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Dreaming of laid-back beaches and Old Florida charm? Head to Anna Maria Island! This barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast offers sugar-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a throwback, small-town vibe. Whether you're biking pastel-lined streets or savoring sunset seafood, Anna Maria Island is a blissfully relaxed escape.

Anna Maria Island, FL Highlights:

  • Bean Point Beach: Find secluded white sands and stunning sunsets at the island’s northern tip.
  • Anna Maria City Pier: Stroll this historic 1911 pier and watch pelicans, dolphins, and fishermen at work.
  • Coquina Beach: Lounge under Australian pines, picnic, or visit the weekly beach market.
  • Pine Avenue: Shop local boutiques, art galleries, and eateries along this charming “greenest little Main Street in America.”
  • Rod and Reel Pier: Classic Old Florida fishing pier with a laid-back restaurant perched above the water.

Best Time to Visit Anna Maria Island, FL

The best time to visit Anna Maria Island is during the spring and fall (March–May and September–November), when temperatures are warm, beaches are less crowded, and accommodation prices are lower. Winter is popular too for mild weather, while summer offers vibrant beach life despite occasional rain.

How to Get to Anna Maria Island, FL

  • If you are traveling by car: Anna Maria Island is accessible via State Road 64 and State Road 684, about 1 hour south of Tampa and 30 minutes west of Bradenton.
  • By Air: Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is the closest airport (about 30 minutes away). Tampa International Airport (TPA) is another major option about 1–1.5 hours away.
  • By Trolley: Once on the island, hop aboard the free Anna Maria Island Trolley to get around without a car.

Where to Stay in Anna Maria Island, FL

  • Anna Maria Beach Resort – Upscale beachfront property with luxury rooms, stunning pool, and direct beach access.
  • Tradewinds Beach Resort – Quaint colorful cottages steps from both bay and Gulf beaches.
  • Waterline Villas & Marina – Elegant condo-style suites with resort amenities and a prime location in Holmes Beach.

Best Things to Do in Anna Maria Island, FL

1. Bean Point

Bean Point

© Olivier JULLY/stock.adobe.com

  • What is Bean Point?
    • Bean Point is a historic site that preserves the former homestead of George Emerson Bean, the founder of Anna Maria Island.
  • Who was George Emerson Bean?
    • George Emerson Bean established his 160-acre estate at Bean Point in 1892. He was responsible for developing many of the city's homes, businesses, and streets and is recognized as the founder of its water system.
  • Why is Bean Point a popular attraction?
    • Bean Point is known as one of the island’s most beautiful, scenic, and secluded private beachfront areas, offering an alternative to more crowded public beaches on the island.
  • What activities can visitors enjoy at Bean Point?
    • Visitors can explore the beautiful beachfront scenery, enjoy nature photography, and spot native wildlife, including marine life.
  • Are there parking facilities at Bean Point?
    • No designated parking lot facilities are available. However, limited street parking can be found nearby on Jacaranda Road and Fern Street.

2. Coquina Baywalk

Coquina Baywalk

© Inolas/stock.adobe.com

  • What is Coquina Baywalk?
    • Coquina Baywalk is one of the top free attractions in the Bradenton Beach region, located along the southern end of Anna Maria Island at Leffis Key.
  • What does Coquina Baywalk protect?
    • The baywalk nature preserve protects 30 acres of restored natural habitat at Leffis Key, offering visitors a chance to explore the area via a mile-long wooden boardwalk.
  • What is the history of habitat restoration at Leffis Key?
    • The native Floridian wildlife habitat was damaged due to dredging of the Intracoastal Waterways in the mid-20th century, which led to the invasion of non-native species and seagrass bed destruction.
    • Since the 1980s, efforts have successfully restored wetlands, mangroves, and seagrass areas, creating a safe habitat for local wildlife.
  • What wildlife can be seen at Coquina Baywalk?
    • Visitors may spot crabs, hawks, stingrays, herons, egrets, and pelicans within the protected habitat.
  • What native plant species are found in the area?
    • Native plant species include Jamaican dogwood, sea oats, southern red cedars, and dune sunflowers.
  • Are there educational resources along the baywalk?
    • Yes, interpretive signs along the baywalk provide details about the local flora and fauna found in the habitat.

2651 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

3. Anna Maria Island Historical Museum

Anna Maria Island Historical Museum

© Anna Maria Island Historical Museum

  • What is the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum?
  • When did the museum open?
    • The museum opened to the public in 1992 under the operation of the Anna Maria Historical Society.
  • Is there an admission fee?
    • No, the museum is free to the public year-round, except for its closure during September.
  • What exhibits are featured at the museum?
    • Exhibits include a recreation of a 1920s-era jail, which serves as a unique photo opportunity.
    • Other collections showcase artifacts related to the island’s history as an indigenous fishing camp, a baseball player wintering site, and information about its native plant life.
  • Are there activities for children?
    • Yes, the museum offers scavenger hunt packets to entertain young visitors as they search for unique artifacts in the exhibits.
  • Where is the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum located?
    • 402 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216
      Phone: 941-778-0492

4. Island Players Community Theatre

Island Players Community Theatre

© Island Players Community Theatre

  • What is the Island Players Community Theatre?
    • The Island Players Community Theatre is Manatee County's oldest community theater organization, originally founded and opened to the public on Anna Maria Island in 1949.
  • Where is the theater housed?
    • The theater is located within the converted family home of William H. Gillette, originally built around 1912. Over the years, the building has also served as a church, school classroom, and tourist information center.
  • When was the building renovated?
    • In the mid-1970s, the theater acquired the historic landmark building and completed major renovations to bring it up to current code conditions.
  • What types of performances are held at the theater?
    • The theater presents five annual theatrical productions, featuring Broadway-style musicals, dramas, and comedies.
  • Is the theater involved in any local arts events?
    • Yes, one annual production is showcased as part of the island's artsHOP celebration.
  • Where is the Island Players Community Theatre located?
    • 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, Florida 34216
      Phone: 941-778-5755

5. Anna Maria Historic Green Village

Anna Maria Historic Green Village

© Anna Maria Historic Green Village

  • What is the Anna Maria Historic Green Village?
  • What makes the Historic Green Village unique?
    • It is one of fewer than 100 locations worldwide to have achieved the prestigious Platinum LEED certification, the highest possible environmentally-friendly certification for modern buildings and community areas.
  • Where is the Historic Green Village located?
    • The village is situated on the city's main street, Pine Avenue, in the heart of historic Anna Maria.
  • What historic buildings are part of the village?
    • Notable historic buildings within the district include:
      • Rosedale Cottage
      • Sears Cottage
      • Pilsbury Home
      • Thelma By the Sea
  • What attractions are available at the Historic Green Village?
    • The village is home to various attractions, including:
      • An art gallery
      • A village bakery
      • A fishing and kayaking outfitters store
      • A performance apparel retailer

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

6. The Center of Anna Maria Island

The Center of Anna Maria Island

© The Center of Anna Maria Island

  • What is The Center of Anna Maria Island?
    • The Center of Anna Maria Island is a nonprofit community center located in the island's historic downtown district, offering recreational and educational programs for visitors and residents of all ages.
  • What services does the center provide?
    • The center functions as a youth/teen center, senior center, fitness center, and recreational center. It also serves as a disaster shelter during hurricanes.
  • What types of fitness and wellness programs are available?
    • The center offers a variety of fitness and wellness classes, including:
      • Yoga
      • Pilates
      • Tai chi
      • Cycling
      • Meditation
  • Are there sports facilities available?
    • Yes, visitors can use tennis and pickleball courts as well as multipurpose outdoor sporting courts.
  • What children's programs are offered?
    • The center provides theater, music, art, and sports camps, along with after-school programs.
  • What adult and senior programs are available?
    • Adults and seniors can participate in ballet, karate, and courses through the Lifelong Learning Academy.
  • What annual public events does the center host?
    • The center hosts several annual events, including:
      • A golf tournament
      • A family fun day
      • A murder mystery performance

407 Magnolia Avenue, PO Box 253, Anna Maria, FL 34216, Phone: 941-778-1908

7. AMI Charters

AMI Charters

© batuhan toker/stock.adobe.com

  • What is AMI Charters?
    • AMI Charters offers a variety of private fishing and boating charters, owned and operated by regional resident Captain Scott.
  • What types of fishing excursions are available?
    • The company offers half-day, three-quarter-day, and full-day fishing excursions for inshore and nearshore fishing.
    • Deep sea fishing trips are also available for half-day and three-quarter-day excursions.
  • What fish species can be caught on inshore and nearshore trips?
    • Participants may catch species such as pompano, trout, redfish, tarpon, snook, and a variety of shark species.
  • What fish species can be caught on deep sea fishing trips?
    • Deep sea fishing excursions offer opportunities to catch hogfish, grouper, snapper, and kingfish.
  • Are there other tour options available?
    • Yes, AMI Charters also offers:
      • A nighttime dock light fly fishing trip
      • Family eco-tours
      • Sunset cruises
  • Are the charters safe and reliable?
    • Yes, all charters are operated on clean, well-maintained, safety-inspected boats, led by a licensed and insured captain.
  • How can I contact AMI Charters?
    • Phone: 941-348-2035

8. Salty Buddha Paddle and Yoga Co.

Salty Buddha Paddle and Yoga Co.

© serguastock/stock.adobe.com

  • What is Salty Buddha Paddle and Yoga Co.?
  • What type of paddleboarding courses are offered?
    • The company specializes in stand-up paddleboard yoga, practiced in calm waters when wind conditions are safe and sheltered.
  • Is paddleboard yoga difficult for beginners?
    • Many participants find stand-up paddleboard yoga surprisingly easy to balance on the water, making it accessible for beginners.
  • What equipment is used for paddleboard yoga?
    • The company owns a fleet of Glide Lotus yoga paddleboards, specifically designed for stability and balance during yoga practice.
  • Are there different types of yoga classes available?
    • Yes, in addition to weekly paddleboard yoga courses, the company offers a monthly sunset yoga class and children's paddling camps.
  • Does Salty Buddha have an indoor yoga studio?
    • Yes, the company features an indoor yoga studio with intimate lighting and a Himalayan salt wall to create a calming ambiance for traditional yoga classes.

9. Ginny's and Jane E's Cafe and Coastal Store

Ginny's and Jane E's Cafe and Coastal Store

© Ginny's and Jane E's Cafe and Coastal Store

  • What is Ginny's and Jane E's Cafe and Coastal Store?
  • What kind of unique goods does the store sell?
    • The store offers a variety of local art pieces, antiques, home goods, including furniture, lamps, and handmade beach jewelry.
    • Travelers can also find one-of-a-kind island postcards.
  • Are beach supplies available for purchase?
    • Yes, the store sells suntan lotion, flip-flops, sunglasses, and other beach essentials.
  • What kind of coffee and beverages are served?
    • The cafe offers a variety of espresso-based drinks, including:
      • Lattes
      • Cappuccinos
      • Italian-style macchiatos
      Customers can choose from different milk and flavor options.
    • Hot teas, smoothies, and cold drinks are also available.
  • What food options are available?
    • The cafe serves decadent baked goods and muffins daily.
    • For lunch and dinner, diners can choose from sandwiches, salads, and sides like fries or chips.
  • Where is Ginny's and Jane E's Cafe and Coastal Store located?
    • 9807 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216
      Phone: 941-778-3170

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