We are planning one week vacacion in august. Which island do you recommend? what's the difference between these two? thanks.

Both are in the middle of nowhere, however if you really want to get away go to Boca Grande. Its more money, but its away, and much much nicer, theres great fishing and the beaches are pristine, you are 2 hours from Ft Myers. Anna Maria is kind of eroded, and more blue collar, less than an hour from Tampa and 30 minutes from St Pete. If you want touristy things go there.

I wouldn't call Anna Maria in the middle of nowhere at all. It is in the Sarasota, Long Boat Key area and is very beautiful. There are a lot of things to do and great restaurants to choose from all along the beach road from St. Armands Circle to Anna Maria. I was just in Long Boat Key and the beaches were great. Not eroded there. One of the places we visit every year is The Sand Bar in Anna Maria. A very nice place to watch the sunset and have cocktails or a light dinner. Boca Grande is much more secluded than Anna Maria. I've never been but from what I've heard it is wonderful too.

Oh please, middle of nowhere and blue collar? Get your facts straight before posting advise please.

AMI is a vintage beach town. Wonderful stretches of clear water and sand and many different types of accommodations. I usually recommend Coconuts Beach Resort or the Harrington House B&B. There are plenty of restaurants, from beach casual to elegant, to choose from. In case of a rainy day, you can head to Sarasota or Bradenton for museums, shopping etc.

Boca Grande is beautiful also. There is not as much in the way of lodging and restaurants. It is the place to go if you just want to sit on the beach and get away from it all.