Some of the best things to do in Anna Maria Island include savoring scintillating sunsets, enjoying the cleanest and whitest beach sand in the world, and eating amazing grouper tacos with your toes in said sand.
Anna Maria Island Florida is my favorite beach. There I said it. I got that out of the way.
31 Cool Things To Do in Anna Maria Island Florida
Anna Maria Island beach IS, though, my favorite beach. Favorite or best beach is a subjective designation and I really hope your favorite beach is different than mine. Certainly, Anna Maria Island beach may not be my favorite beach forever or even at the end of this year.
Our Anna Maria Island travel guide is based on experiences from several Anna Maria Island trips including one when Bradenton Gulf Islands tourismhosted me (and other travel writers) for a Guy’s Getaway weekend.
Getting to Anna Maria Island FL
Anna Maria Island is about a 25 minute drive from Sarasota airport (SRQ) and 75 minutes from Tampa airport (TPA). A visit to Anna Maria Island is a fantastic Tampa day trip or longer day trip from Orlando.
Check smaller airlines for nonstop flights into SRQ—like Allegiant (from Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh) and Elite Airways (from Portland Maine, White Plains New York, and Pittsburgh). Here is a convenient and useful resource list ofnonstop destinations from SRQ airport.
Three distinct towns make up Anna Maria Island (AMI): Homes Beach, Anna Maria, and Bradenton Beach.
McCool Travel tip: Getting around Anna Maria Island is easy peasy lemon squeezy on the Island Trolley. With 35 stops, there is one within a block of wherever you stay and want to go. An Anna Maria Island Trolley passes each stop every 20 minutes until 9pm and 30 minutes from 9pm to 10:30pm.
This is especially convenient for people desiring a carless vacation. Fly into Sarasota Airport, take a taxi, Uber/Lyft, or shuttle 30 minutes to AMI and then relax during your weeklong Anna Maria Island vacation.
Anna Maria Island Activities
Best Things to Do in Anna Maria Island: Sunsets on Anna Maria Island Beach
See also our articleBest Places to Watch Anna Maria Island Sunsets.
Anna Maria Island has the loveliest soft sugar white sand which can be found all along Florida’s gulf coast. The sand is cool even on scorching hot days. So nice! Recommended places to watch glorious Anna Maria Island sunsets include near the 65th Street entrance, Manatee Public Beach (directly across from the main bridge entrance to Anna Maria Island), but really any beach will do.
The remarkable US Gulf Coast sunsets are one of the best photo nature spots in Florida.
Head to Bean Point, at the top of Anna Maria Island (north end) for wider beaches, sand dunes, but also breezier winds and multi-directional currents (careful when swimming). In addition to unobstructed sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico, you can see Edgmont Key straight north and the magnificent Sunshine Skyway Bridge to the northeast.
McCool Travel tip: Turn left (south) when driving onto Anna Maria Island from the Manatee Avenue bridge and in less than one mile find a parking spot steps from the sand of Coquina Beach. Besides Coastal Mississippi, this is one of the most convenient and FREE places to visit the beach along the entire US Gulf Coast. This is one of our favorite Coastal Scenic Drives in the entire US.
Also see our favoriteFavorite South Florida Hidden Gems
Morning Beach Walks onAnna Maria Island
While sunsets are for socializing with rum drinks—oohing and aahing at the vibrant sky show—beach mornings are for early day activity. Daybreak is a nice time to say hello to temporary neighbors and commiserate about the people “back home” suffering through another harsh winter.
Anna Maria Island Fishing Excursions
Egmont Key Adventures is conveniently located across the street from the Waterline Marina in the center of the Anna Maria Island commercial district. Egmont offers offshore, nearshore, and inshore excursions. Captain Harrison took us on a half day adventure and we caught plenty of snook, pesky needlefish, redfish, and a trout or two.
McCool Travel tip: arrange for take-out sandwiches, amazing sweet treats, drinks, and sides from Scott’s Deli.
Anna Maria Island Piers
Two Anna Maria Island piers offer much different experiences. Both piers are free to stroll or fish from and free parking is nearby.
The historic Anna Maria City Pier is on the upper, northeast terminus of Pine Avenue. A gift shop and snack bar are located in the building at the end and the views of the Sunshine Skyway and Tampa Bay are phenomenal.
The historic Bradenton Beach City Pier(aka Bridge Street Pier) has a lot more activity and commerce leading into it. Excellent views here of the Cortez fishing village, Sarasota Bay, and Sarasota. Anna Maria Oyster Bar is a great restaurant on the pier, for breakfast or fresh seafood later in the day. The comfy swings at the end of the pier are a great way to spend some down time.
Hikes Near Anna Maria Island
Besides walking the seven miles of gorgeous US Gulf Coast beaches, on and between the piers, and elsewhere on the island, head east on Manatee Avenue for some really nice hiking spots.
Neal Preserve is a 120 acre wetland habitat with an observation tower. It is a fantastic spot for bird watching and sunsets.
Perico Preserve is another wetland habitat that is wonderful for bird spotting and getting away in nature. It features a nice boardwalk and observation decks.
Robinson Preserve has three separate sections. One is along the causeway (Manatee Avenue) on the east side of Perico Bayou. The other two Robinson Preserve areas can be accessed off 75th Street. The upper and largest section (off 17th Ave) has a great observation tower. The other section (off 9th Ave) has an excellent playground (The Nest), kayak storage, and excellent hiking trails.
Look for migrating wood storks in the winter and eagles all year.
Anna Maria Island Events
A great thing to do in Anna Maria Island in the winter is attend the Bradenton Blues Festival but there are hundreds of Florida Gulf Coast events year round. For a complete and current list of Anna Maria Island and Bradenton area events, check withVisit Bradenton tourism website.
Anna Maria Island Farmers Market
Visiting the farmers market is one of the top things to do in Anna Maria Island.
The AMI farmers market is a fantastic way to support local businesses while also getting fresh food or custom products. The small Anna Maria farmers market is at AMI City Pier Park every Tuesday from mid October through mid May, from 8:30am to 2pm.
There are usually several produce vendors, one or two fresh guacamole stands, a seafood vendor (with seafood salads and chowders), the local turtle rescue organization, and a few craft booths (one local artist makes jellyfish planters out of seashells).
For fresh produce and food (eggs, etc.), also try Geraldson’s Family Farm across the bridge in northwest Bradenton.
For the best places to eat in Anna Maria Island, see our favorite Anna Maria Island Restaurants.
Flyboarding in Anna Maria Island
Flying above the water was one of the coolest activities I have done. EVER! I felt like James Bond and Travis Pastrana at the same time. VisitTOP GUN Flyboardsto learn about the most fun you can have with your clothes on.
McCool Travel note: unfortunately TOP GUN Flyboards is no longer in business but check with activity desks for other Anna Maria Island adventure activities.
Things to Do in Anna Maria Island: Where to Stay AMI
The vacation rental scene dominates lodging on Anna Maria Island. That is a good thing because, as you probably know, I consider vacation rentals a better value than hotels—lower prices, more space, and better amenities.
Our Anna Maria Island vacation rental house was arranged through Island Real Estate. They manage hundreds of AMI vacation properties and the website has convenient search criteria—like gulf front, pet friendly, with pool, and specials.
Anna Maria Island rentals are also available from several other sources including
- Mike Normal Real Estate
- Sato Real Estate
- Anna Maria Vacations
- Anna Maria Island Accommodations
- AMI Locals
- Anna Maria Island Rentals
- Anna Maria Life Vacation Rentals
- Suncoast Vacation Rentals
- VRBO
- Airbnb
Some of the best Anna Maria Island hotels I want to try include Waterline Marina Resort, Anna Maria Island Inn, Rod and Reel Resort, Anna Maria Beach Resort, Bali Hai, and Bungalow Beach Resort.
Right across the bridge and located on Anna Maria Sound is One Particular Harbour, a Margaritaville residential concept. Also attached to this fun Margaritaville location is a Compass Hotel for short term stays. Fins Up!
Future Things to Do in Anna Maria Island
The US Gulf Coast Travel team has not been everywhere on AMI yet. If you know of any activity, shop, or place not mentioned, let us know.
Check out this very vibrant Facebook group all about AMI.
US Gulf Coast Travel bonus: Beer Can Island is at the northern tip of Longboat Key closest to Anna Maria Island, just a 10 minute drive from Manatee Beach. It is a fun and a great Florida hidden gem. There you can swim with dolphins and manatees.
When you drive to Anna Maria Island from Tampa area, make sure to visit the fishing piers connected to Sunshine Skyway Bridge. It costs $3.20 (per vehicle) to visit either Skyway State Fishing Pier (it is a Florida State Park).
BUT (McCoolTravel tip) you can visit both fishing piers within one hour, so do it! If you only have time to visit one, go to the north fishing pier (it is longer).
Best Anna Maria Island Restaurants
Anna Maria Island Restaurants serve the freshest Gulf seafood. We include two dozen favorite Anna Maria Island restaurants on our dedicated article.
Anna Maria Island Day Trips
Located midway between Tampa and Punta Gorda, Anna Maria Island is a magnificent Southwest Florida Gulf Coast island. Sarasota, Naples, Captiva Island, and Indian Rocks Beach are easy day trips from Anna Maria Island.
Anna Maria Island is one of our favorite Gulf Coast Spring Break Destinationsfor families.
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About Me
As an expert in travel and leisure, I have a deep understanding of various destinations and activities, including Anna Maria Island in Florida. I stay updated with the latest travel trends, events, and attractions, and I can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on firsthand experiences and extensive research. My expertise in this area allows me to offer comprehensive and accurate information to help travelers make the most of their experiences.
Anna Maria Island Concepts
Let's delve into the various concepts mentioned in the article about Anna Maria Island, Florida.
Anna Maria Island Beach: The article emphasizes the beauty and appeal of Anna Maria Island Beach, highlighting its soft sugar white sand and stunning sunsets. It also mentions specific locations such as the 65th Street entrance and Manatee Public Beach for watching glorious sunsets. The beach is described as having cool sand even on hot days, making it a delightful destination for visitors. The article also recommends Bean Point for wider beaches, sand dunes, and unobstructed sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico.
Getting to Anna Maria Island: The article provides information about the accessibility of Anna Maria Island, mentioning that it is about a 25-minute drive from Sarasota airport and 75 minutes from Tampa airport. It also suggests checking smaller airlines for nonstop flights into SRQ, such as Allegiant and Elite Airways. Additionally, it highlights the convenience of getting around the island using the Island Trolley, which has 35 stops and operates until late evening.
Activities on Anna Maria Island: The article covers a range of activities, including morning beach walks, fishing excursions, visiting piers, hiking near the island, attending local events such as the Bradenton Blues Festival, exploring the farmers market, and engaging in adventurous activities like flyboarding. It also mentions future activities to explore on the island.
Accommodations: The article discusses various lodging options on Anna Maria Island, emphasizing the dominance of vacation rentals and providing a list of rental management companies and specific properties. It also mentions some hotels and resorts on the island, including Waterline Marina Resort, Anna Maria Island Inn, and others.
Day Trips and Nearby Destinations: The article suggests that Anna Maria Island is a great base for exploring nearby destinations such as Sarasota, Naples, Captiva Island, and Indian Rocks Beach. It also mentions Beer Can Island as a nearby hidden gem and recommends visiting the fishing piers connected to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
Restaurants: The article highlights the abundance of fresh Gulf seafood served at Anna Maria Island restaurants and provides a list of favorite dining establishments.
These concepts cover the key aspects of visiting and experiencing Anna Maria Island, offering a comprehensive guide for travelers seeking to explore this beautiful destination.
