Let's say you've staked out the perfect beach. It's a sandy paradise as far as the eye can see: there's prime viewing for cinematic sunsets, a string of full-service hotels and restaurants, and a boardwalk dotted with mom-and-pop ice cream shops. Seems like a beach fantasy. Only trouble is, the resort you've got your eye on doesn't cater to kids, the fancy waterfront restaurants aren't exactly family-friendly and though you've got your heart set on bringing Fido, you can't find a dog park within city limits to save your life.

No worries. On Florida's Gulf Islands of Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and the mainland areas of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, no one gets left behind – not even your dog. Anna Maria Island is one of the area's biggest draws. With seven miles of idyllic beaches, tons of family activities and a wide choice of accommodations (including some that are pet-friendly), your vision of the perfect beach getaway won't just look good on paper.

Devoid of chain hotels and restaurants as well as many of the typical beach attractions, Anna Maria Island has original flair that's simply refreshing.

On the Island

Despite being ranked the #1 U.S. Hot Spot in 2007 by TripAdvisor.com, Anna Maria Island retains a peaceful, cozy vibe that will make your family feel as if it's discovered a beach hideaway far removed from the rest of the world. Devoid of chain hotels and restaurants as well as many of the typical beach attractions, the island has original flair that's simply refreshing.

Anna Maria has three public beaches – Coquina Beach, Manatee Public Beach and Bayfront Park – and each is best experienced by stepping foot in the powdery white sand, which little toes will appreciate. It's easy to pass an afternoon here soaking up the warm water, sun and scenery. And since the shimmering Gulf of Mexico waters are mild, there are no big waves to worry about.

When you do pry the kids away from lolling in the gentle surf or building sandcastles on the shore, a Dolphin Watch Boat Tour with Captain Kim and her crew of local experts is just the thing to keep them happy. You won't be able to resist biking or scooting around the island either – try Island Scooter Rentals on Bradenton Beach. For old-fashioned charm, a ride on the free Island Trolley can't be beat.

Take in the sunset along with some dinner and ambiance at The Sun House Restaurant & Bar on Historic Bridge Street, which serves up no-fuss Floribbean food. Drift into Bridge Street's shops and take the kids for a walk on the pier. Up the road, Mar Vista Restaurant on Longboat Key boasts a deck so close to the water that kids can spot fish.


Around Town

A day on the mainland is well spent at South Florida Museum, where the kids can get up close and personal with Snooty™, the famous manatee, at the museum's aquarium. The museum also includes a planetarium and the not-to-be-missed Archaic Man exhibit, as well as changing exhibits that highlight the area's diverse history and landscape.

After this cultural diversion, hit another: Prime Outlets Ellenton is the area's major shopping destination, with 130 outlet stores. Among them you'll find shady, stroll-worthy sidewalks, fountains and plenty of benches for much-needed breaks. For kids there's Carter's, Gymboree and Limited Too! Teens will find what they're looking for at Aeropostale, Guess, Lucky and Polo Ralph Lauren stores.

On the way back to the island, enjoy a rich frozen custard at Sweetberries (try the flavor of the month) before heading to Mixon Fruit Farms, where you can sample Orange Swirl ice cream and pick up citrus candy in the farm's gift shop.


Settling Down

It's places like Anna Maria's Tortuga Inn that make it possible to have a dream beach getaway with the whole family in tow. The inn is both elegant and relaxed, with such upscale delights as a private dock, spacious studio apartments and private walled gardens as well as barbecue grills for low-key dinners and an open pool space (it's easy to imagine convening here with other families). It's pet-friendly, too.

At the Tradewinds Resort, your brightly colored cottage sits on a lushly landscaped private street, at the end of which is a heated pool. The cottages have front porches, tiled floors, sizeable kitchens and every gadget the family might want (cable, DVD player, high-speed Internet).

Another good option is the Sand Pebble Inn on Bradenton Beach. Sand Pebble is a quaint complex of 14 rental apartment units clustered in four different buildings. The rooms are fresh, comfortable and furnished in a contemporary island style, and the pool and beach are both within easy reach. Here, like on the rest of the island, you'll find it easy to make yourself at home in paradise.

For more information on planning your family getaway to Florida's Gulf Islands of Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and the mainland areas of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, call 941-729-9177 or visit www.floridasgulfislands.com. On the web site, you can enter to win a vacation package that includes a three-night stay at an island resort, waterfront lunch, gourmet dinner, free dolphin watch boat tour, tickets to see Snooty™ the manatee, a shopping spree at Ellenton Prime Outlets and a family portrait on the beach.