Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe

The last time we were at Anna Maria Island, we found the ultimate beach spot that has everything you could ever want for every age range! The Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe is located on Holmes beach where SR 64 meets Gulf Drive and includes everything from a playground for the kids to volleyball courts to a bar with food and of course the beautiful Florida gulf beach!





The Beach Cafe offers breakfast, lunch and dinner so you can spend the entire day at the beach without having to leave! The breakfast menu features omelettes, and typical breakfast favorites plus all you can eat pancakes for $5.99 which sounds like a steal to me! (although I'd probably eat two and be done! I bet Matt could put some pancakes away!) The lunch/dinner menu consists of salads, sandwiches and platters and has enough variety for everyone to find something they like. There are dining areas inside (so you can escape the Florida heat for a bit) and outside on the beachfront patio.

The beachfront patio also boasts a bamboo bar with reasonably priced drinks and live nightly music. Your alcoholic drinks however must stay on the patio as there are no drinks allowed on the beach. =[




You can rent beach chairs, umbrellas, and these super comfy looking hammocks! I am definitely getting one of these the next time we go!



It was turtle nesting season while we were there so we got to see a few of the nests on the beach. It would be so cool to see them hatch and make their way down to the water!



Some other things to keep in mind:




What are your favorite beaches to visit on the gulf coast? Has anyone ever eaten at the Beach Cafe here? I'd love to hear your feedback!

Horseback Riding On The Beach Bradenton/Anna Maria Island

Looking for something new and exciting to do? How about horeseback riding on the beach? Or even better- How about riding a horse that is swimming in the bay?! Cool, right?! Well in Bradenton, FL you can do just that!



We noticed people riding horses in Palma Sola Bay on our way to Anna Maria Island from Bradenton and I had to look more into it. It turns out you can pay to go out with a guide who will help you ride a horse that is actually swimming! They can also teach you how to HorseSurf™ and HorseSki™if you want. It looks like so much fun!



Price: $124.95 per person plus sales tax

You can search for available dates here as this experience is by appointment only and apparently sells out quite frequently. You must make your appointment 12 hours in advance and no refunds are offered. You can contact BeachHorses.com at 941-907-7272 if you have any questions or want to book an appointment during normal business hours.

The site location is off of Manatee Ave in Bradenton. Look for a truck and a horse trailer!



Your ride will last approximately one hour in which the first half will be spent riding the horse on the beach and the second half will be spent in the water. You will be able to try HorseSurfing if you would like where you stand on the back of the horse while he/she is swimming! After the ride, you will have an opportunity to pose with your horse on the beach for some photos. Spectators are allowed as everything takes place at a public park so bring someone who can take photos or a water proof camera so you can take some yourself!


What to bring:

-Towels

-Dry clothes

-Sunscreen (That Florida sun is brutal!)

-Waterproof Camera

-Extra cash to tip your guide (not required but recommended)





I'm super excited to try this out next time we visit Bradenton! I will definitely share our experience when we do.

Have you ever done anything like this? I'd love to hear about your experience!

Grab an Appetizer at The Sandbar in Anna Maria Island

We recently had the pleasure of exploring the beautiful Anna Maria Island and The Sandbar is now on my list of favorite places to visit on the Gulf! I was excited to check this place out because Matt had been for a wedding before and had nothing but good things to say about it. I was definitely not disappointed!


The Sandbar Waterfront Restaurant is located at the north end of Anna Maria Island and provides a relaxing atmosphere to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida.

The view from our table: