Looking for a beachside vacation getaway with an eclectic blend of old Florida charm and modern amenities? Look no further than Anna Maria Island! This island paradise on the Gulf of Mexico, nestled between Tampa Bay and Sarasota, is a prime destination for visitors seeking sun, sand, and sea, along with diverse attractions and amenities. And if you’re seeking the perfect island accommodations, Mello on the Beach, a newly renovated inn on Anna Maria Island located directly on the white sands of Manatee Beach, is an ideal choice.
Location is one of the biggest draws of Mello on the Beach. Whether you’re hoping to try water sports, enjoy local dining, explore unique boutiques, or simply soak up the sun on the beach, all these attractions and more are just a few steps away from your Anna Maria Island rental when you book with us.
Anna Maria Beach Café
Anna Maria Beach Café is not just a beach eatery but an experience. Their extensive menu has something for every palate. Consider their fluffy pancakes or hearty omelets for breakfast, and pair them with a hot cup of coffee. Later, savor their fresh seafood dishes, such as grilled grouper. One of the standout features of the café is the ability to enjoy your drinks in a keepsake cup, a delightful souvenir that captures the spirit of Anna Maria Island. Take your pick from a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at their bamboo beach bar. Whether you fancy a specialty cocktail or a cold draft beer, there’s always something to quench your thirst.
In addition to its superb food and drinks, the café is renowned for its fun-filled events and live entertainment. Special occasions such as Thanksgiving and Christmas are marked with creative celebrations, and on regular days, the café hosts live music that adds a lively ambiance to the beachfront setting. For updates on these events, follow the café on social media. The Anna Maria Beach Café is not just about dining and entertainment. Should you forget something for your beach day, worry not, as the café has a well-stocked gift shop that offers a large assortment of beach accessories, souvenirs, and quality clothing at affordable prices.
For dessert, treat yourself to some original, delectable ice cream from the island’s ice cream shop, serving hand-dipped Edy’s ice cream. There’s no better way to cool off on a hot Florida day than with a scoop (or two) of this sweet treat. In addition to all these fantastic amenities, Anna Maria Beach Café offers outdoor showering facilities, bathrooms, changing areas, and indoor as well as outdoor Gulf-front dining options. And for peace of mind, there are always lifeguards on duty. So, whether you’re looking for a delicious meal, a refreshing drink, live entertainment, or even beach essentials, the Anna Maria Beach Café has got you covered!
Skinny’s Place
Visiting Skinny’s Place is a must if you’re yearning for an authentic Anna Maria Island experience. Steeped in history, this local dive bar and restaurant gem has served the island community and visitors alike since 1952. In 1936, a young Midwestern couple, Carl (Skinny) Freeman and his wife, Janice, honeymooned on Anna Maria Island. So enamored with the island’s charm, they vowed to return and build a beachside restaurant. After Skinny served in World War II, the couple made good on their promise, returning with their two young children. They purchased a piece of land and built what was originally called the “Mid-Island Drive In.” At a time when the Manatee Avenue bridge didn’t exist and few businesses graced the island, Skinny and Janice envisioned a place that encapsulated the unique spirit of Anna Maria Island. Today, their daughter Jan and grandson Clark continue to preserve this “Old Florida Original,” a testament to the vision and determination of Skinny and Janice.
Skinny’s Place isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a local hangout that truly captures the heart of Anna Maria Island. Over the years, it has garnered a loyal following of locals who appreciate its laid-back ambiance, friendly service, and mouthwatering food. While Skinny’s Place might have a simple menu, the taste is anything but. Specializing in sandwiches and burgers, their food is crafted with love and tradition. The burgers, in particular, are legendary, often hailed as some of the best on the island. Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly grilled, they’re best enjoyed with a side of crispy fries.
In this cozy spot, you can immerse yourself in the island’s history and culture, mingle with the locals, and taste the real Anna Maria Island. So, while you’re enjoying your stay at Mello on the Beach, take a short walk over to Skinny’s Place, and experience an integral piece of the island’s rich history and vibrant present. After a meal at Skinny’s Place, you’ll feel more like a local than a visitor, and that’s a priceless part of any travel experience.
West Coast Surf Shop
The West Coast Surf Shop is an essential stop on Anna Maria Island for surf enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. As the island’s oldest surf shop, established in 1964, it has become an institution and a testament to its vibrant surf culture. Stepping into the West Coast Surf Shop, you’ll be greeted by an impressive collection of surfboards, from shortboards for the daring to longboards for those looking for a relaxed ride on the island’s waves. But the shop isn’t just about surfboards; they offer all the necessary gear to make your surfing experience seamless. From wetsuits for those chillier winter surf sessions to leashes and wax, the West Coast Surf Shop is a one-stop destination for all your surfing needs.
Even if surfing isn’t your sport, the shop is still worth visiting. It boasts a large beachwear collection, making it a go-to spot for stylish and comfortable attire. From breezy sundresses and trendy bikinis, for women to board shorts and t-shirts for men, the West Coast Surf Shop carries clothing that captures the laid-back, beachy vibe of Anna Maria Island. Don’t forget to check out their wide variety of hats, perfect for protecting yourself from the Florida sun. They offer various styles, from classic baseball caps to chic wide-brimmed hats, all sporting various designs and logos.
Plan Your Anna Maria Island Vacation
Contact the team at Mello on the Beach to help you find the perfect Anna Maria Island accommodations for your beach getaway to Anna Maria Island!
Hop on the Trolley and Explore AMI
While staying at Mello on the Beach, you can take full advantage of one of Anna Maria Island’s unique offerings – the free island trolley service. A mere stone’s throw from the Manatee public beach access and countless things to do on Anna Maria Island, you can easily stroll to the nearest trolley stop and embark on an island adventure. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, or even if you’re a local, there’s no better way to explore the island than hopping on the Anna Maria Island trolley. Take a break from driving and parking, sit back, relax, and enjoy the picturesque views as you journey around the island.
The trolley service operates daily from Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach at the island’s southern tip to the City Pier in the City of Anna Maria at the northern end. Starting as early as 6 a.m., trolleys run at roughly 20-minute intervals until 9 p.m. and then every 30 minutes until 10:30 p.m. With an extensive network of 35 northbound and 35 southbound stops, typically spaced every two to four blocks, you’re never far from a trolley stop. This makes it incredibly easy to get to any destination on the island, whether you’re heading to the local Farmer’s Market, visiting one of the many beaches, or planning to dine at one of the island’s top-rated restaurants.
Stay with Mello on the Beach
One of the most important considerations when planning your next vacation is the destination. Luckily, Mello on the Beach not only offers unique and unforgettable Anna Maria Island accommodations, but its location is also enviable. Take literal steps to the Manatee Public Beach access, or opt for a more relaxed day with a dip in Mello’s pool. Rent one of our on-site bikes and pedal around the Island, or easily hop on the trolley to hit the town. And when you’re ready to wrap up, take a short walk over to one of the conveniently located local businesses for a drink and a delectable meal with the friendly Anna Maria Island locals. Ready to book? Contact us today and let us help you plan your dream Anna Maria Island vacation.
