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Ohio-based Lifestyle, Home, and Travel Blog by Amanda Hamman

Travel · May 2, 2017

10 Things to Do on Anna Maria Island

Welcome to beautiful Anna Maria Island, Florida!

This seven-mile barrier island off the Gulf of Mexico boasts such turquoise waters, white sand, and relaxed vibes that her residents and regular visitors hesitate to disclose AMI’s beauty for fear that some of her magic may be lost.

10 Things to Do on Anna Maria Island

No high rises here: Strict regulations prohibit such craziness from veering too far from the 60s/70s-influenced architecture that is alive and well. On AMI, you can unhurriedly step back in time to a truly laid-back way of life; an aura of old Florida, if you will.

Explore the small towns of Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, and Anna Maria. You’ll have to remind yourself you are still in the U.S. and you didn’t venture unknowingly to the Caribbean.

anna maria island

Breathe in the fresh air. Unwind in the salt water. Relax in the sun. Vacation like you never have before. But if you really must do something, here is your go-to list for 10 things to do on Anna Maria Island:

1. ) Leave your car parked & rent a bike and/or golf cart to motor around the island!

Take a boat tour or charter. Bonus: Anna Maria Island has a FREE trolley that runs north and south on Gulf Drive (e.g. It will take you basically anywhere you would need to go).

2.) Pick your choice of amazing restaurants! Our picks:

  • Breakfast: Ginny & Jane-e’s, Anna Maria Beach Cafe, Rod & Reel Pier
  • Lunch: Skinny’s, Poppo’s Tacos
  • Dinner: The Waterfront, Sandbar, Beach House, Anna Maria City Pier, Blue Marlin, Beach Bistro for upscale
  • Treats: Donut Experiment, Two Scoops

3.) Look for shells and lounge on the beach!

You can rent everything you need, like chairs, umbrellas, strollers, and even beach toys from Fun & More!

4.) Explore Anna Maria’s piers!

The Anna Maria Island City Pier and the Rod & Reel Pier! Both piers have great restaurants! In the southern part of the Island, you can explore The Historic Bridge Street Pier, overlooking Sarasota Bay. Eat at the Anna Maria Oyster Bar that’s on the pier. Tip: Keep your eyes open for manatees, dolphins or turtles! 🙂

rod and reel pier

5.) Shop, eat, drink, explore on Pine Avenue & Historic Bridge Street.

bradenton-pier

6.) Watch the sunrise AND the sunset!

What are the best restaurants from which to watch the sunset? Sandbar and Beach House topped our list!

7.) Take the kiddos to a park!

Bayfront Park offers stunning water views and is just a bit north of the City Pier. We also love the playground by the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe!

8.) Be active! Play beach volleyball, kayak, paddle board, walk the Coquina Baywalk, or venture to Bean Point!

9.) Peruse one of the local farmers’ markets!

You can find a list of them HERE.worthington-farmers-market-ohio

10.) Hop over to Cortez Village – a preserved working fishing village.

Take in the cottages, boats, and markets. Don’t leave without eating at Starfish and Co.!anna maria island charm

What are your favorite Anna Maria Island spots?

You can “like” my page on Facebook HERE.

 

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Posted In: Travel · Tagged: anna maria island, beach, family vacation, florida, gulf coast, what to do

You’ll Also Love

Our Anna Maria Island Family Vacation 2021
The Don Cesar Hotel Review
10 Most Instagrammable Spots on Anna Maria Island

Comments

  1. Aubrey Yandow says

    May 2, 2017 at 3:57 pm

    I love Florida! & this just looks heavenly.

    xx. The Coastal Confidence – Aubrey
    http://the-coastalconfidence.com/

    Reply
  2. Violette says

    May 3, 2017 at 2:11 am

    This island looks absolutely amazing! I really to go there now!! Thanks for sharing!

    http://violettedaily.com

    Reply
  3. Jennifer says

    May 11, 2017 at 2:38 pm

    Thank you for showing this gem of an island. We go every year.

    Reply
  4. Valori says

    September 6, 2020 at 4:23 pm

    Where are the beach volleyball nets? Love this article! Thinking of going here this winter. Will read where you stayed next.

    Reply

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