Updated: May 2026
White sandy beaches and crystal clear waters make Anna Maria Island a perfect destination for beach lovers. Before heading to the sand, make sure you have everything you need for a seamless and stress-free beach day.
Beach Bag Essentials
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An enjoyable day at the beach requires a bit of planning and forethought. Here is what I never leave behind:
- Beach Bag · The only bag you need for a day on the Gulf. Shop my favorite pick, the Bogg Bag, at my Amazon Storefront.
- Sunscreen · The Florida sun is no joke. Look for SPF 30 or higher and reapply throughout the day. Shop my favorite sunscreen products at my Amazon Storefront.
- Hat and Sunglasses · Protect your face and eyes from the sun.
- Beach Towel · An absorbent beach towel for drying off after a swim, laying out in the sun, or covering up on windy days is essential.
- Cover-Up · Provides extra sun protection for a walk along the shore and is easily thrown over your swimsuit to grab lunch or a cocktail at a nearby spot.
- Games & Book · If you get bored, a game or good book are welcomed additions.
- Phone · Capture beautiful photos of the Gulf.
- Water Bottle · Hydration is key when you’re at the beach! A good insulated tumbler may be all the encouragement you need to stay adequately hydrated throughout your beach day.
- First Aid Kit · The kit should be comprehensive yet small enough to fit in your beach bag.
For everything you need to pack for the perfect beach day, see my Ultimate Guide to Must-Have Essentials for a Beach Bag.
Beach Setup Companies
Carrying bulky beach gear and struggling with setups can be a mood killer. Luckily, Anna Maria Island has no shortage of beach setup companies that deliver umbrellas, canopies, chairs, and everything else you need directly to the sand. Whether you are looking for a simple setup for two or a full experience for eight, these local companies have you covered. Below are great options offering a variety of packages and experiences.
AMI Beach Fun Rentals
- Reservations: call or email
- Beach time: 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM, one extra hour available
AMI Beach Fun Rentals offers cabana packages for two and four people, each loaded with chairs, beach games, a body board, cooler, and folding table. Add-ons include paddle boards, surf boards, and the fan favorite SunChill float for the ultimate beach day.
AMI Cabanas
- Reservations: call or email
- Beach time: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
AMI Cabanas has one of the most extensive lineups on the island with eight packages ranging from a simple cabana to a fully loaded setup with Tommy Bahama chairs, cooler, corn hole, and paddle ball. They also offer Shibumi shade options for a sleeker, low profile alternative to a traditional canopy. A bonus for bigger bookings: reservations over a certain amount come with an official manatee adoption. Check their website for details.
Basic Beach Rentals
- Reservations: call or email
- Beach time: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Basic Beach Rentals keeps it simple and affordable with their Beach Starter Pack, which includes a cabana, two Tommy Bahama beach chairs, beach towels, and a small cooler with ice and water. Weekly rates are available, making it a great option for longer stays. Add-ons include an Icy Breeze cooler and AC for those extra hot Florida days.
Beach Dogs Island Essentials
- Reservations: call
- Beach time: 6 hours, customizable
Beach Dogs Island Essentials offers some of the most complete packages on the island, with setups for two, three, four, six, and eight people. Every Day at the Beach package includes a 13 x 13 vented UV protected cabana, chairs, towels, beach blanket, beach table, cooler, paddle ball, Bluetooth speaker, and full trash service. Their Sunset Experience is a standout, a romantic 90 minute setup for two with champagne flutes and sparkling water timed perfectly to the sunset. Bachelorette parties and custom experiences are also available.
Beach Suites AMI
- Reservations: online
- Beach time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, additional time available for purchase
Beach Suites AMI is one of the most elevated setup experiences on the island. Their Beach Suite packages come fully loaded with wood and canvas adjustable chairs, YETI coolers, beach towels, ground pillows, Bluetooth speaker, portable phone charger, SPF 50 sunscreen, a small first aid kit, and even a paddleball set. Upgrade to a cabana instead of an umbrella for added shade and style. They also offer a stunning Beach Suite Picnic with a wood banquette table, floor pillows, shell tablescape, and a Sunset for Two package that is hard to beat for a special occasion. Check their website for full pricing on larger groups and special setups.
Boho Beach Escape
- Reservations: contact online through website
Boho Beach Escape is the island’s most uniquely styled setup experience, specializing in bohemian beach picnics that are as beautiful as they are fun. Their Classic, Deluxe, and Romantic Beach Picnic packages range from four to six hours and include umbrellas, picnic tables, cushions, blankets, pillows, coolers, towels, speakers, and biodegradable cutlery and plates. The Romantic package adds candles, lamps, and shells for an unforgettable beachfront ambiance. Upon request, all packages offer catering options.
CabanUp
- Reservations: online, call, or email
- Beach time: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, late removal times available
CabanUp offers a clean and straightforward experience with their Duo and Family packages, both built around a 10 x 10 cabana with beach chairs and paddle ball. Their add-on list is one of the most comprehensive on the island, covering everything from bocce ball and Spikeball to lie-flat chairs, skim boards, and a 48 can cooler with ice.
My Beach Concierge
- Reservations: online, call, or email
- Beach time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
My Beach Concierge is a great option for families and groups who want flexibility. Their packages range from a simple DIY delivery of chairs and an umbrella to your rental, all the way up to a fully loaded Sports Package with a canopy, resort style beach chairs, cooler, speaker, and your choice of corn hole, spike ball, or sand toys. Weekly rates are available across most packages, making it one of the better value options for a longer stay.
Sun-Kissed Beach Rentals
- Reservations: call or text
- Beach time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sun-Kissed Beach Rentals has a package for every type of beach day. Their entry level Luxury for 2 Package keeps things simple with an umbrella and two lounge chairs, while the Premier Beach Package steps it up with an upgraded canopy, lounge chairs, a cooler stocked with a fruit tray and charcuterie board, Bluetooth speaker, and a full table with tablecloth. Weekly rates are available on most packages.
Ultimate Beach Setups AMI
- Reservations: call, text, or email
- Beach time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Ultimate Beach Setups AMI offers two well-rounded packages designed to cover all the essentials. The Ultimate Beach Setup Package includes a premium beach chair, Tommy Bahama umbrella, Igloo cooler, water, beach table, a beach bag stocked with sunscreen and a small first aid kit, Bluetooth speaker, frisbee, sandcastle kit, and full trash service. The Deluxe version adds towel service and snack bags. Special occasion setups are also available on request.
Coastal Close
A great beach day starts before you ever hit the sand. With the right essentials in your bag and a local setup company taking care of the rest, all that is left to do is relax and enjoy every moment of it. Anna Maria Island makes that part easy.
For information on food delivery to your beach chair see my Ultimate Guide to Beach Chair Dining on Anna Maria Island.
Until next time…
· izzy