Sand Dollar Cottage - Vintage - updated - flip flop walk to best Gulf Beaches
The Ultimate Anna Maria Island Escape
Experience the charm of "Old Florida" in our renovated beach cottage. Tucked away in a quiet, exclusive residential area at the northern tip of the island, you are just a 150 ft stroll from the sugar-white sands and turquoise waters that make AMI world-famous.
Fresh Updates in 2021 and 2024
We’ve spent time and money making sure the cottage is perfect prepared for your arrival:
Brand New Kitchen (2024): Fully equipped and ready for family meals.
Brand New Bathroom (2021): Modern, clean, and refreshed.
New furnishing (2024): All rooms are modern and bright furnished.
Stay Connected: High-speed WLAN (Free Wi-Fi) throughout the home.
The "Beachside" Advantage
Our location is a parent’s dream. Being so close to the shore means no long treks with heavy gear. Whether someone needs a cold drink or a quick trip to the restroom, the house is just steps away.
Explore the North End
Located north of Pine Avenue, you are in the heart of the island’s most serene neighborhood.
Cycle Like a Local: Hop on a bike and head to the City Pier, the Marina, or enjoy a sunset dinner at the Sandbar restaurant.
Day Trip Ready: Want to visit Mickey Mouse? The Orlando theme parks are an easy 90-minute drive, allowing you to enjoy the thrills of the city and return to the island’s tranquility by evening.
Good to Know
Private Pool: The pool is 100% private and belongs exclusively to the Sand Dollar Cottage.
Group Travel: Traveling with friends or planning a small wedding? The house directly to the right is also available for rent—perfect for two families who want to stay together while maintaining their own space. Please ask us if you need more info about our vacation rental next door.
Seasonal Stays: During peak season, we host guests on a Saturday-to-Saturday schedule.
Transparency: What you see is what you get. No hidden fees.
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 5416969vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Anna Maria
Located in Anna Maria, this cottage is by the sea. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Bean Point Beach and Bradenton Beach. Fish Hole Adventure Golf and Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez are also worth visiting.
Sarasota, FL (SRQ-Sarasota-Bradenton Intl.) - 54 min drive
Restaurants
The Sandbar Restaurant - 14 min walk
Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe - 9 min drive
The Ugly Grouper - 7 min drive
Ginny's & Jane E's - 13 min walk
The Waterfront Restaurant - 18 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Does Sand Dollar Cottage - Vintage - updated - flip flop walk to best Gulf Beaches have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include heated pools.
How much does it cost to stay at Sand Dollar Cottage - Vintage - updated - flip flop walk to best Gulf Beaches?
As of 3 Oct, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sand Dollar Cottage - Vintage - updated - flip flop walk to best Gulf Beaches on 7 Oct, 2026 start from S$1,722, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Sand Dollar Cottage - Vintage - updated - flip flop walk to best Gulf Beaches pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Sand Dollar Cottage - Vintage - updated - flip flop walk to best Gulf Beaches?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Sand Dollar Cottage - Vintage - updated - flip flop walk to best Gulf Beaches?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Sand Dollar Cottage - Vintage - updated - flip flop walk to best Gulf Beaches?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Sand Dollar Cottage - Vintage - updated - flip flop walk to best Gulf Beaches located?
Situated by the sea, this cottage is within a 5-minute walk of Bean Point Beach and Bradenton Beach. Anna Maria Beach and Bayfront Park are also within 15 minutes.
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Dear Dusty, Thank you for your great feedback! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed our clean vacation home and our fantastic location on Anna Maria Island. We look forward to welcoming your family back for another stay in the future! Best, Kerstin
This is the perfect house for our family! We had a great week here and look forward to coming back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Jul, 2026
Dear Meghann, Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We are absolutely thrilled that you and your family enjoyed our vacation home. Anna Maria Island is truly a special place, and we’d love to welcome you all back for another perfect getaway. Warmly, Kerstin
Can’t beat the location of beach access. The pool is great. Wonderful cottage. Our second time back.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Jun, 2026
Dear Aaron,
thank you for the lovely review! We’re delighted that you and your family enjoyed the pool, and that our close proximity to the beautiful Gulf beach made your family vacation special. We look forward to welcoming you back again (for the third time;-) )to Anna Maria Island soon! Warmly, Kerstin
Beautiful small pool. Easy walk to the beach. Only problem was the constant noise (VERY LOUD) from construction across the street. Still loved our time in Anna Maria
Construction noise from across the street was the only downside. Lovely house!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Apr, 2026
Dear Jennifer,
Thank you so very much for your review! It makes us so happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay in our Sand Dollar Cottage.
Regarding the construction nearby, we are so sorry for the inconvenience—it is sadly out of our hands, and we can’t influence the building schedules. We believe it quietens down soon!
We would love to host you again sometime. You are always welcome back! Best regards Kerstin
Beautiful house, close to beach, super clean, and the pool was fantastic.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Jul, 2025
Dear David, thank you so much for your great review. It was a pleasure having you and your family. We are happy you enjoyed our Cottage with the nice pool and the special location so close to Gulf beach! Looking forward having you again soon.
Best regards Kerstin
The house was just a short walk directly across the street to the North Shore Beach. Was very clean and just the right size for the four of us. We will definitely be back!
The area, the home, the pool were the perfect combination we needed to unwind and enjoy the beach and that Anna Maria had to offer. We will certainly try to stay again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Jun, 2024
Dear Angie, thank you very much for your great review. We love to hear that you enjoyed our vacation home, the private pool area and our location so close to beautiful Anna Maria Gulf Beach. We would be happy having you again. Take care.
Best regards Kerstin
Overall the property accommodated all of our needs, very clean, awesome location with just steps to the beach and easy walk to area restaurants. We enjoyed the nice quiet neighborhood and how the landscaping enabled privacy to relax in the well maintained pool. We often cook our own meals and appreciated the ample flatware and additions of fine china; perhaps the cookware and cutlery could benefit from being updated. (We have our own cottage and we are used to overcoming these minor challenges.) We are sad to leave and look forward to an expanded visit next time.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Mar, 2026
Dear Joanie, We appreciate your great review and your suggestion to update our cookware. We are happy you loved our location so close to best Gulf beach, located at the quiet part of AMI North End and close to all local restaurants. Looking forward welcoming you again next year;-) Safe travels and best regards Kerstin
Perfect location. Nice place perfect for a family of 4. Everything you need and clean. We loved it. Owners seem nice via messages. Just beware the location to pick up your door code is not accurate and we’re not able to get into the home due to not having the code until 330AM! We literally had to sit in our vehicle for hours in the middle of the night waiting to get a code. Pretty much a the worst start possible to our trip.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Apr, 2026
Dear Richard, Thank you so much for your kind review! We are truly sorry for the trouble you experienced during check-in. Our property management office recently moved across the street, and it’s clear this information didn’t reach you in time. Please accept our sincere apologies; we are currently refining our process to ensure door codes and arrival details are sent much more seamlessly.
That said, we are thrilled you enjoyed the rest of your week and our location. We would love to host you again next year! Best regards Kerstin
We had such a great stay at this property! It was the perfect house for our family! The outdoor area and screened in patio was so nice to have bc we could still be outside (it rained a lot the week we stayed).It was right across the street from the ocean, doesn’t get much better than that! Can’t wait to come back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Jul, 2025
Dear Meghann, thank you so much for your 5star review and your kind words. It`s wonderful you spent such a joyful time at our cottage. We are very happy you could enjoy the great location (Gulf beach across street) even with the heater conditions. Looking forward having you and your family again next year. Best regards
Kerstin
This property has the old Florida feel with it’s location just across from the beach. The heated pool was fantastic for the kids! Our family had a great time and look forward to returning!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Jan, 2024
Dear Micheal, thank you very much for your great review. We loved having you and your family enjoying our home and our location so close to beautiful Anna Maria Gulf Beach. Thank you for the compliments! The private poolside provides extra vacation feeling - we look forward to your return!
Happy New Year
Kerstin
We were very comfortable in this lovely cottage. The beach just across the street is excellent. It was not very crowded when we were there and we were thrilled to see a dozen or so manatees swim by, just off shore.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Jun, 2023
Dear Laurie, thanks for your kind words and your great review. You are so right when you love this part of beautiful Gulf Beach across street most. Manatees and dolphins are often out there. Please keep this amazing Anna Maria Island feeling as long as possible ;-)) We are looking forward having you back again - Til soon. Kerstin
Perfect house for a small family, pool was great and just a short walk to the beach
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Jun, 2023
Dear Josh,
we appreciate your positive review and we are happy that you and your family love our house and the location with walking distance to Gulf Beach so much. Looking forward having you again. Take care and stay healthy. Best regards Kerstin
It was better than we even expected, especially knowing that both Hurricane Helene and Milton had affected this property only a few short months before our stay. It was a very restful and comfortable surrounding for us. It was just a short walk to a beautiful beach. We would like to come back again.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Apr, 2025
Dear Ann, thank you very much for your kind words. It is wonderful that you spent such a restful and relaxing vacation time in our cosy Cottage and that you like our location so close to the wonderful Gulf Beach. Looking forward having you again soon. Best regards Kerstin
A wonderful little cottage across from pristine beach. Easy access to island and all we needed to have a wonderful vacation. Master bed needs upgrade but the ocean breezes made up for sleep needs. Thank you fr a wonderful stay!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Jun, 2023
Dear Janet,
thanks for your review and your suggestion. It's perfect you spent wonderful vacation time in our Sand Dollar Cottage and the enjoyed our location so close to wonderful Anna Maria Island Gulf Beach.
Warmly
Kerstin
Once again we had a lovely stay at this cottage. Ocean/beach proximity is wonderful, as is pool on property. Everything we needed to relax and ‘check out’ of life for a week! Heavenly.
We really enjoyed our stay at Sand Dollar Cottage, it is an extremely relaxing place which is just what we needed. The location is superb, so close to the beach. When at the cottage, we spent much of our time in the screened lanai or the pool area which were ideal. We also enjoyed wandering down to the beach most evenings to watch the sunset which was spectacular.
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Kari N.
30 Mar, 2019
Perfect location, clean, perfect size pool for 2 kids
We had a lovely week at Sand Dollar cottage. The location on the north end is so beautiful. Easy walk to shops and restaurants and Beach Bums delivered beach umbrellas and corn hole right to the rental. The cottage had some Beach chairs and sand toys as well as some pool toys. We hope to return to this lovely place!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Jun, 2023
Dear Kari,
thank you very much for your wonderful feedback! Our guests should feel like home as you did!
We are very happy that you had such a relaxing and joyful vacation time and enjoyed the unique Island atmosphere! Hope to see you soon again. Have a great time
Kerstin
We just came home from our second stay at the Sand Dollar. The updates to kitchen, bathroom, and washer/dryer are fabulous! The cottage was clean, and the kitchen was well stocked. We look forward to our next trip to AMI!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Jun, 2023
Good morning Jeanette, thank you very much for your kind word you already wrote in your personal email to us. As you see we always want to improve! We replaced the complete roof and work will be finished this week! We hope you'll come back and enjoying "the Real-Floridian-Cottage-Style" next year. Happy having you again. Take care! Best regards Kerstin
Our stay was perfect. The property had everything we needed and was steps from the beach. The pool was a nice added bonus and was always clean. The pool company came by twice during our stay. We didn’t cook in but they had everything we would have needed if we had. I will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Jul, 2023
Dear Jennifer,
thank you very much for your great review. It's nice to hear the cottage provided everything you needed for your relaxing vacation on Anna Maria Island. Looking forward to your next stay in our cute Sand Dollar Cottage.
Take care
Kerstin
About the host
Hosted by Kerstin Waldmueller
We fell in love with this wonderful Island back in 1995 and have been inspired by the magic of Anna Maria Island ever since. We built our own home for our family in 1996 and have been hosting guests ever since, now with a total of three houses on Anna Maria Island. Many of our guests have become friends, and we are proud that so many return year after year. We do everything we can to make your vacation experience truly special.
Why they chose this property
Experience Authentic Island Living
Looking for that "Original Island" feel with the beach right at your doorstep? Step into our charming 891 sq. ft. beach cottage, where a flip-flop walk is all that stands between you and the pristine Gulf beaches. Located in the highly sought-after North End of Anna Maria Island, you’ll enjoy effortless access to the turquoise waters and our famous, vibrant sunsets.
Coastal Comfort & Style:
This clean and cozy ground-level cottage is designed for relaxation:
Bright & Airy:
The interior features light, coastal colors and an open-concept kitchen, living, and dining area.
Outdoor Living:
Step directly from the living area onto your private, covered front porch—perfect for catching the salt air breeze.
Space for Everyone:
With 2 bedrooms and 1 bath, it’s an ideal retreat for families.
Perfectly Positioned and Family-Friendly:
Our ground-level layout is perfect for guests with small children or those who prefer to avoid stairs.
Prime Location:
Enjoy a less-than-5-minute stroll to the Gulf of Mexico, making it easy to return home for a quick snack or a break from the sun.
Come discover why the North End is the island's best-kept secret. Your quintessential beach vacation starts here!