Welcome to Anna Maria Island! If you're visiting or even thinking about taking a trip here, you've got to check out our nearby farmers' markets. They're a great way to experience island life and get a taste of the local community.
While it's no secret that Anna Maria Island has some incredible restaurants from which to choose, one of the perks of our vacation rentals is the full kitchen access! Whether you're in the mood for a charcuterie board and a movie or want to whip up a homemade breakfast with farm-fresh eggs, checking out the local farmers' markets is a great option to pick up some unique ingredients and local delicacies.
Even if you prefer dining out, you can find heaps of other goodies at the farmers' markets around our Anna Maria Island Beach Rentals. What a great way to spend a morning or early afternoon! In addition to grabbing all of your souvenirs and keepsakes, you can chat with local farmers, sample some homemade goods, or just enjoy the atmosphere.
Bridge Street Market
Photo Credit: Bradenton Beach Historical Bridge Street Market
- Address: 107 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL
- Season: November through April
- Hours: Every Sunday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Website=: Bridge Street Market
The Bridge Street Market in Bradenton Beach combines shopping, dining, and entertainment in one inviting location. This market is among the most popular farmers' markets on Anna Maria Island, and for good reason.
The market showcases a number of vendors excited to show you their wares. You'll find everything from fresh, local produce to unique artisan crafts. The vendors constantly change, meaning you'll never have the same experience twice!
One of the highlights of the Bridge Street Market is the live music. Talented local musicians provide background music to your market excursion. The lively and welcoming atmosphere makes it a great spot to relax and soak in the local culture.
Getting to Bridge Street Market
Reaching the market is super easy as it's located on the island itself. You can hop on the complimentary Anna Maria Island Trolley that runs across the island from your vacation rental. If you'd rather drive, there's parking available at 6th Street and Gulf Drive.
Coquina Beach Market
Photo Credit: Lynn Hassebrock
- Address: 2650 Gulf Drive S, Bradenton Beach, FL
- Season: Sundays from November through July, Wednesdays from December to April or May
- Hours: Sundays and Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Website: Coquina Beach Market
On the southern end of Anna Maria Island, the Coquina Beach Market offers a unique shopping experience right on the Coquina Beach. Known for its epic views and vibrant atmosphere, this market is a must for anyone looking for a different type of farmers' market.
The Coquina Beach Market features a variety of vendors selling everything from fresh local produce to handcrafted clothing and jewelry. Looking for souvenirs? You'll find plenty of options that capture the essence of island life.
One of the great things about the Coquina Beach Market is its accessibility, despite being a beachfront market. The market is wheelchair and stroller friendly, making it easily accessible for families with small children and people with mobility challenges. Fido won't have access - pets are not allowed, so leave the pups at the vacation rental!
Getting to Coquina Beach Market
If you're on the island, the free Island Trolley is a convenient option. For those driving, the market is just a short trip down Gulf Drive to Coquina Beach.
Bradenton Market
Photo Credit: B Hoef
- Address: 400 12th St W, Bradenton, FL
- Season: October through May
- Hours: Saturdays 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Website: Bradenton Public Market
Just a hop skip from AMI on the mainland, you'll find the downtown Bradenton Market is more than just a place to grab your weekly microgreens. You've got fresh produce, of course, but there's more. The Downtown Bradenton Farmers' Market is a vibe. Think live music, free family activities, and holiday events galore.
Every third Saturday, the market shifts gears with a heavy focus on local crafts. That's when "Mainly Art" happens. Local artists and craftspeople come out to showcase and sell their creations. You can find everything from unique handcrafted shadow boxes to prints and canvases of local scenes and wildlife.
Take advantage of the area while you're here. Why not start your day with breakfast at Orange Blossom Coffee? Or, after browsing the market, grab a cocktail and lunch at O'bricks Irish Pub and Martini Bar.
Getting to Bradenton Farmers' Market
Coming from Anna Maria Island, the drive takes just about 30 minutes. Or, if you're heading to the market on the weekend, consider taking the new AMI Water Taxi, which has a convenient stop right in downtown Bradenton.
Red Barn Flea Market
Photo Credit: Jim Bennett
- Address: 1707 First Street East, Bradenton, FL
- Season: Year-Round
- Summer Hours: Tuesday & Thursday – Plaza only, 9 am to 4 pm, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday – Entire market, 9 am to 4 pm
- Winter Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday – Plaza only, 9 am to 4 pm, Friday, Saturday, Sunday – Entire market, 9 am to 4 pm
- Website: Red Barn Flea Market
Just about a 30-minute drive from Anna Maria Island in Bradenton, you'll find the Red Barn Flea Market. Trust us, it's worth the trip. This place is huge and packed with a little something for everyone. Since 1981, it has expanded with over 600 vendors spread across 20 acres.
The market, as large as it is, holds everything you can think of. From clothes and jewelry to home decor and art. Plus, there's an impressive selection of fresh seafood and produce. The market is a blend of a traditional flea market, food court, plaza shops, and farmers market. It's easy to spend a few hours here, just wandering and exploring (and snacking!).
All year long, the Red Barn Flea Market hosts special events commemorating holidays or other special local happenings. Its variety and size might seem overwhelming, but don't worry. They've got a market map on their website to help you navigate.
Getting to Red Barn Flea Market
Similar to the Downtown Bradenton Farmers' Market, you can either hop on the AMI Water Taxi or drive. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes, with ample parking available.
Sarasota Farmers Market
- Address: N. Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL
- Season: Year-Round
- Hours: Every Saturday from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Website: Sarasota Farmers' Market
If you don't mind venturing a bit further, the Sarasota Farmers' Market is about a 45 minute drive from AMI. This is the longest-standing farmers' market in the area, established in 1979. Another unique aspect of this market is the fact that it's open year-round!
With over 80 vendors, the market has plenty to keep you busy. You can find the usual suspects - local produce, plants, prepared foods, and artisanal crafts.
The craftspeople at the Sarasota Farmers' Market are a real highlight. As this market is slightly larger than the two on the island itself, you can find some more eclectic treasures, like the metal and copper creations of Arte Canales or the unique pieces from Sugar Sand Jewelry.
Getting to Sarasota Farmers' Market
The drive from AMI takes about 40-45 minutes, bringing you mainly along beautiful coastal roads. Make a mini day trip out of it!
Enjoying the Farmers' Markets Around Anna Maria Island
Visiting the farmers' markets during your Anna Maria Island vacation is definitely a must-do. Each one has its own vibe and offers something special. From fresh local produce to unique handmade items.
So, while you're staying with Anna Maria Island Beach Rentals, make sure to carve out some time to check these markets out. You'll get a real feel for the area, find some cool treasures, and make lasting memories.
