Holmes Beach, FL is a diverse town on Anna Maria Island, approximately south of Tampa Bay, in the Gulf of Mexico. It has kilometers of beautiful white sand beaches, turquoise Gulf waters, and plenty of sunshine.
If you want to spend a day on the boat, the waters surrounding Anna Maria Island provide excellent fishing. Take a charter boat out to the Gulf of Mexico for a fun day of sport fishing. Your catch of grouper, snapper, or mackerel can be used to make a delightful seafood feast at your holiday rental.
Backwater or inshore fishing is also highly popular. Under the Australian Pines, have a beach picnic with the locals, or find a secluded cove for some private sunbathing.
The city of Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach, and Holmes Beach, FL are the three cities that make up the island. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about Holmes Beach in this article, from the best things to do, best attractions, restaurants, and our most well-known features.
1. About Holmes beach:
With the City of Anna Maria to the north and Bradenton Beach to the south, Holmes Beach sits smack dab in the middle of Anna Maria Island. Sam and Anna Cobb originally settled on Holmes Beach in 1896.
However, it was not until after WWII that the area was given its current name when a developer named Holmes arrived and built the 600-acre neighbourhood that we now know as Holmes Beach.
Despite the fact that Holmes Beach has a little history, the streets are filled with character. This city, which has 5,000 permanent and seasonal people, is the largest on Anna Maria Island. You can simply travel to any attraction from the three kilometers of sandy beaches.
2. Holmes Beach is best known for:
Between the towns of Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria is Holmes Beach, the largest of Anna Maria Island’s three municipalities. Many of the island’s top dining places, motels, and shopping centres are located in the village, which will satisfy your palate and comfort your soul.
Meals range from classy to economical and usually feature a free view of one of Florida’s famous Gulf sunsets, served by chefs who are well-known both locally and worldwide.
Swimming, jet skiing, sailing, parasailing, and fishing are just a few of the water-based activities accessible, and boat rentals are readily available to suit a variety of watercraft desires.
A gorgeous picnic on the bay or Gulf side of the island, a leisurely bicycle ride, a trolley ride to adjacent St. Armand’s Circle in Sarasota, or simply a barefoot walk in the powdered white sand along the shore are all options for the landlubber.
Just across the water are the cultural and recreational offerings of Bradenton and Sarasota, while St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Orlando are all within a short drive.
3. Activities and things to do:
There is something for everyone at Holmes Beach, so your entire family will have a good day. Of course, you must go to the beach, and the most popular location is Manatee Public Beach.
You’ll discover a playground for your kids, picnic tables and grills for eating lunch on the beach, and restrooms and showers for all visitors. You may also enjoy a variety of water sports in the area, such as parasailing high above the waves or sailing right through them in a boat or jet ski!
In Holmes Beach, you can also partake in a variety of cultural activities. For a sample of the local art scene, swing by Island Gallery West or Bob Brown Art, where you can interact with the artisans and get a true sense of the AMI culture.
Holmes Beach is also a great place to shop, with a variety of stores and boutiques selling anything from jewellery to souvenirs to home decor and more. Westcoast Surf Shop, Sun & Surf Beach Shop, Creations by L, and Restless Natives are just a handful of the most popular shopping destinations.
Of course, if you run out of things to do in Holmes Beach, you’re only a short drive away from a plethora of additional options. The free island trolley can take you to any of the three cities on Anna Maria Island, which is only seven miles long.
4. Places to Eat
You’re likely to get hungry between all of the amazing activities! Fortunately, there are a plethora of delectable eateries in Holmes Beach to suit any palate and any meal of the day. Head to Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe in the morning for unlimited pancakes and sausage, or try the omelette, biscuits, and gravy, or breakfast sandwiches.
Stop by for lunch or supper to sample classic cheeseburgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, or seafood platters featuring shrimp, clam strips, or fresh fish taken just off the coast. Island Coffee Haus is a terrific place to meet the locals or simply relax and enjoy the seaside breeze while sipping your coffee.
5. Holiday shopping on Anna Maria Island:
Anna Maria Island is a hidden gem off the coast of Florida, ideal for a balmy holiday trip with friends and family. You’re going to want to do some shopping while you’re in town!
Our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals are close to some of the island’s best shopping, so whether you’re looking for a holiday gift for a friend or a keepsake for yourself, you’ll be able to find it right around the corner.
Bridge Street and Pine Avenue are the two main shopping areas on Anna Maria Island. Everything from garments and beach equipment to local art, jewellery, and home décor can be found in the shops here.
Not only will you find a variety of unique boutiques and souvenir shops, but you can also dine at one of the local restaurants or take a stroll along the Bridge Street Pier for a breathtaking view of the water.
6. Best Anna Maria Local Shops:
Now that you know where you may buy-in and near AMI, you can rest assured that whatever you’re searching for, they’ll most likely have it! You can get clothing for the entire family as well as quirky goods as a souvenir or gift.
Bridge Street Bazaar has been a neighborhood institution since 1987, and it’s easy to understand why.
The Lot, on Bridge Street, is a great place to go if you’re seeking for art. This shop sells a wide range of items, including beach toys, jewelry, photography, and more. They even have Christmas ornaments, which would make a great gift for the holidays!
The Lot is a newcomer to the island compared to some of the other shops, but it’s quickly making a name for itself among locals and visitors alike.
