Originally Posted On: https://floridarentalbyowners.com/blog/index.php/2019/09/04/top-10-things-to-do-on-anna-maria-island-florida/
Vacationing on Anna Maria Island is like taking a trip back in time. Get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and experience old Florida on this timeless island. Walk through its streets lined with colourful beach houses and local mom n’ pop shops. Spotting the animals of this island’s tropical wildlife becomes a regular occurrence – on land or sea! Enjoy a swim in the glistening blue ocean waters or lay on the sun-lit sandy beaches. Get ready to slow down, relax, and adjust to island time.
Anna Maria Island is located on the western side of Florida’s Central Gulf Coast. In the summer months, the average temperature is 90 F°(32 C°) – ideal tanning weather! This quaint and picturesque location has attractions and activities perfect for both land and sea lovers.
1. Rod & Reel Pier
Enjoy a meal in this unique dining space on one of Anna Maria Island’s historic piers. Order a delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner on the ocean that will leave you with a taste of Old Florida. Their specialty seafood dishes will leave you wanting more – and they provide! For a small fee, you can fish right off the pier and its dock.
Insider Tip!: Be sure to head out to the Rod & Reel during sunset hour for an unforgettable view!
Rod & Reel Pier Address: 875 N Shore Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216, USA
2. Coquina Beach Market
In the mood for shopping while on vacation? What better way than to do it beachside! Stroll through the unique local vendor shops at the Coquina Beach Market. Visit the market on Sundays or Mondays anywhere from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at 2650 Gulf Dr, Bradenton Beach. Browse the market’s array of apparel, fresh produce, local foods, jewelry, crafts, books, souvenirs, and more! This place has something for everyone!
3. Take a Private Boat Charter to Egmont Key
Hop on a boat to the secluded beaches of nearby Egmont Key for a fun-filled day! Egmont Key has a rich military history dating back to the 19th century.. You can still find ruins from the 1800’s army fort there, in addition to a working lighthouse. Snorkel through the submerged building ruins and gaze at the vibrant aquatic life for an amazing experience. Take a walk along the shoreline, enjoy a picnic on the beach, or follow the nature trails to spot the local wildlife. Don’t be surprised to spot a dolphin or two! Book with Book a Little Sunshine for the affordable Egmont Key Snorkelling Adventure.
4. Ever tried Horseback Riding in the Water?
An aquatic twist on classic horseback-riding! Take in more of the beautiful beaches that the Anna Maria Island area has to offer on horseback by the sea – or even in the sea! C-Ponies have beautiful, well-trained and calm horses that will take you for a ride in the ocean waters. Enjoy a safe and educational experience with the help of guides and highly-trained horses. Try something new, try sea horse back riding around!
5. Stroll Along the Cutest Main Street in America on Pine Avenue, Anna Maria
Anna Maria Island’s Pine Avenue combines shopping, the ocean, and local eateries all within one mile. Browse through clothing and jewelry in stores such as Bella by the Sea and The Island Cabana for island wear. Grab a quick bite to eat at Poppo’s Taqueria for authentic Tex-Mex or Anna Maria Island Donuts to create your own dessert! Shiny Fish Emporium is a great spot to take the kids for some sand dollar painting on a rainy day. Don’t miss a fisherman’s delight at AMI Outfitters and grab an Anna Maria Island sweatshirt from Two Sides of Nature towards the pier.
6. Check out Historic 100+ year old Anna Maria City Pier
Originally built in the 1900s, the Anna Maria City Pier has become an Island landmark! This pier’s planks are each engraved with messages commemorating family members, friends, and loved ones, making it truly unique! Grab an ice cream cone from Two Scoops across the street and take a stroll down the pier. You can also enjoy a meal and a drink at the Pier’s restaurant, while listening to live music. Vendors can even be found at the heart of the pier. An amazing fishing location and a great place to spot Tampa Bay’s marine life. This pier is the perfect combination of both beautiful views and a rich history!
7. Visit Historic Bridge Street Shops and Pier
Visit the historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach to shop, dine, and play! At one point, Bridge Street was the only means on and off Anna Maria Island. This community is loaded with attractions such as Floridian-style restaurants, beachside boutiques, the local pier, farmers’ markets, and town events. Travelling with kids? Bridge Street offers an extravagant mini-putt course at The Fish Hole. This old town district has a vibrant nightlife as well – restaurants, bars, and live music! Hop on the free trolley to Bridge Street for an exciting day!
8. Get Lost on Idyllic Bean Point Beach
If you’re looking for the ultimate secluded slice of paradise, look no further! Located at the northernmost tip of the island, Bean Point is the best spot for sunsets and sunrises. Since it is connected to a residential area, this location is blissfully quiet – perfect for relaxation! Whether it’s enjoying a quiet picnic, doing yoga on the beach, or daydreaming on the sand, Bean Point is the place to wind down and settle into island time while on vacation.
9. Get Close to Nature on Coquina Bayside Boardwalk
Coquina Baywalk is the perfect way to enjoy Florida’s outdoors for free! This incredible boardwalk trail lets you get up close and personal with Florida’s native plants and animals. You can walk or jog along the path shaded by the native trees. Discover the amazing mangrove tunnels and hidden coves in the nature preserve also known as Leffis Key. The Coquina Boardwalk Trail is a one mile-long stretch where everything can be viewed from a safe-distance. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the picturesque sights!
10. Explore Mote Marine Aquarium
If you’re curious about the sea, come see the Mote Marine Aquarium! Visit the Mote Marine Aquamarine for an up-close experience with the creatures of the ocean. Not only is this institution an aquarium, but also an important research and wildlife rescue facility. The aquarium is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm every day and is located at 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota, FL 34236. The Mote Marine Aquarium has a dozen exhibits and offer an open water and hands-on option too!
No matter what you decide to do on Anna Maria Island your vacation will be incredible. Anna Maria is perfect for active families, beach lovers, snowbirds, and couples looking for a quiet Florida getaway. For your next trip to Anna Maria Island think about booking a vacation rental to really experience the island life. “Book the Same Vacation Rentals for Less“. Skip the traveler fees that are charged on other large online travel agency platforms like Aribnb, HomeAway, VRBO and Expedia. Reserve your vacation rental on FLARBO – Florida Rental By Owners where there are no booking fees for either traveler or property owners. FLARBO, it’s the best option for Florida travelers.