Anna Maria Island, Florida
I’ve been fortunate to call Anna Maria Island my home for the past ten years and counting. I moved here from Akron, OH and haven’t looked back since.
Anna Maria Island (or as the locals call it, AMI) is situated on Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast, with gorgeous aquamarine waters and white sandy shores. Although the island is only seven miles long, it features a plethora of dining, shopping, and recreational activities for the entire family. With its old-Florida charm, quaint & friendly atmosphere, and gorgeous nightly sunsets, it truly is paradise. Below are my top favorite things to do and see on Anna Maria Island, starting from the northern tip of the island.
Visit Bean Point
Located at the northern tip of Anna Maria Island, Bean Point is a hidden gem. With its fine powdery sand, picturesque views of the gorgeous emerald waters, and sandy dunes—it really doesn’t get much better than Bean Point 🙂 Although during tourist season it can still get busy, if you’re looking for something a little more remote and private, then Bean Point is your go-to beach.
Take the Kids Fishing and Have a Beer at Rod n’ Reel Pier
Within walking distance from Bean Point and still at the northern end of Anna Maria is Rod n’ Reel Pier, which features a cute little restaurant of the same name with gorgeous views of the Sunshine Skyway. You’ll find a great selection of beers and tasty local catch if you’re in the mood for seafood. Grab your bait and fish with the locals!
Walk on City Pier and Visit the New MOTE Exhibit
About a mile down from Rod n’ Reel is City Pier, which was just rebuilt and is beautifully lit at dawn and dusk. At the end of the pier is a new MOTE Marine interactive exhibit which is a great educational activity for the family. Bring your kids to learn about manatees, sharks, and horseshoe crabs.
Indulge in Your Favorite Ice Cream at Two Scoops
Across from City Pier is Two Scoops where you can indulge in delicious home-made ice cream. They have ample seating indoors if you need a little reprieve from the hot Florida sun.
Go Shopping on Pine Avenue
If you’re in the mood for shopping, then Pine Avenue is Anna Maria’s best selection of locally-owned shops for Florida-inspired clothing, art, jewelry, and more. You’ll also find a great salon, Anna Maria Salon, if you happen to need a haircut or freshen up your highlights during your vacation.
Eat Grouper Tacos for Lunch at The Sandbar
Just a little south from Pine Avenue is The Sandbar Restaurant, where you can dip your toes in the sand and treat yourself to fresh grouper tacos for lunch. The Sandbar has been around since 1979 and is one of the oldest establishments on Anna Maria Island. Ed Chiles, the owner, is a big proponent of sustainable practices and their menu selections reflect their environmentally conscious practices.
Play a Game of Volleyball at Holmes Beach
Holmes Beach is Anna Maria Island’s public beach, featuring a local café and restaurant, gift shop, live music, volleyball nets, and a playground for the kids. Bring a group of friends and have an awesome day of fun in the sun. If you prefer to relax, you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas and bask in the sunshine.
Have a Tropical Cocktail at Gulf Drive Cafe
My favorite place to have a frozen cocktail under a tiki hut with views of the pristine turquoise Gulf is Gulf Drive Café. They have a wide selection of yummy tropical drinks to melt your worries away.
Visit Bridge Street for Boutique Shopping
Besides Pine Avenue, another great place for shopping is Bridge Street. Peruse the street for souvenirs, clothing, coffee, or even a game of put-put golf.
Ride Your Bike Along Coquina Beach Boardwalk
Besides Holmes Beach, Coquina Beach is Anna Maria Island’s other public beach which features a café, changing rooms, bathrooms, and a long shaded path for walking or bicycling. You can rent bicycles from Beach Bums (northern end of Anna Maria Island) and take the family biking under the palm trees along the shores of Coquina. Definitely a beautiful backdrop to stroll or ride to.
Take a Dolphin Boat Tour or Ride Out to Passage Key
What’s a Florida vacation without dolphins? Take a boat tour out to the Gulf and see how many dolphins you can spot! There are a variety of boat tour companies on AMI and some will take you out towards Sarasota Bay whereas others will take you past the northern tip of the island out to Passage Key and Egmont Key. Passage Key is a favorite for local boaters and is a tiny island (now a bird sanctuary). Oh, and just a bit of warning: you might find locals in their birthday suits, so don’t be startled. If you’re not in the mood for naked beachgoers, just north of Passage is Egmont Key which features a lighthouse and is a favorite for snorkelers.
Try the Tasty Tortilla Soup and Carnitas Platter at Los Chiludos
After a fun day in the sun, I love hitting up Los Chiludos for some amazing authentic Mexican food. I highly recommend their spicy tortilla soup and carnitas platter if you’re hungry. The platter is absolutely delicious, and their portions are quite large.
Watch the Sunset and Listen to Live Music at Holmes Beach
To wind down for the evening, head on over to Holmes Beach for killer views of the sunset, set to live jams played by local musicians. It’s a wonderful atmosphere for the entire family.
Enjoy Sushi Appetizers at Ocean Star
For a great selection of sushi, there’s no better place than Island Ocean Star located at the northern end of Anna Maria Island. The restaurant features gorgeous water views with a classy atmosphere, and their assortment of sushi and hibachi is mouthwatering.
Treat Yourself to Fine-Dining at The Waterfront
Last but not least, if you’re in the mood for a cozy atmosphere with a great selection of drinks and culinary delights, at the north end of the island (across from City Pier) is The Waterfront Restaurant. They feature a craft bar and local fresh seafood. My favorite is the peppercorn crusted and chargrilled sirloin. Once a cottage, the main room features wood panel walls recovered from the inside of an old ship and a fireplace made of stone and brick.