10 Best Things to Do On Anna Maria Island
If you’re looking for the best things to do on Anna Maria Island, Florida, you don’t need to look any further. Anna Maria Island is a barrier island off Florida’s Manatee County coast. Anna Maria Island, at the southern mouth of Tumba Bay, has two neighboring islands: Key Royale and Longboat Key.
The city of Anna Maria can be found in the northern part of the island, Holmes Beach in the middle, and Bradenton Beach in the southern region. Located on the opposite side of Tampa Bay and about an hour’s drive south of the city, it is easily accessible.
The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1949, following the post-World War II building boom that saw the Island develop into a successful trio of independent municipalities: Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach. Almost 600 people are currently a part of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, which is vital to boosting regional tourism and small businesses.
Anna Maria Island is a heaven for sunshine, relaxation, and beach enthusiasts. A charming town with beautiful scenery that offers many exciting activities, including beaches with white powdery sand and turquoise waters, fantastic restaurants, anna maria island hotels, and loads of other things to do. The laid-back and natural atmosphere of Anna Maria Island awaits you just 20 minutes from Bradenton.
1. Here Are 9 Best Things to Do on Anna Maria Island
This Florida island will leave you speechless with its quaint little high-rise condos and towns, picture-perfect houses, and beaches. Because there are so many things to do on Anna Maria Island, you won’t get bored.
There are countless entertaining activities on Anna Maria Island, whether you want to unwind on the beach, go fishing, see dolphins, or eat delectable seafood at one of the oldest fishing villages on the east coast.
There are many activities on Anna Maria Island, including having fun and going on adventures. Anna Maria Island Vacation Rental is the ideal place to unwind and get away from the stresses of everyday life.
1.1. Historic Bridge Street
Historic Bridge Street is a great monument and is among the top things to do on Anna Maria Island. Visiting Historic Bridge Street is consistently ranked as one of the most enjoyable on Anna Maria Island. If you want to go shopping while exploring the island, head to historic Bridge Street. Historic Bridge Street is located at Bradenton Beach, at the southernmost tip of Anna Maria Island.
Bradenton Beach Locals Call This Region “Anna Maria’s Hot Spot.”
The Bridge Street Pier, sometimes called the Old Bridge Street Pier, is a famous monument and pier built in the early 1900s. Visiting Bridge Street Pier is one of the top best things to do on Anna Maria Island sightseeing trip.
There are many things to do and see on the historic commercial street. There are distinctive boutiques, gift stores, and art galleries.
You can also eat at one of the numerous locally-owned restaurants on the road while you’re there. Plenty of seafood restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, Flip Flop Candy Shop – sweets, flip flops, and various other exciting items and bakeries. Anna Maria may have a small number of restaurants, but the ones it does have are of exceptional quality.
1.2. Coquina Beach
Another best thing to do on Anna Maria Island is to explore Coquina Beach. Coquina Beach, located near Anna Maria Island, is often considered among the most beautiful beaches in Southwest Florida.
Where is it Located?
It may be found at 2650 Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach. The lovely public beach is 22 acres in size. Manatee Public Beach, Bayfront Park, and Coquina Beach are the island’s three primary public beaches, all offering first-rate facilities.
So that everyone can enjoy a pleasant swim in the crystalline blue waters, there are restrooms, showers, picnic tables, pavilions, and even grills, all of which are available to guests. Visiting the beach on Anna Maria Island is fantastic for families.
1.3. Holmes Beach
Holmes Beach is the crown jewel of this barrier historic island, boasting beautiful beaches and a wide variety of exciting shops and restaurants. The sand is very soft; you can hear the sounds of the waves, gather some shelves, go for a run or stroll, and enjoy amazing sunrises and sunsets. Thus, it is another best things to do on Anna Maria Island.
What is Holmes Beach Known For?
Holmes Beach is known for its outstanding restaurants, lovely beaches, and availability of water sports. Holmes Beach is the ideal getaway for the whole family, offering a small-town vibe and a ton of activities. Manatee Public Beach is the most well-known beach, thus, you must undoubtedly go there.
There is a playground for the kids, grills and picnic tables for eating lunch by the water, and public facilities and showers. Holmes Beach is less crowded, especially during the week. During the week, when most people work, Holmes Beach is much quieter than other nearby beaches.
When it comes to surfing, Holmes Beach is the place to go. Those staying in adjacent apartments and other short-term rentals most use the beach. There is a limited number of parking spaces available near holmes beach. Browse through our available Holmes Beach vacation rentals and make your reservation right away.
1.4. Bradenton Beach City Pier
The Bradenton Beach City Pier, which is located on the shores of Sarasota Bay, is a popular destination for visitors from all over the world. It is also known as one of the best places in the world to go fishing.
This crowded pier is the ideal destination for you to visit if fishing is one of your favorite hobbies and past times. Visiting this place is one of the top things to do on Anna Maria Island.
Why You Should Visit This Area?
You may fish at several locations across this area, and there is also a restaurant on the premises and other amenities. Getting to and near well-known sites, stunning beaches, and public transit is convenient.
You may have a great time fishing at Bradenton Beach City Pier when the weather is fine, and the sky is clear. It is also the ideal spot to put your feet up while admiring the numerous boats passing by and the breathtaking views of the bay.
At its restaurant, guests may enjoy some of the freshest and tastiest seafood delicacies, such as oysters and a frosty pint of their favorite beer.
1.5. Manatee Beach
Visiting Manatee Beach is another place to visit and the best things to do on Anna Maria Island. Manatee Beach on Anna Maria Island is a favorite among visitors because of its convenient parking and proximity to various services and attractions like a volleyball court, eateries, and lifeguards.
Why You Should Visit This Beach?
Because even if you are not staying at Manatee Beach, you can ride the complimentary free trolley all day to get from one end of the island to the other. If you plan to stay out later than the train service ends or if you have a larger group that can fit into one of their vehicles, the Monkey Bus is an excellent alternative for you to consider. The monkey bus runs for free, and the drivers only accept tips.
1.6. Anna Maria City Pier
Anna Maria City Pier was constructed in the early 20th century, and it has since become an island landmark. You’ll see that the pier is quite distinctive because each of its boards is inscribed with tributes to friends, family, and loved ones. Visiting this place is among one the best things to do on Anna Maria Island.
Why Should You Visit This Anna Maria City Pier?
You may have an ice cream cone from Two Scoops, located across the street, and then take a walk down the pier while exploring the area—a fantastic spot for fishing and observing the marine life of Tampa Bay.
The restaurant offers mouthwatering locally caught fish at affordable costs, breathtaking ocean views, and sunsets. If you are an enthusiast of Marine Animals then Anna Maria City Pier is one of the top things to do on Anna Maria Island.
1.7. Pine Avenue
One of the best things to do on Anna Maria Island is to visit Pine Avenue. Pine Avenue has shops, the beach, and restaurants, all within a mile of each other.
Why You Should Go to This Place?
You may buy clothing and jewelry here, grab a quick snack at Poppo’s Taqueria for real Tex-Mex food and try the world-famous donut at the Donut Experiment.
Pine Avenue also contains a lot of well-known attractions. See some of Anna Maria Island’s landmarks on Pine Avenue. They are among the most popular tourist destinations on the island’s picturesque and walkable areas.
If you have a Focus on the street’s food and shop, then Pine Avenue is one of the best things to do on Anna Maria Island.
1.8. Cortez Beach
Let us talk about another best things to do on Anna Maria Island, which is to explore Cortez Beach. Cortez Beach is one of the busiest beaches close to Anna Maria Island.
Why Visit This Beach?
Although there are only 140 feet of “undeveloped beach” at this beach, it is undoubtedly one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. The beach provides parking open from 7 am to 10 pm. It is free because it is a public beach, although parking could cost money.
The sand and water at Cortez Beach make it a popular destination for both tourists and residents. It boasts lovely light sand and azure waves and is kept clean and rarely busy. This is a fantastic choice if you’re seeking exciting family activities on Anna Maria Island and opportunities to learn more about the region.
1.9. Bean Point Beach
Another best things to do on Anna Maria Island is to visit Bean Point Beach. Bean Point Beach is one of the most incredible beaches in the Anna Maria Island area, and it’s a hidden gem among locals. The location of Bean Point Beach is a secret as well. No significant signs are directing you.
It would be best if you instead went on North Bay Blvd. and headed in the direction that is to the north of the Anna Maria City Pier. You may discover the entrance to the lovely beach at a crossroads.
Why This Place is a Must Visit?
A stunning Florida sunset can also be seen from the beach, making it one of the state’s most popular tourist destinations. While there, you can also enjoy the abundance of local wildlife. If you are looking for a romantic thing to do on Anna Maria Island, packing a picnic to watch the sunset on this beach is a great option to consider. The beach is relatively peaceful.
2. Conclusion
Thank you for reading this article. Hope you found this article helpful. It is a charming little place with many fascinating best things to do on Anna Maria Island. Through its museums, recreational spaces, Beaches, various wines, and antique shops, Anna Maria Island blends the spirit of discovery with historical legacy in our list of 9 best things to do on Anna Maria Island.
Anna Maria Island, Florida, is one of the best places in the world to spend a vacation or a fantastic weekend away. This is the ideal stop throughout your day tours on Anna Maria Island because of the breathtaking scenery and endless outdoor activities.
Enjoy these beautiful sights of the best things to do on Anna Maria Island on your upcoming vacation.
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