THINGS TO DO
Old Florida Charm is the essence of this seven mile stretch of exquisite white sand, tropical plants and living incredible wildlife and almost guaranteed sunshine. Anna Maria is “old Florida charm”, with quaint shops, cozy cafes, low-rise houses, and fabulous dining.
Relaxing and more relaxing are the main activities you want to enjoy when visiting Anna Maria Island. There is so many things to enjoy while you are here, that you will be spoiled for choice.
Below are some of our favorite recommendations:
BEACHES
Discover the charm of old Florida. You get the feel for what Florida was like many years ago. Sunsets are spectacular and rival anywhere in the world. The serenity of the stretch of beach and the warm seas of the gulf are good for the mind and soul.
*Coquina Beach – Most popular beach in Bradenton Beach
*Cortez Beach – across from Coquina Beach
*Bradenton Beach – City of Bradenton Beach
*Manatee Beach – Popular Beach in Manatee County
*Holmes Beach _ Quiet stretch of Holmes Beach
*Anna Maria Beach – Remote stretch of Beach on Anna Maria Island
BIKE RIDING – THE BEST WAY TO EXPLORE ANNA MARIA ISLAND
Bike rental hourly or weekly is available on Anna Maria Island. We recommend Beach Bums rentals on Pine Avenue. You can really enjoy all the simple beach cities by bike. Narrow, winding roads, delicious cafes and bars along the way.
BRIDGE STREET MINITURE GOLF
What to do after the beach? Miniature Golf in Historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach, wonderful 18 hole miniature golf course, the“Fish hole” offers entertainment for the entire family. It goes way beyond traditional miniature golf calling itself adventure golf with waterfalls, lagoons and treacherous handicaps with a little local history and fishing education mixed in. Each of the 18 holes is named after a different fish.
FISHING
There is plenty of fishing to be done, from the beach, or on one of the piers or even on a deep sea charter. This area including Tampa Bay is the grouper fishing capital of the world. The back bays and canals offer low key fishing spots.
BRIDGE STREET MINITURE GOLF
What to do after the beach? Miniature Golf in Historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach, wonderful 18 hole miniature golf course, the“Fish hole” offers entertainment for the entire family. It goes way beyond traditional miniature golf calling itself adventure golf with waterfalls, lagoons and treacherous handicaps with a little local history and fishing education mixed in. Each of the 18 holes is named after a different fish.
ISLAND ARTS/CULTURAL
An abundance of Island arts and Gallery’s can be found on Anna Maria Island.
The Anna Maria Island Historical Society on Pine Avenue tells you everything there is to know about the Island.
The Artist Guild Gallery– Promotes all forms of artistic endeavors from the artistic community on the Island. Free for all visitors.
The Famous Island Playersis found at the historical Community House in Anna Maria City.
KAYAK ECO-TOUR
Discover a kayak tour on your easily rented kayak from Beach Bums on Pine Avenue. Beach Bums can supply you with a true kayaking adventure. Another local Kayaking tour is the Robinson Preserve. You will witness unusual and rare wildlife.
Almost Heaven Kayak
Anna Maria Island
941-504-6296
Bradenton Bicycle & Kayak
5342 Gulf Dr. N
Bradenton Beach, FL
941-795-0701
Florida Water Sports
Cortez Fishing Center
Cortez, Florida
941-798-3721
Native Rentals
5342 Gulf Dr
Holmes Beach, FL
941-778-7757
PIERS
Anna Maria hosts two piers in the warm waters of the gulf, The Rod and Reel Pier, andThe Anna Maria City Pier. One of the two things to be sure you see when visiting the historical Anna Maria Island. The Anna Maria City Pier plays host to fishing, drinking and dining. The Rod and Reel Pier is open for fishing, Manatee watching or dining at The Rod and Reel Restaurant. The fishing piers on Anna Maria Island are a must see.
SCUBA DIVING
Expand your horizons and take the plunge and try an exciting dive in the Gulf of Mexico. There is diving about 75 yards off the shore of Bradenton Beach. Contact Seatrek divers at 941-779-1506 for your diving expedition.
SHOPPING
Anna Maria Islandoffers an array of shopping choices for every taste. You can find anything from clothing to antiques, fine linens, jewelry and artist’s treasures. The City of Anna Maria from both ends of Pine Street offers the latest boutiques and shopping area. Holmes Beach shops run down Marina Drive for seven blocks. Bradenton Beach is the arts and crafts shopping section on the Island. You can find many collectibles from area artists.
The nearby cities of Bradenton and Sarasota have 3 full service malls, hundreds of specialty shops and quaint shopping villages with upscale boutiques and fine dining and even a flea market.
The Ellenton Outlets – Prime outlets – Ellenton showcases luxury outlet shopping within a sand dollar’s throw of Florida Gulf Coast vacation areas. 130 designer and brand name outlet stores including Coach Factory, Saks Fifth off 5th, Ralph Luaren, all offering factory outlet discounts.
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WILDLIFE
Bird watching is a daily aspect of life on Anna Maria Island. Watching a host of island birdlife is a rewarding way to spend a day. The pelicans, heron, gulls, egret, spoonbills are just a few of the variety of birds to gaze upon. Watching beautiful creatures such as Dolphins and Manatees in the gulf are an extra bonus to see.
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