Anna Maria Island - weekday vs weekend

[shakil]

Hi all,

Just fine tuning plans for the big summer vacation which is fast approaching!

Quick question. Looking to stay at Anna Maria island in mid August and have some flexibility. Would prefer getting out of the parks on weekends when it’s busier so looking to schedule 3 nights in Anna Maria island over a weekend in August. Is it busier on weekdays or weekends on AMI? Or is there hardly any difference?

[Redfish]

Times when we have been there in August in has not made a difference, it’s been really quiet.

[littletink]

When we were there it was definitely busier at the weekend - lot more traffic - it was noticeable at the beach/parking, but not enough to put you off being there of a weekend!

[Redfish]

Just to add, I’m comparing this between when we’ve been in April -when it’s felt pretty busy, needing to book restaurants etc - to August, so yes, the weekend in August is a little busier than midweek but not enough to make much difference, still a lot quieter than other times of the year.

[OLS]

It is definitely busier on a weekend especially at the bottom of the Island around Holmes Beach / Bradenton Beach Areas as a lot of locals come across from the "mainland" the main issue was parking, but the beaches were pretty crowded but not "over" crowded, just crowded when you compared them to a week day I guess. However if you drive up to the north of the island to Bean Point or even park somewhere near the sandbar you will find it much quieter but I think that is probably because there are no public facilities!

[Fab Florida 4]

We`ve been in May and July. The first was quieter generally than the second, and yes it seemed weekdays were quieter too. However having been to Clearwater on a Friday then Anna Maria any time was positively deserted compared to that!
I have to say it`s my favourite place in the whole world.

[Hank]

If the sun is shining locals head for the beach at weekend just like here in the UK.

Lovely beach at AMI and much quieter than Clearwater

Hank

[shakil]

Thanks everyone for your replies! This gives me food for thought. I'll have a 21 day Disney ticket so I'm balancing when I want to do AMI. My thought process was, the parks will be busier on the weekends, so use that opportunity to do AMI. Though AMI will be a bit busier on weekends, I intend to stay in the Northern part of the island.

[discostu]

It will be busier at the weekends but not madly so a lot of families head to the beaches at weekends but the beaches are huge. We have been going for years so you will have a great time... if you get a chance you can get some great sunsets and lovely walks in the late evening