, the ancestors of the present-day Calusa Indians, were drawn to the area by the abundant ecology produced by the barrier islands.

Today, the area is constituted by three distinct municipalities, namely Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, and the City of Anna Maria. The island, previously only reachable via watercraft, is now linked to the Bradenton mainland utilizing two bridges.

Things To Do
Anna Maria Island is a great place to relax and have fun, with its beautiful beaches and exciting island activities. Some of the best things to indulge yourself with include:

  • Spend the day relaxing on Holmes Beach
  • Take in the Sights of Anna Maria’s Iconic Pier
  • Visit the Pine Avenue Shopping District
  • Take a stroll along the Coquina Baywalk

Places To Eat
Anna Maria Island has various excellent restaurants, from upscale cafes to casual burger joints. Some of the best dining eateries are:

  • Beach Bistro
  • Duffy’s Tavern
  • Ginny’s & Jane E’s
  • Sandbar

Places To Stay
Anna Maria Island provides a diverse range of lodging options, encompassing beach-side cottages, charming bungalows, cutting-edge resorts, opulent residences, condominiums, and expansive villas.

A considerable number of restaurants located in Longboat Key’s region are renowned for their menus and waterfront views.

Longboat Key

History
Longboat Key is a community on the barrier island of the same name off the coasts of Manatee and Sarasota counties on the Gulf coast of western Florida. Longboat Key is a city in Florida formed in 1955 and is located along the coast of Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

For thousands of years, Longboat Key has been a popular vacation spot for people worldwide. There is speculation that Timucan and Calusa Indians would travel from the mainland to the island to enjoy its beaches and delicious fish.

Things To Do
Some of the best activities to partake in while here include:

  • Walk the beach
  • Tread in the pool
  • Golf the putting green
  • Take a shot at shuffleboard
  • Grill up some local fish

Places To Eat
A considerable number of restaurants located in Longboat Key’s region are renowned for their menus and waterfront views. Longboat Key encompasses a variety of restaurants situated along the Gulf and bay, with a notable proportion featuring al fresco dining options. Additionally, a subset of these establishments is conveniently reachable by boat.

Places To Stay
From large resorts to quaint cottages, Longboat Key has many accommodation options to fit every budget. Despite the proximity to the beach, most resorts and vacation rentals have swimming pools. Experience the resort’s on-site eateries and tennis courts or relax in your private kitchen.

Lindsey helps vacationers find available vacation rentals. If you need a place to stay while visiting one of the Islands, Lindsey Leech Strickland is here to help. Also, if you are looking for help in buying or selling properties in Anna Maria Island and the nearby area, she is the person to contact!