Holmes Beach · Anna Maria Island
The Sandbox Cottage — Steps to the Beach
- 2 bedrooms
- Sleeps 6
- One house from the beach
- Dogs welcome
Photos of the cottage
The Sandbox is a one-of-a-kind 2BR/1.5BA Holmes Beach retreat with a private pool, unique backyard, and unbeatable walk-to-beach location. Sleeps 6: a king bed, two twins and a daybed in the sunroom.
Highly rated on VRBO: 9.8 / 10
Guests consistently book The Sandbox for its location, privacy, and unique vibe.
Read guest reviews- An itemised quote from the manager's own checkout before you pay
- Talk to the local office that manages the cottage: 941-778-1979
- Open weeks straight from the live calendar, refreshed hourly
- The same cottage and house rules as the VRBO listing
The cottage
What makes The Sandbox different
Private saltwater pool
Relax in your own fenced backyard oasis, with a covered outdoor bar beside the water. Online bookings add pool heat by default ($150 for a one-week stay), and you can decline it.
Steps to the beach
No busy roads — walk straight to the Gulf. The cottage is one house from the beach, with direct access.
Unique backyard vibe
Former live-music venue with character you won’t find elsewhere.
Walkable location
Shops, dining, and the free island trolley nearby.
Dog friendly
Bring your well-behaved pup along for the trip: one dog up to 35 lb is welcome (pet fee applies), with a fenced backyard for supervised time outside.
Prefer a no-pet home?
For guests seeking pristine, allergy-free accommodations, our sister property maintains a strict no-pet policy.
AMI Rentals Beach House
Luxury no-pet vacation rental in Bradenton Beach. Perfect for extended stays, snowbirds, and guests with allergies.
Visit the no-pet optionLocal tips
Pet-friendly blog picks
Quick reads on beach rules for dogs, dog parks and patios near Holmes Beach.
Blog
Dogs and beach rules near Anna Maria Island
Why dogs stay off island beaches, and where they can go instead.
Planning guides
Not sure where to start?
Use quick guides to pick the right base, timing, and trip style before you lock in dates.
- Trip ideasPlan your island daysFrom beach mornings to sunset dinners: curated local experiences around Holmes Beach.
- Where to stayBest areas & vibesCompare Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, and quiet north-end stays.
- Late summerJuly–September plansWeather tips, itineraries, and the best weeks to book.
- Pet-friendlyBring your small dogWalkable routes, local rules, and easy dog-friendly routines.
- Island guideLocal knowledgeRestaurants, beaches, and hidden spots around Anna Maria Island.
- FAQCommon questionsPet policy, check-in, parking, pool heat, and booking details.
Guest reviews
What guests say
Rated 9.8 / 10 across 40 VRBO reviews
Enjoyed the stay and we would certainly return! The host was very responsive and the house was nicely updated. 5 stars overall!
Jason S. · Dec 2025 · VRBO Great little cottage to stay. Perfect for our family of four. Location was great, backyard awesome. Just perfect. Will stay here again.
Brian S. · Jun 2024 · VRBO We had the best time. The pool was clean and warm, the location was great, easy walk to a very clean and private beach. The house is really cute, with all the amenities you could need.
Nicole H. · Nov 2023 · VRBO Cannot say enough good about this place. Everything that you'd need for a beach vacation. Yard is amazing and was the perfect place to unwind after a long day on the beach.
Dan F. · Jul 2022 · VRBO This property is adorable! The kitchen is large, the decor is cute, the ac works well, short walk to a beach access without having to cross a main road, and the pool with tiki bar is a neat addition.
Annmarie C. · Apr 2022 · VRBO Every year we do a girls trip to FL, this year did not disappoint. The location was amazing, close to shopping, very close to the beach, and on our cooler day we lounged by the heated pool. Would absolutely recommend.
Misty B. · Nov 2021 · VRBO
More guest reviews on the VRBO listing #4984875ha
Open dates
Next open weeks
Nov 13–20, 2026
7 nights open · Quieter fall beach days
Nov 30 – Dec 16, 2026
2+ weeks open · Quieter fall beach days
Jul 17–24, 2027
7 nights, Saturday check-in · Peak summer on the Gulf
Plan your stay
Live availability & direct booking
Pick your ideal dates right on this page. We sync daily with our BeachRentals calendar (property #140) so you always see the latest availability before booking direct or through VRBO.
Not sure where to stay? Start with the Where to stay guide.
What's on
Upcoming events on Anna Maria Island
Plan your visit around local festivals, live music, and seasonal celebrations.
Nov 21
Bridge Street Christmas Tree Lighting 2026
Bradenton Beach lights its Christmas tree on historic Bridge Street, at the south end of Anna Maria Island. Date, hours and the nearest open week at our Holmes Beach cottage.
FreeOutdoorDec 4
Holmes Beach Christmas Tree Lighting 2026
The Anna Maria Island Chamber's tree lighting and Holmes Beach Holiday Open House, in the city our cottage is in. Last year's details, this year's expected date and the open December week.
OutdoorDec 5
Mistletoe Market 2026
Blue Ribbon Events' Mistletoe Market, a holiday art and craft show at City Field in Holmes Beach. Dates, last year's hours and the open December week at our cottage in the same city.
OutdoorJan 22
Coquina Beach Seafood & Music Festival 2027
Paragon Festivals' Coquina Beach Seafood & Music Festival, a free weekend of seafood and live music at the south end of Anna Maria Island. Dates, hours and the cottage calendar that week.
FreeOutdoor