When it comes to vacation destinations, few places in the world can compete with Florida. Known for its thrilling theme parks, beautiful beaches, and year-round sunshine, Florida offers a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation. But why settle for just one type of vacation when you can have both? By staying on the stunning shores of Anna Maria Island and combining your trip with a visit to world-class attractions like Busch Gardens, Universal Studios, or Disney World, you can experience the best of both worldsâa beachside retreat and thrilling theme park adventures.
At Once Upon A Beach, we believe that the perfect vacation strikes a balance between excitement and relaxation. Here's why and how you can combine a trip to Florida's most famous theme parks with a luxurious beach getaway on Anna Maria Island.
Why You Should Combine Theme Parks with a Beach Vacation
Floridaâs world-class theme parksâDisney World, Universal Studios, and Busch Gardensâdeliver thrilling rides, immersive entertainment, and magical memories for families, couples, and groups. But after days of park-hopping and roller-coaster adrenaline, travelers often crave a peaceful escape to recharge. Thatâs where Anna Maria Island shines.
By staying on Anna Maria Island, youâll enjoy white-sand beaches, calm Gulf waters, and unforgettable sunsetsâwhile still being within driving distance of Floridaâs top attractions. This unique blend of excitement and relaxation creates a balanced, one-of-a-kind vacation experience.
Here are the top reasons to combine theme parks with a beach getaway:
1. Enjoy the Best of Both Worlds
Theme Park Excitement: Chase thrills at Busch Gardens, step into the wizarding world of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, or meet beloved Disney characters at Magic Kingdom.
Beachside Relaxation: When itâs time to slow down, retreat to Anna Maria Islandâs pristine beaches, where turquoise Gulf waters, powdery white sand, and breathtaking sunsets await.
By blending action-packed adventure with serene island living, youâll create a Florida vacation thatâs both exhilarating and restorative.
2. A Convenient Location
Anna Maria Island sits perfectly along Floridaâs Gulf Coast, giving you easy access to both pristine beaches and world-famous theme parks. From the island, you can enjoy a short scenic drive to Orlandoâs attractions, including Disney World and Universal Studios, or head to Tampa for the thrills of Busch Gardens. This central location makes Anna Maria Island the ideal base for a vacation that combines relaxation and adventure.
Busch Gardens (Tampa): Approximately 1 hour by car. Busch Gardens offers thrilling roller coasters, exotic animals, and live showsâperfect for an action-packed day trip.
Universal Studios (Orlando): Approximately 2 hours by car. Universal Studios is home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Hollywood-themed attractions, and endless entertainment for all ages.
Disney World (Orlando): Approximately 2 hours by car. The magical world of Disney is within easy reach, offering the perfect family-friendly experience with its four parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
Staying on Anna Maria Island means you can enjoy world-renowned attractions without giving up the serenity of a peaceful beach vacation. After a day of roller coasters, character meet-and-greets, or magical adventures, coming back to your luxury beachfront rental offers a refreshing change of paceâtrade the noise of the parks for the sound of gentle Gulf waves and stunning island sunsets.
3. Flexibility to Customize Your Vacation
Mix and match your trip with theme park thrills and beachside relaxation. Spend a few days at Disney World, Universal Studios, or Busch Gardens, then unwind on Anna Maria Islandâs tranquil shoresâcreating the perfect balance of adventure and rest.
4. A Peaceful Escape from the Crowds
After a busy day at the parks, retreat to Anna Maria Islandâs quiet beaches, calm waters, and small-town charm. Shop along Pine Avenue, savor fresh seafood, or simply relax as the sun sets over the Gulf.
5. The Perfect Balance for Families
When traveling with family, balance is everything. Anna Maria Island makes it easy to please everyone:
đ˘ Thrill-seekers can spend days riding roller coasters at Disney World, Universal Studios, or Busch Gardens.
đď¸ Beach lovers can relax on white-sand shores, swim in the Gulf, or soak up the Florida sunshine.
đ´ Adventurers can enjoy family-friendly activities like snorkeling, kayaking, biking, and paddleboarding.
By combining theme park excitement with island relaxation, kids stay entertained, parents feel recharged, and the whole family leaves happy.
How to Plan Your Ultimate Theme Park + Beach Vacation
đď¸ Stay in a Luxury Beachfront Vacation Rental
At Once Upon A Beach, choose from spacious family homes, cozy beachfront cottages, or private villas. Many rentals feature pools, patios, and Gulf viewsâthe perfect retreat after theme park adventures.đ Rent a Car for Flexibility
A rental car makes it simple to plan day trips to Disney World, Universal Studios, and Busch Gardens, while always returning to the peace of Anna Maria Island.đ˘ Plan Park Visits Strategically
Alternate park days with downtime at the beach or by the pool. This balance keeps the trip stress-free and ensures everyone has energy to fully enjoy both experiences.âď¸ Take Advantage of Floridaâs Weather
With year-round sunshine, Florida is ideal any season. Visit during off-peak months for shorter lines at the parks and a more relaxed island vibe.
Your Dream Vacation Awaits
At Once Upon A Beach, we specialize in crafting vacations that combine the thrills of Floridaâs top theme parks with the laid-back luxury of Anna Maria Island. Whether your perfect day involves roller coasters, dolphin tours, or sunsets on the beach, our team is here to help you create unforgettable memories.
