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You won’t find any high-rise condos, amusement parks, or strip malls on Florida’s Anna Maria Island. Sixty percent of the land on this seven-mile-long barrier island, which lies between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, is open beach, and there are no buildings more than three stories tall. With its white-sand beaches, clear waters, quaint homes, and lush foliage, Anna Maria Island is truly a tropical paradise. And its mild climate makes it a welcoming spot for visitors year-round.
Three communities – Anna Maria at the northern end of the island, Holmes Beach in the center, and Bradenton Beach at the southern tip – offer a variety of shops, restaurants, and other amenities.
The island is small enough that a lot of exploring can be done on foot. If you’d rather ride, there’s a free trolley service that makes getting around a breeze. You’ll find all of the usual water-related activities, from swimming and shelling to snorkeling and diving. Fishing is another popular pastime here. There are several public fishing piers, and local charter captains offer deep-sea, bay, and backwater fishing excursions. Away from the water, there are plenty of places to shop, and lots of open-air eateries that make ideal spots for people watching.
Nature lovers will enjoy birdwatching at Bean Point, a quiet beach named for the island’s first resident, George Bean, who homesteaded there in 1892. And for a glimpse into the island’s past, check out the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum, whose mission is to collect, research, preserve, and exhibit materials relating to the early days of Anna Maria Island.
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Where to stay
Accommodations on Anna Maria Island range from beachside condos to villas with private pools and include a bed-and-breakfast inn, a restored 1950s motel, and a beachside resort dating to the 1930s.
To see photos, amenities, and other details on Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, choose from our list of condos, hotels, and beach houses. Or use our custom search feature to find the Anna Maria Island vacation rental that’s best for you.
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Anna Maria Island restaurants
Anna Maria Island may be small, but the choice of good places to eat is not. Choices range from casual eateries specializing in barbecue and beer (one popular spot offers more than 40 different brews) to white-tablecloth establishments whose menus focus on fresh, locally caught seafood. There are a few chain restaurants, but most are locally owned and one of a kind. Open-air dining is popular here, with some establishments having eating areas right on the beach.
Discover the delicious side of Anna Maria Island by choosing from our list of restaurants.
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Anna Maria Island golf
When you make Anna Maria Island your base, more than 50 golf courses are just a short drive away in Bradenton and Sarasota. Designed by well-known architects such as Ron Garl and Ted McAnlis, many of these courses regularly receive kudos from Golf Digest and Golf magazine.
They offer challenging play for golfers at all skill levels – in some of the most beautiful settings you’ll find anywhere. Facilities may also include clubhouses, restaurants, bars, and pro shops.
Plenty of package deals are available and may include accommodations, cart rental, green fees, ¬ even lessons. Our list of golf courses and resorts will help you plan your Anna Maria Island golfing vacation.
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Anna Maria Island fishing
The waters around Anna Maria Island teem with fish, which means that even inexperienced anglers will likely go home with something to brag about. Grouper, red snapper, mullet, blue crab, black drum, snook, redfish, trout, Spanish mackerel, amberjack, and tarpon are plentiful, whether you’re fishing from a boat or one of the island’s fishing piers. The island’s docks and bridges are ideal spots to find snook, trout, and redfish, especially at night. And local charter captains offer excursions to the back bays, flats, and canals – areas that can also yield a good catch.
For more about Anna Maria Island fishing, and to charter a boat, check out our list of Anna Maria Island fishing charters.
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Anna Maria Island shopping
With plenty of boutiques, antiques shops, art galleries, clothing stores, and more, Anna Maria Island is as much a paradise for shoppers as it is for beach lovers. The communities of Anna Maria and Holmes Beach both have their own shopping areas, and historic Bridge Street, in Bradenton Beach, is lined with galleries and one-of-a-kind shops. Whether you’re looking for a souvenir T-shirt or a painting by a local artist, you’ll be able to find it in an Anna Maria Island shop.
Our list of stores, malls, and outlet centers will help you plan your Anna Maria Island shopping excursion.
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Entertainment
There’s always a party going on somewhere on Anna Maria Island, where it’s not uncommon for bars and restaurants to offer happy hour prices all day. There’s live music playing just about every night of the week, with choices ranging from classic rock to jazz. Many bars and restaurants have open-air decks and patios where you can sip cocktails and watch the sun go down over the ocean. One family-owned pub even hosts a dominoes tournament every Monday night.
Our list of Anna Maria Island restaurants, bars, and other entertainment venues can help you plan your nights on the town.
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Other things to do
The clear waters around Anna Maria Island are ideal for diving and snorkeling. Other popular water-related activities include sailing, parasailing, and dolphin watching. For nature lovers, local charter captains offer island tours to see dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, birds, and other wildlife. Some operators offer cruises to nearby Egmont Key, where the ruins of Fort Dade are reminders of the military role this tiny island played during the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and both World Wars. Egmont Key is also home to a national wildlife refuge.
For a family outing that’s both educational and entertaining, try a visit to the Mote Marine Laboratory Aquarium in nearby Sarasota. The aquarium reveals the secrets of the sea through touch pools and exhibits showcasing sharks, dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and more than 100 other species of marine life. It also has working labs and high-tech interactive exhibits that illustrate the world-famous research of Mote Marine Laboratory.
For more options, and for diving/snorkeling and boat charter information, check out the following list of area businesses.
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Special events
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The Anna Maria Island Art League has sponsored Winterfest and Springfest for more than 20 years. These popular festivals showcasing fine arts and crafts draw artists from all over the country. You’ll also find more sart exhibitions, live concerts, theater productions, and other special events taking place throughout the year. Check out our calendar of events for an up-to-date list of what’s going on while you’re in town.
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| Sunny days in Anna Maria Island |
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| Anna Maria Island City Pier |
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| Bradenton Beach |
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| Bradenton Beach |
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| Anna Maria Island Canal |
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