Things to Do on Anna Maria Island

If you are wondering about what are the top and best things to do on Anna Maria Island, you are in the correct place. Here in this article, we will discuss all the best things that you can do while on Anna Maria Island.

For those who enjoy the sun, fun, and beach, Anna Maria Island is a paradise. It is separated into three cities: Bradenton Beach in the south, Holmes Beach in the middle, and Anna Maria Island in the very north end. It is situated on Florida’s Central Gulf Coast, on the western side.

Tampa Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, Cortez Beach, and the Intracoastal Waterway all encircle Anna Maria Island. There are many things to do on Anna Maria Island, including having fun and being adventurous, as well as enjoying the island’s best beaches.

You can enjoy a sunrise at Tampa Bay and a picture-perfect Florida sunset over the bay and the Gulf of Mexico all in one day.

Anna Maria Island, or simply “The Island,” as the locals refer to it, is an intriguing small town that preserves the finest of Old Florida, with classic cottages, a lack of chain restaurants, and the laid-back island attitude to life that is unique to this area. The top things in Anna Maria Island are listed here for your convenience.

Best Things to Do on Anna Maria Island

Below is the list of the best activities and things to do on Anna Maria Island. You are going to have a wonderful day, and it is a wonderful beach destination where you can rest.

Whether it’s a family vacation or just a weekend away, you will fall in love with Anna Maria Island. So, without further ado, let us discuss the best things to do on Anna Maria Island:

1. Visit the Coquina Beach

Coquina Beach is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful beaches in Southwest Florida, and it is also among the top beaches in the area that are located close to Anna Maria Island.

The stunning stretch of sand at Coquina Beach is open to the public and spans over 22 acres. So, everybody and everyone is welcome to visit and take a pleasant swim in the clear blue waters. It is at the southernmost point of Anna Maria Island.

The presence of a variety of extra amenities at Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island is largely responsible for the beach’s widespread fame.

The beach on Anna Maria Island provides a tonne of other attractions in addition to lots of area for swimming and sunbathing. Also, there are gift shops, beach cafes, areas for outdoor activities, and changing cabanas.

Don’t worry if you intend to spend the full day at the beach. There are restrooms, showers, pavilions, grills, and picnic tables. Visiting the beach on Anna Maria Island in summer is fantastic for families.

2. Relax at The Bean Point Beach

The crystal clear waves of the Atlantic Ocean and the powdery, white sands at Bean Point make this one of the most exclusive and exclusive private beach sites on the entire Anna Maria Island. It was formerly a well-kept island secret but is now a popular summer destination.

At Bean Point, you may witness a tonne of native animals and tour landmarks honoring the island’s founder, George Emerson Bean, such as his former homestead.

This private beach at Anna Maria Island is quite remote and has no parking, lifeguards, or other amenities, yet it is accessible by strollable streets and avenues.

3. Explore Through Anna Maria Jail

The Anna Maria Jail is a museum housed in a building that was once an icehouse and the city’s first jail. It presently has dozens of local history displays.

It is one of the most well-liked sites on Anna Maria Island and is easily reachable by taking a free tramway from your resort or strolling down Pine Avenue.

The displays here show visitors how the area got its start in 1893 and developed over time into the thriving tourist destination it is today.

4. Relax at The Holmes Beach

The fact that Holmes Beach is both a city and a beach, with a variety of things to do at the beach and in the city, as well as other amenities, has made it a well-liked vacation rental spot for families.

Also, visiting and relaxing at Holmes Beach is considered one of the best things to do in Anna Maria Island. Over the years, the Holmes Beach city and hotel, which is located in the middle of the island, has been the residence of famous authors, speed skaters, musicians, and baseball players.

Holmes Beach is numerous options to go swimming, relax in the sun, and build sandcastles with the kids along the long stretch of soft, clean white sand and turquoise seas along the Gulf of Mexico.

In Holmes Beach, you can find all the dining, shopping, and entertainment you want when you’re ready to get away from the heat. Thus, all these activities make Holmes Beach one of the best places to visit on Anna Maria Island.

5. Go For Shopping At Pine Avenue

Pine Avenue is a popular destination for tourists visiting Anna Maria Island because it has a wide variety of restaurants, jewelry stores, boutiques, art galleries, gift shops, and entertainment options.

The street is convenient to the beachfront community because it is close to Bayfront Park and the municipal pier.

There are many bakeries and dessert stores along this pedestrian-friendly route, as well as the Anna Maria Island Historical Society and the historic island Green Village.

Pine Avenue at Anna Maria Island has everything you need, whether you’re just taking a break from the sun and sand or searching for a fantastic spot to shop and eat.

6. Watch The Sunset

After a long day of sightseeing, there is no activity that is more satisfying than taking a break to watch the sunset. Many of our most sought-after Anna Maria Island vacation homes are situated right on the sea, so you can enjoy a spectacular sunset view from your cottage! 

But you can also travel outside to other lovely spots all across the island. The Beach House Restaurant in Bradenton Beach, White Avenue in Holmes Beach, and Bean Point Beach are a few of the most well-liked locations to dine and see the sunset.

At the very least, you should set aside one night to unwind and watch the sunset over the horizon.

7. Visit The Local Market

One of the most interesting things to do on Anna Maria Island, Florida, is to visit one of the local farmer’s markets and stock up on fresh produce. You may get fresh produce, one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, baked foods, jewelry, and so much more at any of the neighborhood markets.

The island’s own markets, such as the Bridge Street Market and the Beach Market, are only open during the cold months of the year. On the other hand, if you go to the Sarasota Farmers’ Market, you will be able to participate in the celebrations happening throughout the entire year.

Try out these things while vacationing in one of our condo rentals on Anna Maria Island. You will get the opportunity to participate in island culture and make the most of your time spent here while on the island.

But, you will need a location to stay in order to participate in any of these activities for yourself before you may do so.

8. Visit Bradenton Beach

Given the number of parking spots available, this beach on Anna Maria Island is often ranked as one of the most popular beaches on the island. There are many restaurants, pubs, and shops along this Beach, so there is enough to do there.

Everyone was really cordial, and they would say “good morning” or “good evening” to you whether you were walking on the beach or down Gulf Avenue.

There was a good balance of tourists and locals. Sand is currently being pumped into the southern mouth of the beach via big pipes to rebuild the pier on it.

To make it so simple to access the water, all beach access points were constructed over the pipes. Large bulldozers were moving sand in all directions.

9. Coquina Baywalk

The Coquina Baywalk, which acts as a nature walk along one of the island’s few protected wilderness areas, is a popular attraction near Bradenton Beach that is also free of charge.

While you stroll along the Baywalk, you’ll pass through wetlands and have the chance to safely observe a variety of native Florida species in their natural habitat.

The 30 acres of restored and maintained land are visible from the Baywalk, which is about a mile long. It was the result of a lengthy rehabilitation process after the area was completely damaged by the dredging of the Intracoastal Waterways in the 1950s. It is currently one of the island’s most significant marine life preserves.

10. Dolphin Tour

Seeing dolphins from the shore is a less personal experience than participating in a tour that gives you the opportunity to get up close and personal with these frolicking marine mammals.

Everyone who visits the beach in the morning enjoys looking for dolphin pods swimming back and forth in the distance, but a trip enables you to board a boat directly in the middle of a pod.

On the island, there are a variety of tour companies that can provide you with this one-of-a-kind opportunity to see not only dolphins but also manatees, eagles, sea turtles, and other wildlife.

Conclusion

Anna Maria Island is one of the best destinations to visit along the Gulf Coast of Florida since it offers a wide variety of activities and entertainment options. The beaches, resorts, attractions, and activities on this lovely island are limitless.

There are many things to do in Anna Maria Island, including excellent seafood restaurants, scenic beaches, and several outdoor activities. Also, there are numerous Anna Maria Island hotels, where you can relax.

It’s a wonderful location to explore for a vacation, a romantic trip, or even simply a get-together with friends. Anna Maria Island Awaits You!

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