Anna Maria: One of Florida's Top 3 Island Getaways

 

Anna Maria Island: A 'Splash' of Everything!

In the early 1970's my husband's grandparents had retired from their busy lives in Chicago to the sleepy beach side community of Cortez, Florida and that's when his story with Florida began, and mine would eventually meet his.  

Since the 1970's he and his family would enjoy spring break and summers swimming at Coquina Beach, boating the canals of Cortez, seeing the Pelicans, and Horseshoe crab rest along the mangrove islands and finish their day strolling the sidewalks of Anna Maria Island looking for the perfect place to dine.  

What you need to know about Anna Maria Island:

Anna Maria has a small beach town vibe, and a mixture of well known plus vintage charming hotels and restaurants.  Anna Maria is conveniently located off the mainland of Bradenton Florida, and a short breath taking drive from the culturally rich and glamorous Sarasota, making this island a perfect getaway for couples who desire things to explore after relaxing on the beach. 

• Anna Maria Island is a Barrier island located off the coast of Bradenton and is a little over 2hrs or 125miles/201 km South West from Orlando

• Anna Maria Island is easily accessible by car from the 1/2 mile long Cortez Draw Bridge that joins Mainland Bradenton with the barrier islands of Florida's beautiful Manatee County

Best things to do Anna Maria Island:

• Coquina Beach- while the beaches in the immediate area of Anna Maria Island are wonderful, soft and super convenient to shopping, and restaurants, they are also crowded, and parking can be very difficult.  Only a few miles south you will find the very spacious and beautiful beach of Coquina, where common amenities including food and parking will be readily available.

(Coquina Beach)

• Cortez Village- Shop, dine, and visit the historic fishing village of Cortez.  Originally established in the mid 1800's for fishing, this village is now a wonderful venue for artisans to display their crafts for sale, evening entertainment, and sunset dinners.  Only foot steps away from the beach !

(Cortez Village, Bradenton Florida)

• Longboat Key- continue driving a couple of miles south to cross over one of the skinniest barrier Islands of Florida, "Longboat Key."  At some points of this thin stretch of Island you can stand at the center of the road and easily see beach and water on both sides of you ! 

(Longboat Key, Florida)

•  St. Armand's Circle, Sarasota- If you desire 'glam' and 'glitz,' head even further south, crossing from Longboat Key into Sarasota, and spend time shopping the luxurious stores of St. Armand's circle, where the who's who of fashion, and jewelry will be found.

(St. Armand's Circle, Sarasota Florida)

• Sarasota Museums- If you will be visiting Florida's West Coast for more than a few days, then you must see the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, and their mansion 'The Ca' d' Zan' or 'House of John.'   This was the winter property to the Circus owner John Ringling and his wife Mable, of the famed Ringling Brother's Circus!

(Ca' d' Zan-John and Mable Ringling winter Home, Sarasota)

Like my husband, Anna Maria Island has now grown up, and some of it's famed charm may have faded, but many of it's mid-century hotel's and restaurants from a simpler time still exists to capture the hearts and imaginations of thousands of visitors each year.  If you have read my previous two posts regarding Top Island Getaways of Florida, you may have noticed I have not 'ranked' these 3 amazing Islands, as they cannot be fairly compared, however I would categorize these Florida Island experiences as;

Best Florida Island for:

• Nature and Shelling- Sanibel-Captiva Islands  (see full story)
• History- Amelia Island  (see full story)
• Culture, Shopping and Dining- Anna Maria Island

The State of Florida has more than 4,500 Islands greater than 10 acres in size, and many more Islands that are smaller, or appear and disappear daily with the rise and fall of tides 'Disappearing Islands.'  Because of urban sprawl, and the growth of high rise condominium and hotel buildings throughout Florida, commuters can easily miss driving over small bridges connecting mainland Florida with many of these tiny barrier islands which serve as vital homes to many of Florida's sensitive ecosystem.  Please help to do your part to protect Florida's natural parks and waterways while visiting our beautiful state.

   

Was this story helpful?  Comment below or !

Follow on Instagram @adriana.explores 

Are you interested in my other stories?

 See (Cruise Lines)  (Tropical Places)  (Resorts)  or  (All Three)

Visit: adrianaexplores  email: adasilva@dreamvacations.com

Full Service | Travel Agent  | Longwood, Fl

 

 'Sustainable Tourism is Everyone's Responsibility '

Amelia: One of Florida's Top 3 Island Getaways

 

Amelia Island: Travel back in Time to "Old Florida"

In this part to my series of Florida's best island getaways, I share one of my favorite romantic getaways for couples in Florida, 'Amelia Island.'  Today, with it's rich history, architecture, delicious southern food, and huge live oak trees, Amelia Island definitively represents  'Southern Charm,'  but, it's past was not always so charming.

What you need to know about Amelia Island:

The moment you begin crossing over the 1-mile long bridge from the Florida coast to the island, you'll see yourself stepping back hundreds of years.  The bridge crosses you over shallow brackish swampy waters filled with birds, fish and alligators.   

 

(Left: Swamp waters of Amelia Island's western side, Right: Fresh water lakes on Amelia Island)

As you continue driving onto the island, the small road becomes canopied with magnificent 300-500 year old live oak trees draped in Spanish moss and now you'll see road signs guiding you toward a Historical Florida site of the Kingsley Cotton plantation.

 

(Spanish Moss covered Live Oaks canopy the roads on Amelia Island)

As you drive further onto the island, you quickly understand the dark reality of Florida's past.  You can easily see how the dangerous swamp that is now behind you and the Atlantic Ocean which lays ahead had both secured Florida's coast from Spanish Invaders, as well as imprisoned hundreds of slaves, whom could not swim and flee the work of their masters cotton plantations.  

• Amelia Island is located approximately 2 1/2 hours North East of Orlando or about 173mi/278km on Florida's Atlantic coast of Jacksonville

• The island is easily accessible by car from the 1-mile bridge located outside of Jacksonville

• Amelia island is divided between the historic town of Fernandina and new beach town of 'Fernandina Beach' which only minutes away by car, offers all of the typical restaurants and shopping 

Best things to do Amelia Island:

• Fort Clinch- A Florida Historic site, go back to the early 1800's and the time of the Civil War

• 'Old' Fernandina - Enjoy the 'Old Southern' architecture while strolling streets and having lunch, dinner or ice cream in Historic Fernandina

• Watch the Sunset at the Fernandina Pier and active Military Vessels from Amelia Island

(U.S. Submarine seen from Ft. Clinch, Amelia Island)

• Best Amelia Island Hotels:  The island offers many hotels and resorts to choose from.  The best resorts in Amelia Island come complete with all of the modern amenities, including golf carts to tour this island, as well as include good 'Ole' Southern Style food & Service'

 

(Amelia Island Resorts, complete with Multi Terraced Pools, Bars, and Multiple Restaurants)

If you have read my previous two posts regarding Top Island Getaways of Florida, you may have noticed I have not 'ranked' these 3 amazing Islands, as they cannot be fairly compared against one another, however I would categorize these Florida Island experiences as;

Best Florida Island for:

• Nature and Shelling- Sanibel-Captiva Islands  (see full story)
• History- Amelia Island  
• Culture, Shopping and Dining- Anna Maria Island (see full story)

The State of Florida has more than 4,500 Islands greater than 10 acres in size, and many more Islands that are smaller, or appear and disappear daily with the rise and fall of tides 'Disappearing Islands.'  Because of urban sprawl, and the growth of high rise condominium and hotel buildings throughout Florida, commuters can easily miss driving over small bridges connecting mainland Florida with many of these tiny barrier islands which serve as vital homes to many of Florida's sensitive ecosystem.  Please help to do your part to protect Florida's natural parks and waterways while visiting our beautiful state.

   

Was this story helpful?  Comment below or !

Follow on Instagram @adriana.explores 

Are you interested in my other stories?

 See (Cruise Lines)  (Tropical Places)  (Resorts)  or  (All Three)

Visit: adrianaexplores  email: adasilva@dreamvacations.com

Full Service | Travel Agent  | Longwood, Fl

 

 'Sustainable Tourism is Everyone's Responsibility '

 

Sanibel: One of Florida's Top 3 Island Getaways

 

Sanibel-Captiva Islands:  So close- Yet so far away

I am finally writing about my home state of Florida, and you may have wondered 'where do residents go when they need a quick holiday, or a romantic getaway in Florida?' Because Floridians are constantly surrounded by tourists, they can be a little secretive about their own local getaways.  

As a long time Florida resident and Travel Advisor, my husband and I have travelled all over Florida and over this post and the next two articles I am sharing what we believe are the Top 3 Islands in Florida to getaway to and none of them are in the Keys!

What you need to know about Sanibel-Captiva Islands:

With many Sanibel Hotels being small appearing almost 'vintage', and numerous ice cream shops, and safe bicycling everywhere, you will feel as though you have stepped back into Florida's past of the 1960's.  With Iguana, Flamingo's, Bamboo, Dolphins and even some alligators, you will have a difficult time knowing if you are still in Florida, or have been magically transported to either Hawaii or Mexico.  Sanibel-Captiva are Floridian's definitive weekend escape.

• Sanibel-Captiva Islands: are sister islands, located approximately 3 1/2 hrs or (370 km/ 230 miles) south west of Orlando on Florida's Gulf Coast of Ft. Myers

• The islands are easily accessible by car from the 3 mile long bridge, and are themselves connected together by a tiny bridge

(Sanibel Causeway, Ft. Myers Florida)

• The sister islands were heavily damaged during Hurricane Ian in 2022, but are recovering remarkably, however there are still some visible signs of Ian's wrath remaining on these magical islands

• Sanibel: is more modest than it's sister island 'Captiva,' and with it's many small vintage Hotels, Sanibel has a nostalgic throwback vibe to the 60's and 70's

 

(Left: Vintage Sanibel Hotel Property,   Right: A canalled neighborhood on Sanibel Island, Fl)

• Sanibel is divided into two halves, it's eastern half is mainly a wildlife refuge offering opportunities of amazing kayaking throughout mangroves where wildlife ranging from Flamingos, to Manatee, Dolphins and even Alligators can be seen.  On the western or 'Gulf Facing' half of the Island you will find nostalgic 60's style hotels and homes dotted along the best shelling beaches of Florida

 

(Left: Wild Life Refuge,   Right: Shelling 'The Sanibel Stoop')

• Bicycle Friendly: Both Sanibel and Captiva are bicycle friendly with large spacious side walks for pedestrians and bicyclers.  You may easily leave your car parked at your hotel, and commute around each of the islands from the complimentary bicycles most hotels will provide.  If you are extra adventurous or up for a longer ride, you may try riding your bicycle the entire length of the two islands!

 

 (Leave the car behind and Bicycle around Sanibel Island)

Best things to do on Sanibel-Captiva Island:

These islands are for relaxing, and romantic getaways for couples, but you may remain active by;

• Bicycle:  Explore the island neighborhoods and sites by bicycle
• Shelling: The best beach for shells in Florida can be found at the small bridge connecting Sanibel with Captiva, but you better arrive early to beat the professionals who sell their finds on island  souvenir shops!
• Kayak:  The Wild Life Refuge, see flamingos, dolphins and possibly even alligators
• Swim:  The shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico (western side of the Islands) are as calm and warm as bath water, take a soothing dip to melt away years of stress

(Day at the beach: Sanibel Island, Florida)

• Lighthouse: Visit one of Florida's oldest Lighthouses on the South End of Sanibel, arrive around sunset to enjoy a picturesque evening with someone special

(Sanibel Lighthouse)

• Ice Cream: One of Florida's first Dairy Queen Ice Cream shops is located on Sanibel !  You cannot miss this, or any of the other many ice cream shops on the Island
• Captiva-Shopping, Dinning and Pier:  Spend a romantic evening on the impressive island of Captiva, shopping,  Dining and a sunset conversation at the pier with someone special

  

(Left: Lunch at the 'Island Cow' Sanibel, Right: Dinner at Captiva Island and Pier)

If you have read my previous two posts regarding Top Island Getaways of Florida, you may have noticed I have not 'ranked' these 3 amazing Islands, as they cannot be fairly compared against one another, however I would categorize these Florida Island experiences as;

Best Florida Island for:

• Nature and Shelling- Sanibel-Captiva Islands  
• History- Amelia Island  (see full story)
• Culture, Shopping and Dining- Anna Maria Island (see full story)

The State of Florida has more than 4,500 Islands greater than 10 acres in size, and many more Islands that are smaller, or appear and disappear daily with the rise and fall of tides 'Disappearing Islands.'  Because of urban sprawl, and the growth of high rise condominium and hotel buildings throughout Florida, commuters can easily miss driving over small bridges connecting mainland Florida with many of these tiny barrier islands which serve as vital homes to many of Florida's sensitive ecosystem.  Please help to do your part to protect Florida's natural parks and waterways while visiting our beautiful state.

   

Was this story helpful?  Comment below or !

Follow on Instagram @adriana.explores 

Are you interested in my other stories?

 See (Cruise Lines)  (Tropical Places)  (Resorts)  or  (All Three)

Visit: adrianaexplores  email: adasilva@dreamvacations.com

Full Service | Travel Agent  | Longwood, Fl

 

 'Sustainable Tourism is Everyone's Responsibility '

Vacation Alert: No new posts 8/26 - 9/6

Even Travel Advisors take a vacation:

Dear readers,

Due to personal commitments and travel conflicts, I will be unable to post new articles for you between 8/26 and 9/6.  Until I return please enjoy previous posts, or you may find lots of different material on my Instagram Reels.   

Have you ever been curious who else has been reading these articles?

Over 1200 readers from 18 countries share the same passion for travel and have been reading with you.

Please share this blog or my instagram with that busy person you know in a need of a holiday.

Thank you so much for your loyalty. 

Countries:

1. Brazil
2. Canada
3. Finland
4. France
5. Honduras
6. India
7. Iran
8. Ireland
9. Lithuania
10. Netherlands
11. Malaysia
12. Mexico
13. Philipines
14. Tunisia
15. United Kingdom
16. United States
17. South Korea
18. Vietnam

My name is Adriana Da Silva, I am a Travel Advisor in Longwood, Florida.  I write travel reviews to help my clients plan the best vacation getaways.  I focus on Popular Resorts, Cruise Companies and Tropical Vacations that remain top adult picks for the money.  

                                   Follow on Instagram @adriana.explores 

Are you interested in my other stories?

 See (Cruise Lines)  (Tropical Places)  (Resorts)  or  (All Three)

Visit: adrianaexplores  email: adasilva@dreamvacations.com

Full Service | Travel Agent  | Longwood, Fl

 

 'Sustainable Tourism is Everyone's Responsibility '          

Is the world's 3rd most expensive place worth seeing?

 

Grand Cayman: Where Sustainable and Eco-Tourism meet

Before the 18th century, the Cayman Islands, with no source of fresh ground water, were little more than a sandbar and home to where sea turtles and various birds would nest.  Pirates would use these islands as place to rest, and sometimes exchange their loot.  With no natural resources on these islands there was little reason to stay.  In fact the first known permanent inhabitant of Grand Cayman was not recorded until the early 1700's and was a gentleman by the name of Isaac Bodden who was born around 1700.  

What should you know about Grand Cayman?

Today, the Cayman Islands are the 3rd most expensive place to live in the world.  The Caymans have been 'terraformed' from the simple nesting sandbars of turtles into  'Glampgrounds' of the ultra rich and super famous.  From these Islands, you can snorkel among environmentally sensitive coral reefs, swim with Sea Turtles and visit an incredibly unique geological formation in the town of Hell !

• Caymans consist of; Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman.  Most people will visit Grand Cayman, as the other two islands are sparsely populated and less for visitors to do

• The islands obtain 100% of all potable drinking water from simple rain catches and the desalination of water from the sea

• Grand Cayman is less than a 2hr direct flight from Orlando or about 630miles/ 1000 Km and U.S.  Citizens will require a valid Passport to enter this British Overseas Territory

• Cayman Islands are very expensive, at least 2-3 times more than the U.S.
• Petro/Gas - is sold by the liter.  A liter is 1/4 of a gallon, and will cost approximately $1.5 per liter or $6.00 per gallon !
• Grand Cayman is very flat- in fact one of the tallest mound formations that can be seen from several miles away was created from a landfill and is approximately 20 meters tall or around 60 feet
• Grand Cayman is too large to be walkable, but too small for the vehicles that do exist here.  While most road ways of the caymans are of the smaller European scale, there are large U.S. style vehicles crowding the streets and parking lots everywhere

• Chickens have a bounty on their heads in the Caymans-  This is not a joke.  Because chickens were left uncaged for many years on the islands, chickens have become pests and roam the streets everywhere.  Authorized persons are paid a bounty for each chicken they catch and take to the island animal control.  Because these wild chickens are often diseased, they cannot be eaten!   

What are the best things to do in Grand Cayman?

The Cayman Islands offer a little bit of something to everyone, but primarily these islands are about relaxing on the beach, strolling the streets of George Town and taking in a nice lunch and dinner on the  town.

• Cayman Turtle Center- for the eco-tourist, or children or adult kid at heart, the Cayman Turtle center is a must see and everyone can opt to swim or snorkel with the turtles.  This is an educational worthy excursion for your money

• Barrier Reef Snorkeling- Just off the famous Seven Mile Beach there is one of the largest barrier coral reefs of the Caribbean and with the ultra clear waters in this location it is also one of the very best places to view tropical sea life

• The town of Hell !   this one of a kind place was given it's name from a British ambassador visiting the island during the 19th century after seeing the unique geological formation was quoted to have said 'This looks just like Hell.'  and the name stuck!  You can send yourself a post card from the tiny Post Office and show your friends and family you've been to hell and back

                           

(above left: Welcome sign to Hell, Grand Cayman, Right: Rock Formations, Bottom: Post Office of Hell, Grand Cayman)

• Tortuga Rum Cake Factory- (Tortuga means 'Turtle') the most incredibly delicious and moist cake in the world is baked and shipped from here to all over the world.  This is an absolute must visit for the entire family

  

(above left: Outside the Tortuga Rum Cake Factory, Right and Bottom: inside the Rum Cake Factory)

• Seven Fathoms Rum Distillery- For those who do drink alcoholic beverages and like Rum, this is the very best rum I have ever tasted.  Free samples are offered every day of every kind.  Tours of this tiny distillery and how the rum is made are also offered.  My favorite was the Dark rum, it was incredibly sweet, but they also make Chocolate and many other flavors including cordials intended for pouring with ice cream!

  

(above left: Outside the Seven Fathoms Rum Distillery, Right: inside tour, Bottom: Rum Tasting !!)

• Conch Shell House-  see a small home resourcefully constructed in the early days of Grand Cayman from nothing more than Conch Shells !

(Home made entirely from Conch Shells during the early period of Grand Cayman)

What are the best beaches in Grand Cayman?

Because the Cayman beaches are a mixture of soft white sand and sharp rocks and coral it is smart to bring a pair of water shoes anywhere you will swim.

• Most Family Friendly: Seven Mile Beach- without any doubt, this is the biggest, the softest, the calmest, the most popular and most accessible beach on the island.  It's name comes from the beach being seven miles long, and you will find that resorts, hotels and private property owners will occupy most of the access to this popular beach, in some cases you may have to pay by the hour to access, however it is worth the visit and the entire family will be in bliss in it's crystal clear warm waters

  

(above left: north Seven Mile Beach, Right: Seven Mile Beach at the Cemetery, Bottom: Rocky Beaches near Georgetown)

• Best Snorkeling: Cemetery Beach- This beach is really just a part of Seven Mile beach, but because it happens to sit immediately in front of the Cemetery it has been dubbed the 'Cemetery Beach.'  If you do not have any personal issues with the proximity of the beach to a cemetery then this beach actually offers good snorkeling

• Nature Lovers: Star Fish Point-  This is another Eco-tourist favorite.  As the name implies, you will often find bounties of Star Fish along this beach, however Star Fish are protected, and it is against the law to pick up or touch living Star Fish

• Nature Lovers: Spotts Beach- further away from Seven Mile and the tourists area, this beach is yet another eco-tourists favorite because of it's vantage point to see and possibly snorkel with the sea turtles, but like many of the beaches along the Caymans, water shoes would be recommended to enjoy these waters

• Most Unique/Romantic: Smith Cove- This is a small rocky cove, but offers a very interesting experience for more romantic sunset pictures, however water shoes would be recommended to best enjoy this beach

Currency and Payment accepted in the Cayman Islands:

The Cayman Island dollar is the official currency of the British Cayman Island Territory.  As of this writing the 'CI' is about 21% stronger than the U.S. Dollar.  That means that U.S. citizens can expect their dollar to buy about 21% less than in the U.S.  The U.S. dollar and major credit cards are accepted everywhere, and ATM machines can be found everywhere, currency exchange is not necessary.

Should I rent a car in Grand Cayman?

No, Taxi, bus, shuttles and walking within downtown Georgetown and other tourist areas of the Island are very convenient.  

Language:

While the official language of the Cayman Islands is English, you may hear some accent from islanders connecting their heritage back to the early settlers of the Welsh, Scottish and Cayman Creole.

Final Thoughts:

Today the Cayman Islands are a popular destination of the super wealthy and distinguished political figures to take rest from the prying eyes of the public, and to preserve some of their wealth by making investments of vacation homes and the tax haven accounts of the Cayman Banking system.  

Without the environmental engineering on these islands, the Caymans would still be desolate sandbars.  This leaves the important question as to whether or not the Cayman Islands give hope as incredible examples of Sustainable and Eco-tourism or a window into how expensive our future could be if artificial life support techniques like used on Grand Cayman become the norm everywhere?  

What do you think?  I'd love to hear your opinion.  Please comment below!

Follow on Instagram @adriana.explores 

Are you interested in my other stories?

 See (Cruise Lines)  (Tropical Places)  (Resorts)  or  (All Three)

Visit: adrianaexplores  email: adasilva@dreamvacations.com

Full Service | Travel Agent  | Longwood, Fl

 

 'Sustainable Tourism is Everyone's Responsibility '