The beaches sell themselves. So does the fresh seafood, the Gulf breeze, and the kind of slow pace that makes you forget what day it is. Once you’ve booked a rental on Anna Maria Island, the next question is usually a practical one: what do I actually need to bring?
Most rentals here come well-equipped, but there are always a few things that catch first-time visitors off guard. Maybe you assumed the kitchen would have spices, or that beach chairs would be waiting in the garage. Those small gaps between expectation and reality can turn a dreamy first morning into an unplanned errand list.
This guide is here to make sure that doesn’t happen. Pack the right things, know what to grab on arrival, and you’ll be settled in like a local by the end of day one.
Anna Maria Island Market Snapshot
Before getting into packing, it helps to know a little about where you’re headed. As of early 2025, median home prices in Manatee County are hovering in the mid-$400,000s. Properties on Anna Maria Island are a different story. Prices frequently start around $800,000 and climb well into the multi-millions for waterfront and Gulf-front homes. The island is only seven miles long, so inventory stays tight, and property values have held strong as a result.
Vacation rental demand has stayed strong, driven by the island’s reputation as one of the most unhurried beach destinations on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Occupancy tends to remain high throughout the snowbird season and picks up again during summer family travel months. For anyone thinking about buying here, this is a market worth understanding before making a move.
What Most Rentals Already Have Waiting for You
The good news is that most Anna Maria Island vacation rentals are set up to feel like a real home. You can generally count on a fully equipped kitchen with pots, pans, dishes, glasses, and utensils. Most also have a coffee maker, a toaster, and a microwave. Bed linens, bath towels, and pillows are almost always provided, along with a starter supply of toilet paper, paper towels, and dish soap. Having a washer and dryer is a common feature too, which matters a lot for longer stays or after sandy beach days.
Beyond the basics, many AMI rentals lean into the island lifestyle. A gas or charcoal grill on the patio is common, as is outdoor furniture. You might also find a few beach chairs or a cooler tucked in a storage closet.
Wi-Fi and streaming TV access are standard at most properties. Higher-end rentals may include bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, or a private pool and hot tub. Amenities vary significantly from one property to the next. Review your listing carefully and reach out to the owner or property manager with specific questions before you arrive.
What to Pack or Pick Up on the Way In
Even in a well-stocked rental, there are things you’ll want to bring yourself or grab as soon as you hit the island. Sunscreen is at the top of the list, and not just any sunscreen. The Gulf Coast sun is intense, especially from April through October. Reef-safe SPF 30 or higher is the right call, and you’ll want to reapply often. Pack aloe vera gel too. Those first couple of days have a way of sneaking up on you.
For the beach itself, plan on bringing your own towels. Most rentals ask that house towels stay off the sand, which is completely reasonable. Beyond that, a quality cooler, reusable water bottles, and a pop-up shade tent or large umbrella will get a lot of use. Sand toys, snorkel gear, and a waterproof phone pouch are worth tossing in as well. If fishing is on your agenda, bring your own rod and tackle or plan to rent from a local outfitter. The fishing around AMI, from the Rod and Reel Pier to the flats of Tampa Bay, is excellent.
Groceries are the other big category to plan for. Rentals rarely provide food. Make a list of your breakfast staples, coffee, snacks, cooking oils, spices, and any charcoal or propane you’ll need for the grill. The Publix on Cortez Road, just off the island, is the most practical option for a full grocery run. The smaller Island Grocery on the north end of Anna Maria works well for topping off the essentials.
Arriving with a plan keeps you out of restaurants for every single meal, though the dining scene here absolutely deserves a few visits. The Sandbar, Ginny’s and Jane E’s, and Poppo’s Taqueria are all worth the trip.
The Easy-to-Forget Items That Makes a Real Difference
Seasoned AMI visitors tend to have strong opinions about a few overlooked items. Insect repellent is near the top of that list. No-see-ums and mosquitoes can be active near the mangroves and during early evening, particularly in the warmer months. A small first-aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic, and any personal medications is also worth packing. The nearest urgent care is off-island, so it’s better to have what you need on hand.
Bring a rain jacket or compact umbrella, even if the forecast looks promising. Summer afternoons on AMI often bring quick thunderstorms that roll in and pass just as quickly. Getting caught in one mid-bike-ride through Holmes Beach is less fun than it sounds.
If your rental doesn’t include bikes, Fun and More Rentals is a local shop that offers affordable rentals and even delivers for free on Anna Maria Island. The island is wonderfully bike-friendly, and plenty of locals skip the car entirely for day-to-day errands.
There are a few more things worth adding to your bag. Bring an extra phone charger for long beach days, a reusable mesh bag for shell collecting, and zip-lock bags to protect electronics from sand. A light hoodie or sweater is a good idea for cooler winter evenings.
Traveling with young kids? Not every rental has a pack-and-play or travel crib, so check your listing in advance. If yours doesn’t, baby gear rentals are available on the island, so you don’t have to haul everything from home.
Questions Most First-Timers Have Before They Pack
Do rentals here include beach chairs and umbrellas?
Some do, many don’t, so check your listing before you arrive. If beach gear isn’t included, rentals are available for chairs, umbrellas, and other beach essentials.
Is there a grocery store on the island?
Yes. Island Grocery sits at the north end of Anna Maria and carries the everyday essentials. For a fuller grocery run with more selection and better prices, the Publix on Cortez Road is a short drive off the island. It is where most visitors and locals do their main shopping.
What should I pack for a winter trip to Anna Maria Island?
Winters here are mild by most standards, with daytime temps typically in the 60s and 70s. Layers are your friend: a light jacket, long pants, and a sweater will keep you covered on cooler evenings. Swimwear and sunscreen still belong in the bag since plenty of sunny winter days are warm enough for the beach. Keep in mind that Gulf water temperatures can be cool from December through February.
Can I bring my own fishing gear?
Absolutely, and it is worth it if fishing is part of your trip. Shore fishing from the Rod and Reel Pier, the Anna Maria City Pier, and various bridge and beach spots is popular and productive. Make sure you have a valid Florida saltwater fishing license before you arrive. It is easy to purchase online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website.
Plan Your Anna Maria Island Trip With Local Guidance
Have questions about Anna Maria Island real estate or finding the right vacation rental? Reach out to Billi to start the conversation.
