When vacationing in Anna Maria Island there is an endless list of things to do. You can grab a quick breakfast to get your day started on the right foot, or you can settle in for a relaxing dinner with your family and friends. There are dozens of mouthwatering Anna Maria Island restaurants to choose from, no matter what kind of cuisine you may be searching for. Luckily for our guests, many of the area’s best eateries are just a short walk from our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals!
At the end of a long day exploring the island and basking in the hot sun, you will probably be on the lookout for something to cool you off. It is time to grab some ice cream! Your entire family will love sitting down with a tasty cone and talking about the best sights of the day. Here are a few of our top recommendations for the best ice cream on Anna Maria Island.
There’s no shortage of ice cream on Anna Maria Island, and these four businesses are just the tip of the iceberg.
Two Scoops
When one scoop of ice cream simply isn’t enough, head over to Two Scoops on the northern side of Anna Maria Island. This dessert destination has been serving customers since 2007 and is just as popular now as it was all those years ago. When you enter, you will be greeted with over 30 homemade ice cream flavors to choose from, so there is something to satisfy every palate.
If you’re looking for something classic, check out time-honored favorites like chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, or cookie dough. Want something a bit more unique? Try distinct flavors like toasted coconut, sea salt caramel, or Big Chocolate Chunk. Two Scoops offers a wide variety of sugar-free flavors as well, so everyone in your group can enjoy a sweet treat! Be sure to ask about their special Flavor of the Month when you visit!
Two Scoops is best known for its ice cream, but they also have some delicious meals on the menu! Breakfast specialties include French toast, Belgian waffles, and the Two Egg Sandwich. If you’re stopping in for lunch, try the Scoops BLT, AMI Tuna Melt, or Hot Ham Hoagie.
Two Scoops is located at 101 South Bay Boulevard in the City of Anna Maria and is open daily, so be sure to stop by for a tasty treat while you are staying in Holmes Beach or Bradenton beach!
Anna Maria Island Creamery and Bakery
Perhaps you find yourself craving an ice cream cone while you are spending a hot day on the beach. You are in luck! The Anna Maria Island Creamery and Bakery is just steps from the shoreline. This family-owned establishment welcomes guests from near and far to enjoy some ice cream or any of their other delicious desserts, all with a beautiful view of the waves.
When you peer into the cases to choose your treat, you won’t find your regular ice cream. Instead, you will find tempting homemade gelato crafted with local ingredients, including fresh fruit and dairy from nearby farms. The gelato is made right in the shop and comes in a wide range of flavors, including eight chocolate-based choices! There is even a topping and dipping station to help you completely customize your cone.
Be sure to check out the bakery selections here as well, perfect for a quick snack or breakfast option. They have got everything from danishes and croissants to exquisite William Dean truffles. If you are in town for a special occasion, you can even order your truffles ahead of time to truly celebrate in style.
The Anna Maria Island Creamery and Bakery can be found at 9801 Gulf Drive in the City of Anna Maria. The Creamery is open daily and is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Plan Your Visit to Anna Maria Island
From couples to large groups A Paradise Rentals has everything you need to make it the vacation of a lifetime! Contact us to start planning today!
Island Scoops
Island Scoops claims to have Florida’s best homemade ice cream, and its patrons would have to agree! Locals and travelers alike come to Island Scoops for the sweet treats, relaxing environment, and friendly staff. Stick around to enjoy your dessert and get to know your fellow diners and the wait staff. You might even make some new friends along the way!
Every ice cream variety on the menu is hand-mixed and churned in batch freezers to ensure a high-quality product every day. Unique flavors like Banana Nut Crunch, Cotton Candy, Orange Creamsicle, and Cookie Monster are among the most popular! Get a traditional scoop or opt for a sundae, flight, or even an order of ice cream nachos!
Of course, ice cream is just one tasty dessert you can get here. The selection of baked goods runs the gamut from cupcakes and cookies to pies, brownies, cheesecakes, and more. You can even pick up your favorite candy in bulk!
You’ll find Island Scoops at the southern end of the island: 103B Gulf Drive North in Bradenton Beach. They’re open all week long, so be sure to grab some ice cream at least once while you’re here.
Small Town Creamery
Last but not least is Small Town Creamery, a popular destination in the heart of AMI. Small Town Creamery describes itself as, “where tasty treats meet great service and whimsical charm.” Get ready for surprises around every corner!
Fresh, local ingredients are the cornerstone of every flavor here at Small Town Creamery. They’ve got flavors to suit everyone, including classics like cookie dough, butter pecan, cookies ‘n cream, and more. Specialty flavors include Road Trip, Superhero, Dreamsicle, and Butterscotch Bomb. If you’ve got a dietary restriction, don’t worry; the menu includes vegan/non-dairy options as well as frozen yogurt, sorbets, and ices.
You’re not stuck with an ice cream cone if you’re looking for a different dessert, though. You can also opt for a milkshake, float, banana split, or sundae. Between all the other fun things to do on Anna Maria Island, stop by and indulge in a classic treat.
Visit Small Town Creamery in the middle of the island: 5404 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach. They’re open and serving delicious treats daily!
Where to stay
Once you’re done for the day, settle down for a well-deserved rest in one of our Anna Maria Island rentals with a pool. There’s nothing more relaxing than indulging in a cone after going for a swim!
A Paradise Rentals has long been one of the most trusted providers of rentals on Anna Maria Island thanks to our extensive rental catalog, convenient rental locations, and friendly customer service team. Select a one-bedroom unit for a solo trip or couples’ getaway or choose one with two or three bedrooms to bring the whole family along!
If you’re not sure where to start when looking for your rental, we’ve got you covered. Our team can help you narrow down your options based on your budget, vacation dates, and party size. We’ll remain available throughout your stay to make sure your experience is nothing shy of perfection. Take the beach vacation you have been longing for. Contact A Paradise today to learn more about all of our rental options!