Anna Maria Island Florida Travel Guide

Anna Maria Island Florida

Explore the Seven Mile Paradise that is Anna Maria Island, Florida (AMI). This seven-mile barrier island on the gulf coast of Florida in Manatee County will give you that ‘old Florida’ feel and island vibes. This island has soft, white-sand beaches, waterfront restaurants, fresh seafood, and scenic views This laid-back charming paradise can make you relax and escape your bustling life for a bit. Whether you are here for thrilling water activities or just want to enjoy nature, AMI has you covered!

Located less than two hours from Orlando and Walt Disney area, an hour from the Tampa Bay area, and 30 minutes from Sarasota and Siesta Key, Anna Maria Island has been called a "Hidden Gem" for those who discovered this island getaway. A perfect piece of Florida for your next beach vacation adventure. Explore the many award winning cafes and restaurants, all within biking or walking distance. Rest, relax, repeat, and enjoy the wildlife including sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and birds ranging from the wild parrots, cranes, herons to the sandpipers. 

Unlike the high-rise havoc of Miami or Orlando’s theme-park frenzy, AMI (as locals call it) preserves “Old Florida” with sugar-white beaches, turquoise waters, and a ban on chain restaurants and skyscrapers. For vacationers seeking a rental whether it be a beachfront bungalow or a canal-side villa, this island delivers intimacy and authenticity. Spanning three communities (Anna Maria in the north, Holmes Beach in the center, Bradenton Beach in the south), it’s compact yet brimming with experiences. This guide dives into the island’s top activities, culinary scene, hidden gems, must-see attractions, and practical tips, ensuring you’re ready to soak up every moment.

---

Book Direct with an Anna Maria Rental Manager to Save on Fees and Experience Better Service!

*** BOOK DIRECT with a professional Anna Maria Island Vacation Rental Management Company and dream the night away.  When you book directly with a Vacation Rental Manager you can avoid extra "renter fees" that increase the cost of your vacation. In addition, you are provided with local hospitality services by a professional company that is located in your vacation destination.  Receive more Service and Savings, and Book with Confidence from these Property Management Companies.  Local hospitality, more services, and the very best in rates and availability with properties that are safe for you and your family. 

 

Things To Do in and around Anna Maria Island, Florida

Bradenton Beach Marina

Are you in for some fun water activities and adventure? Think no more! Head straight to the Bradenton Beach Marina. They have all the watersports activities you can think of. Do you want to spend your next 90 minutes riding Anna Maria’s paddle whale steamboat? How about a dolphin tour? Do you want to ride a jetski or motorized boat like a pontoon? Maybe you want to go parasailing. Name it. Bradenton Beach Marina has it all. They also have paddle boats and kayaks to rent. If you want to do the land tour instead, they also have segways.

The Bradenton Beach Marina is perfect for both boating adventures and relaxing getaways. The marina offers ample parking, scenic views, and easy access by car or boat. Enjoy a full-service fuel dock, modern restrooms, and a well-stocked ship's store. Rent speedboats or pontoons, or join a sunset cruise for breathtaking views. Fishing charters provide everything you need for a day on the water. Don't miss the nearby charming Historic Bridge Street and vibrant Coquina Beach Park. Discover more about the unique experiences that make this marina a must-visit destination.

Coquina Beach Market

Shop till you drop at Anna Maria Island Coquina Beach Market! You’ll find tons of foods, local dishes, fresh produce and a lot of goods an average tourist could imagine. If you want to bring home something that will give you that Floridian feel, there are a lot of unique arts and crafts by local artists and vendors to choose from. 

Unfortunately, it is only open twice a week. It is open Sunday and Wednesday from December to March and Wednesday and Friday from April to July. In November, it is only open on Sundays. Please note that dogs are not allowed on Anna Maria Island Coquina Beach Market.

Robinson Preserve in nearby Bradenton Florida

Nestled in the heart of Bradenton, Florida, and perfectly located near Anna Maria Island, the Robinson Preserve is a hidden gem for those seeking a tranquil escape into nature. Spanning over 487 acres, this stunning preserve offers a diverse range of ecosystems, including marshland, mangroves, and densely forested areas. Trails, kayak launches and a 53 foot observation tower!

Whether you're a birdwatcher, a hiker, kayaker, or simply someone looking for some peace and quiet, Robinson Preserve promises an unforgettable experience. As you traverse the well-maintained trails, you'll be welcomed by an ever-changing landscape that presents an opportunity to witness the enchanting beauty of Florida's flora and fauna up close.

Bean Point Beach

You'll find Bean Point Beach at the northern tip of Anna Maria Island, where soft white sands meet gentle sea breezes. Parking is a bit limited, but the short walk through picturesque paths is worth it. This tranquil spot is perfect for sunbathing, shell collecting, and birdwatching, amid lush native plants. It's a photographer's dream, especially during the golden hours. Fall and spring are ideal for fewer crowds and vibrant nature. Nearby amenities include delightful restaurants and convenient facilities. If you want to uncover more hidden gems and tips, keep exploring.

Bean Point Beach was named after its first permanent resident, George Emerson Bean. Located at the northern end of Anna Maria Island, this unspoiled beach is perfect for people who want to escape the crowd. Not so many tourists are visiting this area making it relatively untouched. 

The beach is an incredible location for walking or birdwatching as you can see native species and migrating varieties of birds. It also offers a view of the sunshine skyway bridge and the Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge.

 

 

Historic Bridge Street Pier

Your AMI tour will not be complete without the ‘Old Florida’ feel at the Historic Bridge Street Pier. This wooden bridge was built in 1922 originally as access to Cortez Beach. But in the late 1960s, the drawbridge was built which ended the use of the wooden bridge. It was then converted into a pier to encourage visitors and foster a sense of community on the island.

In 2012, this wooden bridge was hit by Hurricane Sandy which affected local businesses. The pier was opened again on the year 2015 after a year of reconstruction and is now bustling with tourists. It is worth spending a few hours walking on the bridge street pier and enjoying the beautiful scenery. This historic bridge will give you that “old Florida” feel.

Leffis Key Preserve

Located on the east side of Coquina Beach, Leffis Key Preserve offers a beautiful panoramic view of the bay. Leffis Key Preserve (2350 Gulf Dr. S., Bradenton Beach) is a 40-acre sanctuary with boardwalks through mangroves, free, quiet, and prime for birdwatching (bring binoculars for roseate spoonbills). Enjoy nature and walk through the mangroves of Leffis Key Preserve, it has 1,500 feet of boardwalks. The 26-foot high man-made hill which is one feature that every visitor love allows you to see the amazing 360-degree view of the Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

What are the other things to do in Leffis Key Preserve? You can also partake in their environmental education, managed fishing and wildlife viewing. You can also explore the outside of Leffis Key by riding on a kayak and get a different view of this park which is amazing.

The Artists Guild Gallery

The Artists Guild Gallery of Anna Maria Island in Holmes Beach, FL, is an essential hub for the local arts scene. Since the early 1990s, it's offered an inclusive environment that nurtures creativity and collaboration. The gallery showcases a rotating array of artists, ensuring fresh experiences with every visit. Meticulously curated exhibitions and lively opening receptions create dynamic cultural interactions. Workshops are structured yet flexible, enhancing artistic skills under expert guidance. Membership provides meaningful networking and professional growth opportunities. Additionally, a diverse range of items in the gallery store celebrates local artistry. To discover more about its impact and future plans, keep exploring.

Anna Maria Island Historical Museum and Park

Located at 402 Pine Avenue in the town of Anna Maria on the island. The museum and park has the museum and gift shop, the old city jail, belle haven cottage, and the mangrove walk. All a short and easy walking distance of each other.

Historic Pine Avenue is a recently restored downtown area featuring cottages dating to the early 1900s and many shops and restaurants. Food, drinks, and places to cool off in the summer are readily available and in short walking distance from the museum. The museum offers free entry (donations welcome) to exhibits on Native Timucuan tribes and 1920s settlers, open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit the Anna Maria Island Historic Society for more information.

 

 

Dining and Drinks on Anna Maria Island

You will never go hungry on Anna Maria Island as there are a lot of dining and drinking options to choose from. You can best describe the culinary scene as Fresh, Local, and Unforgettable! AMI’s food scene is a love letter to Gulf seafood, southern comfort, and beachside ease, no chains allowed. Seafood dominates, but variety abounds. Here are some at the top of our list:

Sandbar Seafood & Spirits

Ginny’s and Jane E’s

The Ugly Groupe

The Feast

Beach Bistro

Anna Maria Island Creamery and Bakery

Hurricane Hanks

Coffee lovers flock to Back Alley Treasures

Family’s Favorite - Ugly Grouper

Order the Tastiest Oysters - Anna Maria Oyster Bar

The Donut Experiment 

Bortell’s Lounge 

Bayfront Park 

Map of Anna Maria Island Florida

Additional Anna Maria Island Articles

---