Anna Maria Island Florida Ultimate Travel Guide
Anna Maria Island is a paradise packed with activities and attractions for every kind of visitor. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making the most of your visit:
1. Explore Anna Maria Island by Water
One of the best ways to experience Anna Maria Island is by water. For a guided experience, consider booking one of these top-rated charters: Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours for thrilling dolphin watching and sunset cruises, Captain Kyle's Marine Excursions for personalized boat tours tailored to your interests, including shelling, snorkeling, and leisurely cruises, Florida Fishing Fleet for inshore, offshore, and deep-sea fishing adventures with experienced captains, or Paradise Boat Tours for family-friendly fishing trips and eco-tours. Just don’t forget the SPF!
2. Anna Maria Island and Manatee County’s Biggest Burger Rivalry
Skinny’s Place and Duffy’s Tavern are renowned on Anna Maria Island and beyond for their hamburgers—and their rivalry. No matter which you pick, you’re guaranteed a great burger and an authentic beachy vibe.
3. Learn About Anna Maria Island’s History
Visit the Anna Maria Island Historical Society museum, housed in a building constructed in 1920. Initially an icehouse, it later served as an automotive garage, a sea turtle hatchery, and a public administration building. The museum, established in 1992, offers exhibits on the island’s first settlers, its fishing and baseball history, and archives for research into local families and businesses. Don’t miss the Old City Jail, built in 1927 to detain rowdy locals, and now a popular photo op after its wooden roof burned away in the 1940s.
4. Stay at a Funky Inn or Vacation Rental on Anna Maria Island
Check out two of the island’s standout accommodations: Joie Inn and Mello on the Beach. These newer arrivals offer all the comfort and amenities you expect in stylish, funky settings, making them great home bases for your visit.
5. Toast the Sunset while on Anna Maria Island
There’s nothing like watching a technicolor sunset dip below the horizon on the Gulf Coast. Plan to have dinner at a waterfront restaurant, like the much-lauded Beach Bistro or The Waterfront, and raise your glass as you try to spot the green flash. Prefer air conditioning? The Doctor’s Office offers hip craft cocktails in a cool setting.
6. Visit The Anna Maria Island Piers
The Anna Maria City Pier is a picturesque historic site where visitors have been sightseeing for decades. Originally built in the early 1900s, it was damaged during Hurricane Irma in 2017 and repaired and reopened in 2020. The pier is a great spot to fish or simply take a walk and enjoy the area’s abundant sunshine and turquoise water. Meanwhile, at the end of the Rod & Reel Pier, you’ll find a restaurant serving Florida favorites like peel-and-eat shrimp, grouper sandwiches, and Key lime pie, along with gorgeous water views.
7. Get an Ice Cream Cone
After a day in the sun, cool off with an ice cream cone from one of the mom-and-pop shops that dot the island. Try Anna Maria Island Creamery and Bakery, or head to Dips or Two Scoops and enjoy your cone on the Anna Maria City Pier.
8. Take Home a Coastal Treasure
The White Egret family of stores offers a variety of gifts and souvenirs. The Egret’s Landing specializes in home furnishings and interior design, The White Egret offers home accents and gifts, and The Egret’s Nest is a clothing boutique. Ginny and Jane E’s sells postcards, jewelry, and other odds and ends, as well as coffee and a legendary cinnamon roll. Shopping on Pine Avenue includes the well-stocked Anna Maria General Store and Olive Oil Outpost, trendy clothing boutique Pink & Navy, and AMI Beach & Dog Supply, where you can pick up treats for you and your furry friend.
9. Spend Time at the Beach (Of Course!)
Anna Maria Island’s beaches are world-renowned for good reason. Start your morning with a walk along the shore, spend a sunny day splashing in the turquoise Gulf water, or settle in to watch the sunset in the evening.
Anna Maria Island offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, ensuring that every visitor leaves with unforgettable memories. Enjoy your stay!