Are you looking to enjoy a vacation in Anna Maria Island?
Anna Maria Island is a relaxing, natural destination only 20 minutes from Bradenton, FL. The barrier island is nestled between peninsular Florida and the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.
In this article, we’ll go over the top vacation ideas that you can consider when planning your trip to Anna Maria Island. You’ll learn about the top sights and activities in this stunning destination.
1: Shopping on Pine Avenue
First-timers expect Pine Avenue to host stores offering stereotypical tourist merchandise, but that’s not the case. Among other things, you can find boutique clothing from Pink and Navy as well as gourmet oils and cheeses at the Oliver Oil Outpost.
Another top shopping spot on Pine Avenue is the Pineapple Marketplace. This co-op stocks both used and new items. Finally, Hometown Desserts, a dessert restaurant, has become so beloved in the area that over ten local stores and restaurants sell their amazing product. Just walk along the avenue and discover more great establishments!
2: Visit Bean Point
Bean Point is still under the radar for many tourists visiting the island. However, it’s well worth a visit. Bean Point marks the spot where Tampa Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico.
The lookout point provides gorgeous views of the turquoise waters. If you stay long enough, you’ll definitely see some dolphins. Keep in mind that caution should always be exercised when swimming in the area due to rip currents.
3: Enjoy Live Music at Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin is a restaurant located in a 1920’s beach cottage that has undergone extensive restoration. If you want to maximize your experience, visit Blue Marlin on the weekend when there’s normally live music! The local artists perform in their courtyard, which is called the “Trap Yard.”
Additionally, the food is absolutely great. People enjoy the steamed clams, fish tacos, blackened fish alfredo, and linguini white clam.
4: Enjoy Kayaking or SUPing
You can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards in Anna Maria Island. One of the providers, AMI Paddleboards, offers free deliveries for half-day or longer rentals. If you want a more challenging experience, the Gulf of Mexico is your best bet.
For a more relaxed approach, kayak around the Bay. You are more than likely to spot some local wildlife as you paddle. Check out their mangrove eco-tours that uncover the awesome local wildlife.
5: Visit Anna Maria Pier
No visit to the island is complete without seeing Anna Maria Pier. When walking on the pier, you’ll see various wildlife, including dolphins, herons, fish, and pelicans. You’ll also see many people fishing.
As the pier is open around-the-clock, pay a visit during different times of the day. This will allow you to appreciate the subtle changes in the light, crowds, and temperatures that would otherwise go unnoticed.
6: Get Delicious Donuts from Anna Maria Donuts
Both locals and tourists love the donut bar called Anna Maria Donuts. You can choose the icing and toppings to your own liking. The variety of options will satisfy all donut lovers.
7: Organize a Beach Day
A beach day is a must in Anna Maria Island! You can pack your own lunch and spend the entire day on the public beach. You should also take the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful sunset, so plan your day accordingly.
Plenty of beach rentals exist on the island. You can rent boogie boards, chairs, umbrellas, and more. The services are perfect if you are out of town and visiting for only a few days.
The Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach is the most centrally located stretch of sand on the island.
If you want to have a picnic with beautiful sights, Bayfront Park in the northern part of the island may be the best option.
8: Hop on a Bike
Did you know that biking is one of the best ways to get around the island? There are some amazing neighborhoods in Anna Maria Island that are best discovered on two wheels. That’s because, during peak times, the only road connecting the island to peninsular Florida gets jammed easily.
9: Explore the City of Anna Maria
The city of Anna Maria is a nice place to explore. If you’re tired on spending time at the beach, it’s a great idea to stroll the city streets. You can visit the numerous boutiques and dine at some of the restaurants in the area.
10: Go Parasailing
If you want to create unforgettable memories on the island, consider parasailing. This superb activity is usually carried out on Bradenton Beach. You should always book well in advance because the companies are fully booked in the most popular time periods.
If you’re visiting Anna Maria Island in the winter, you should bring a light sweatshirt because parasailing can get chilly during that time of year.
In a Nutshell: Ultimate Vacation in Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is a top-rated tourist destination located on the meeting point of Peninsular Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. You can enjoy numerous activities on the island, including kayaking, parasailing, SUPing, and biking.
Here are a few other ideas to get you started:
- Organize a beach day by packing a lunch and getting your beach rental delivered for ultimate convenience.
- Visit Bean Point and Anna Maria Pier for those Instagram-worthy travel shots.
- Buy high-quality gifts for folks back home from one of the Pine Avenue boutiques.
For more information, contact Anchor Down Property Management.
