Vacation rentals in Holmes Beach

Holmes Beach is a small coastal town on Anna Maria Island, Florida. The town sits along the Gulf of Mexico, south of Tampa Bay. It is home to miles of clean, quiet white sand beaches and beautiful coastal scenery. The mild, sunny climate makes it a perfect year-round beach destination, with hot temperatures in the summer months and warm winters. Holmes Beach is the perfect destination for couples, families, beach lovers, fishing enthusiasts, and snowbirds.

Enjoy a peaceful coastal getaway in a Holmes Beach vacation rental. There is a wide variety of vacation rentals to choose from, with a little something for every type of traveler. Opt for a vacation rental right on the shore with direct beach access. Select a rental with a private pool and a sun deck with loungers so that you can go for a dip and sunbathe whenever you like! Several rentals come with private balconies where you can enjoy views of the water and enjoy beautiful sunsets every evening. Oversized rentals are available for families and large groups, with numerous bedrooms and bathrooms to comfortably accommodate everyone. Pet-friendly rentals are available for people traveling with pets.

Holmes Beach and Anna Maria Island are served by the nearby Sarsota-Bradenton International Airport, which is a 15-mile, or 20-minute, drive away. You can take a taxi or use a rideshare app such as Uber or Lyft to reach Holmes Beach from the airport. If you decide to rent a car, there are car rental options at the airport and on Anna Maria Island.

Holmes Beach is a wonderfully walkable city, with many restaurants and shops just a short walk away from the main beach areas. If you don’t feel like walking, you can hop on the free air-conditioned trolley (the Gulf Coast Trolley) which goes back and forth across the island all day long.

Holmes Beach is an excellent destination for families of all ages, with plenty of family-friendly activities. Get acquainted with the local marine life of Holmes Beach with a boat tour. Nature Coast Excursions offers a wonderful guided boat tour which includes sightings of local marine life such as manatees, sting rays, sea turtles, and more! Boat tours also include snorkeling and a knowledgeable guide who will tell you all about the local ecosystems, history, and wildlife.

If you enjoy fishing, Holmes Beach has a plethora of great year-round fishing opportunities. Anna Maria Island is home to a vast number of saltwater fish species including tarpon, mackerel, grouper, snapper, amberjack, redfish, and spotted seatrout. You can fish from the shore or from a boat. Some of the best onshore fishing can be found at the Kingfish boat ramp. Offshore fishing is best done with a fishing charter company, where the knowledgeable local guides can take you to the best fishing areas in the sea.

For the ultimate Florida beach experience, spend as much time as possible at Manatee Public Beach during your stay. The crystal clear turquoise waters are nearly waveless, making them perfect for swimming. Bring your beach towel and a good book, and spend the whole day under the sun next to the glimmering sea!

Enjoy a peaceful meal in paradise at a waterfront restaurant in Holmes Beach. Dine at Anna Maria Island Beach Café where you can enjoy casual All-American cuisine right on the water while you listen to live music. For excellent upscale dining and fresh seafood, enjoy a meal along the water’s edge at Beach House Restaurant. The Feast Restaurant and Waterfront Restaurant are two more popular waterfront dining options.

There are several boutiques, shops, and galleries around Holmes Beach where you can enjoy some shopping. For ladies apparel, stop by Pink & Navy Boutique and Irene’s Resort Wear. Sun and Surf Beach Shop sells coastal-inspired women’s and men’s clothing. You’ll also find numerous family-owned specialty shops and boutiques selling jewelry, candles, beach gear, art works, gifts, and souvenirs.

Rent a paddleboard from AMI Paddleboard, or partake in one of their many guided stand-up paddleboard tour offerings. You can opt for a paddleboarding tour through the mangroves, along the coastline, and near areas with an abundance of wildlife. This is a great family activity since even children can participate, either on their own paddleboard or by sharing a paddleboard with a parent.

Doing a segway tour with Zegway by the Bay is a wonderful way to see Anna Maria Island. If you’ve never tried a segway before, it’s a ton of fun and easy for anyone to quickly learn how to ride the electronic device. The guided tour includes fascinating facts about the history and happenings of the area.