Anna Maria Island is well-known as a laid-back beach destination just south of the Tampa Bay area where families can enjoy sun-kissed days and relaxing evenings full of fabulous food, great activities, and the best in accommodations. We’ve gathered some of the best things to do plus a couple of tips to help make your vacation in Anna Maria Island one for the books!
Beach Hopping
Some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches are located on Anna Maria Island. Take Coquina Beach for example. It’s 22 acres of public beach with piercing blue waters to juxtapose the sandy shores. You’ll find plenty of space to do your own thing and there are also restrooms, a café, picnic tables and a souvenir shop. Many vacationers enjoy swimming here, as well as snorkeling, while others may be happiest searching for the perfect seashell.
Cortez Beach is close to Bridge Street so perhaps pairing some beach time with shopping is a good idea. Surfers love the waters at Cortez Beach where often the best waves on the island can be found. There are piers for fishing, and you always have sunbathing as an option.
The name alone will bring you to visit Manatee Beach where families can find plenty to do or do nothing at all. This particular beach is wider and there are lifeguards typically on duty. Join in a game of beach volleyball, read a book, or build a sandcastle. Food is nearby at Anna Maria Island Beach Café, so no worries!
Sunset chasers often head to Bean Point at the northern end of the island for end-of-the-day relaxing and postcard-worthy sunset pictures. It’s less crowded at Bean Point, named for the island’s first resident, George Bean. There are no facilities here and most visitors walk or cycle over from Manatee Beach.
Bradenton Beach, home to Beach House Restaurant, offers many reasons to score a visit from vacationers. In addition to the lovely beach, there are dining options and shopping in close proximity. This is an ideal beach for kayaks and paddle boards which can be rented nearby at Beach Bums.
Watersports in Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island offers lots of ways to connect to the water, so naturally watersports are popular. Spend your days paddle boarding, jet skiing, fishing, sailing, parasailing, or taking a romantic sunset cruise. There are many places across the island that offer these services and also rent appropriate equipment.
No matter your age, places like Happy Paddler can lead you on an awesome adventure kayaking the mangroves. Robinson Preserve is an excellent choice for a Mangrove Kayak Tour and your guide will be able to explain the mangrove history here as you wind through nooks and crannies offering a glimpse at old coastal Florida before development began in the 1950s. You’ll likely see ospreys, eagles, white pelicans, dolphins, and a whole bunch of other wildlife. Climb the observation tower for exceptional views or take a hike on any one of the many trails.
Anna Maria Island’s Kid-Friendly Fun
What kid (big or small) doesn’t like mini golf? The Fish Hole is a miniature golf course with special attractions such as cool misters for hot summer days, a 3000-gallon pond filled with koi fish and native Florida plants! Bradenton Beach and Lakewood Ranch are the two locations, and coupons are available online at The Fish Hole.
TreeUmph! Adventure Course offers fun for ages 7 and up with 10 football fields of challenging terrain and other fun! Spend your day playing in the trees, ziplining, climbing a rock wall or working your way through many more obstacles.
Learn secrets of the sea revealed through touch pools, labs and interactive exhibits featuring the world-renowned research of Mote Marine Laboratory. This site offers a look at more than 100 species of marine life including sharks, manatees and sea turtles.
Visit Snooty, the oldest known manatee in the world, at the Parker Manatee Aquarium and learn more about this specially designed facility that holds almost 60,000 gallons of water and includes a medical pool for critical care and rehabilitation. Part of the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, visitors also have access to the Planetarium, the Mosaic Backyard Universe plus many temporary exhibits.
Shopping
For serious shoppers looking for the hottest spot to shop, you just might find it in Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria Island’s southernmost city. Check out Historic Bridge Street where a current-day fishing pier replaces the original wooden bridge that once represented sole access to the island. Bridge Street is shopper-friendly (walkable) with amazing water views from the pier and the beach. Shopping includes fine art galleries, local artisans, home décor, boutiques, jewelry, beach items and, of course, souvenirs. Aside from shopping, there are fantastic restaurants and entertainment. Use the free Island Trolley to be dropped off at “Anna Maria’s Hot Spot.”
Pine Avenue offers specialty shops, boutiques, restaurants, unique art and souvenirs on a revitalized main street stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the Historic City Pier. This area is also known for its “Green” construction.
Don’t miss award-winning St. Armands Circle with more than 140 boutiques, specialty shops, restaurants, salons and spas along with an array of special events annually. While you’re there, visit Stroll the Circus Ring of Fame — a sidewalk of circus stars. There’s so much to see and do that one day may not be enough.
If you are visiting the Mall at University Town Center and you are from over 50 miles away, be sure and grab a Passport to Shopping (available at the Customer Service desk on the Lower Level near Grand Court) to take advantage of discounts and special offers from dozens of retailers. Here you’ll find your favorite brand stores like Ann Taylor, Athleta, Anthropologie, Chico’s, Crate & Barrel, Free People, H&M and many more!
Useful Tips for Visitors
Use the free Island Trolley to safely navigate the seven-mile-long island. It runs daily from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and there’s a free app available to make keeping up with schedules and stops easy breezy.
Don’t sleep on choosing your accommodations. You really need to book that first so you can secure the perfect vacation rental for your family. A good night’s rest is paramount to a good vacation. Find yours at Beach Retreats Vacation Rentals!