Trying to decide between Anna Maria Island and North Captiva Island...anyone?

[TnTWalter]

We've been to Bradenton/Long Boat Key area and drove through Anna Maria Island area and I remember thinking it would be a great place to visit some day....

We have friends that go to Captiva Island every year and LOVE it. They thought North Captiva looked cool.

Anna Maria has the museums, aquariums, etc. and the free trolley. North Captiva has the pools, state park, no cars allowed.

We're probably going to do WDW and then head to the beach for a week.

Anyone been to both?

I believe AMI is less expensive. I would be renting cottages on both and hoping to bring the dog too. We're family of 5.

Thanks so much!!! I've searched and found information on both but can't find comparison.

Trish

 

[shortbun]

Our friends go to Anna Maria and love it. They rarely leave while there but have commented on the ease of getting back to civilization if necessary. I've been to North Captiva and it is remote and lovely/wonderful! No quick ferry to get back to civilization but perhaps there is a positive side to that. I think you will love either spot with Anna Maria having more options for activity *IF* that's important.

 

[Kimberly]

Been to Anna Maria Island here. I used to go there a lot when my grandfather lived on Longboat Key. The sands are blindingly white, and the water hits nearly 90 degrees in August around there. Sarasota Bay is great for Jetskiing and the Gulf is as well. The small amount of waves in the area make things like tubing possible out in the open water.

Never been to North Captiva, so I cannot give my impressions on it, other than it looks beautiful!

 

[Green Tea]

NC is our favorite getaway. So completely removed from civilization and laid back. You could be Brad Pitt or Warren Buffett and no one is going to care. Last year a pod of dolphins lived just off one side of island. You could kayak with them or swim out to them. Great natural area. No hotels, no grocery stores(pack carefully) Just a fantastic place.

 

[Pembo]

We are huge fans of AMI. It is a lovely place and lots of rentals in all price ranges. G/L

 

[TnTWalter]

OK we decided on AMI although NC is still on my list of 'some day'. DH just would prefer not to drive even farther south.

I've been searching and searching....and just can't decide which area of the island I want to be on.....

perhaps some of you can help?I've been on tripadvisor's site but there are only a couple people who post regularly on there.

Bradenton Beach or Holmes Beach or even Bean Point. Seems like Holmes Beach is more expensive....

we have a dog that is going to be boarded while we're at WDW and can't imagine boarding him for 2 whole weeks.

And my parents 'might' join us [ugh] so we have to have an option for them....

I want to be able to walk to a nice beach with 3 kids safely and have a pool for our use...

queen's gate has been highly recommended and it's right across from the beach....but it is 2 bedrooms, we could book my folks a room there as well...
www.queensgateresort.com it looks a tad dated though.

then i was looking into pineapple cottage which is adorable and affordable but only 2 bedrooms on PIne ave.
http://www.annamariaparadise.com/PineappleCottage.html
or aggie's treasure on 70th but also only 2 br...
http://annamariaparadise.com/aggiestreasure.htm

Here's a 4 bedroom choice.... 'toasty coconut' is on coconut ave close to beach in BB
http://www.annamariaparadise.com/toastycoconut.htm but it's $1650.

And this one we can rent 2 units...but again i'd have to get commitment and my parents aren't into that..
http://www.2spinnakers.com/

so ideally i'll find a place that can hold all of us but i can afford by myself just in case they don't come...ugh....

my original goal was $1k or less but now $1500 will have to do I guess...sigh.

Trish

 

[Pembo]

We like the area north of 80th street or so. Around 67th St there are more condos so more people. I know where Queens Gate is, it is closer to shops and restaurants.

Honestly you can't go wrong anywhere on the island. The beach is HUGE and you'll have a great time. I looked at your property choices and I think we recently stayed near the one on Coconut. We stayed at a minister retreat place, non-rentable. We've also stayed at Palm Tree Villas.

Don't miss dinner at the City Pier or Rotten Ralphs or ice cream at Two Scoops. I'm ready to go back now.......

 

[TnTWalter]

I'm having trouble finding anything less than $1500. Yikes.

DH wants a pool and my parents 'might' join us but can't commit so 2 bedrooms would be too small as we'd be 7. and then my dog is throwing a wrench. LOL.

I did find this one....

but it's $1600. Yikes. It's 81st street which I've received advice here and on TA to be north of 79th I believe...

This one doesn't have a pool but is $850!!! Is there a public pool there by chance? That you could pay to use?

317 Magnolia Ave
http://www.vrbo.com/80801

Anyone have ideas? Thanks.


OH and this one is in Bradenton Beach area....2915 Gulf Drive....is the other location better in your opinion? I have someone on TA board really recommending the BB area.
Again no pool but $800 + tax.

http://www.vrbo.com/106505

Trish

 

[Rock'n Robin]

I almost booked AMI for our spring break trip last year but DH said if we are going to Florida, we may as well go to wdw for the money we would have been spending. I did notice when I was looking that any family numbering over 4 (like mine) had much more limited choices. Good luck!
Robin M.

 

[Pooh's Pixie]

I have used this website before and had great luck...it is direct rental from owners...you might expand your options this way. and it might be more affordable. Here is a link. Good luck!

http://www.homeaway.com/search/keywords:anna+maria+island

 

[TnTWalter]

RnR...we're going AFTER WDW. 1 Week at WDW and 1 Week AMI...

PP...thanks I've looked there and EVERYWHERE. LOL. Driving myself and DH crazy. LOL.

Trish