Congratulations mama! You’re about to embark on the most rewarding journey of your life: Motherhood! Before the sleepless nights and tiny socks take over, there is nothing quite like a peaceful escape to celebrate with your partner. As a specialist in Tampa maternity and newborn photography, I’ve seen firsthand how much that little bit of relaxation and a change of scenery can help you as parents. If you are looking for the perfect getaway, an Anna Maria Island Babymoon is the best for relaxation, sun, and stunning scenery.
In this guide, we will explore why this seven-mile strip of white sand is the perfect choice for your pre-baby getaway, along with an average budget and relaxing itinerary!
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Why Choose an Anna Maria Island Babymoon?
Unlike other Florida destination that are crowded with high rise hotels and neon signs, Anna Maria Island (AMI) feels like a step back in time. This island has a strict building height limit, which means no massive buildings looming over the beach and smaller groups of people. The “island life” mentality means you can spend your entire trip in a flowy sundress, or bathing suit and relax without being bothered.
An Anna Maria Island Babymoon allows you to slow down your pace of life for a few days in a town where the speed limit of cars is barely 25mph. It is a place where the biggest decision of your day is whether to watch the sunset from the pier or a beach chair.
The Perfect Relaxing Itinerary
Morning Bliss at Bean Point – $0
Located in the northernmost tip of Anna Maria Island is Bean Point. Up there, the Gulf of Mexico meets the Tampa Bay and because there isn’t a parking lot nearby, it remains the most secluded and scenic spot of the whole island. It’s the perfect place for a sunrise stroll to beat the hit and the crowd. The vibe is quiet, romantic, and the sun rise against the blue water is simply breathtaking.
Rent a Luxury Golf Cart – Approx $150-$20 for 3 day rental
While AMI is walkable, being pregnant in the Florida humidity can get taxing. A street legal golf cart is the primary mode of transportation and since this is your Anna Maria Island Babymoon, it will allow you to relax, enjoy the breeze and get around the cute island. Plus, they are easy to park at the local boutiques. You can rent one at: Anna Maria Golf Carts, Crabby Joes Cart Rentals, or Coconut Rentals.
Shore Side Dining – Approx $60-$120 per dinner for two
Indulge in fresh, local seafood while sitting with your toes in the sand. AMI is a foodie’s paradise, offering everything from upscale dining to quick treats for those pregnancy cravings.
The Sandbar Restaurant:
This restaurant is iconic for sunset dinners. From grouper sandwiches, burgers, shrimp, and fish, this restaurant has a variety of dinner options. Ask for a table on the sand so you don’t have to put your shoes back on!
The Donut Experient:
Located on Pine Avenue, you can customize your own hot, fresh donuts. It’s the perfect treat!
Two Scoops Ice Cream:
The cutest little ice cream shop with 30+ flavors of homemade ice cream. This little shop has received Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence for 16 years in a row! You definitely want to visit this shop while you’re there!
Boutique Shopping
Pine Avenue is lined with adorable boutiques where you’ll find unique high end baby clothes and coastal nursery decor. This is a must do if you are here during your Anna Maria Island Babymoon. Stopping at “The Shiny Fish Emporium” to paint a sand dollar is so fun and a cool keepsake for your nursery.
Estimated Trip Costs
Planning a trip requires a budget so you can relax without the financial stress. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to spend for a 3-night stay for your Anna Maria Island Babymoon (excluding flights and Ubers.)
- Accomadations: $750 to $2000 total. You can choose between charming historical cottages at Anna Maria Beach Cottages or luxury beachfront condos at places like the Waterline Marina Resort.
- Food and Drink: Roughly around $450. This covers a mix of casual lunches, fancy dinner, and plenty of treats like the donuts and ice creamery mentioned above.
- Activities and Transportation: Roughly around $350. Includes your golf cart rental, beach umbrella rental, and perhaps a prenatal massage at a local spa like Aluna Wellness Center & Spa!
- Total estimated budget: Roughly $1600 for a comfortable, midrange trip, or around $3000 for a high-end luxury vacation experience.
Your Babymoon Packing List
When preparing for a Florida beach escape, don’t forget these essentials:
- High SPF Mineral Sunscreen
- A wide brimmed hat
- Insulated Water Bottle
You’ll notice you don’t need much since you’ll be relaxing!
I hope you’ll book an Anna Maria Island Babymoon!
An Anna Maria Island Babymoon is alllll about slowing down. You need to soak in the peace before your new adventure begins. The gentle waves, the slow pace, enjoying time together, and enjoying the sunrises and sunsets.
While you are here enjoying the beautiful breeze and backdrop, don’t forget to document this fleeting beautiful season with a maternity photography session. As you plan your getaway, I would love to capture your pregnancy while you are here.