Craving some island time? Search no further. Anna Maria Island is ready to welcome you to its shores in 2026. With pristine white sandy beaches, great restaurants, art galleries, and an absolutely gorgeous downtown area, Anna Maria Island and the greater Manatee County have a lot to offer.
While visiting AMI takes a little extra effort than nearby Orlando, it's totally worth it. This is the true Florida coast experience. A place where you can spot dolphins playing near the beautiful beaches, listen to live music drifting across the sand, and rent kayaks to explore the mangroves. It's friendly, it's peaceful, and it's absolutely packed with fun places and hidden beach spots.
Plus, there's no shortage of incredible places to stay. Check out our range of luxurious vacation rentals to find your dream home from home.
This Anna Maria Island travel guide is designed to help you navigate the island and its unique charms with ease. Read on and start planning your trip today.
Why Visit Anna Maria Island in 2026?
With pristine white sand beaches, soft as sugar on your toes, as well as a downtown old-Florida charm and delicious seafood dotting every menu, why wouldn't you plan a visit to Anna Maria Island?
Previously named one of the 10 best beaches in the US by TripAdvisor and listed among the most hospitable small towns in Florida, this lovely little island is free from high-rises and brimming with fun spots for the whole family.
On this island, you can evade the crowds of other Gulf Coast favorites like Panama City and Venice Beach and just enjoy the turquoise waters and small-town feel in peace.
Has Anna Maria Island Recovered From Hurricane Milton?
Absolutely!
Back in 2024, our island community was impacted by a major hurricane. Fortunately, the local community pulled together, and we quickly recovered. The past few years have seen the island built back better than ever, and we are 100% open for visitors ready to explore the beauty of Anna Maria Island.
Why Book Your Anna Maria Island Stay for 2026 Today?
Planning ahead is important when booking your next beach getaway. This is especially true for Anna Maria Island. While your options for accommodation are abundant, they fill up fast! In fact, Anna Maria Island is one of the most popular Florida getaways on the Gulf Coast.
If you're planning to travel during one of the busy holiday seasons like the 4th of July, Christmas, or Spring Break, you should book your vacation rental as early as possible.
Best Time of Year to Visit Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is truly a year-round destination. With balmy warm water temperatures and somewhere between 300 and 360 days of sunshine, it's no wonder its nickname is the "Island in the Sun."
Every season has its own benefits and reasons to visit.
- Winter is a popular time to visit AMI for visitors looking to escape the cold at home because it has warm beaches and much more sunshine than much of the rest of the country.
- Spring sees the snowbirds depart, and although it welcomes big crowds for Spring Break in March, it is otherwise fairly quiet.
- Summer is when markets, water sports, and wildlife viewing are in full swing, giving you an abundance of options when it comes to entertainment.
- Fall is known to have some of the best and most comfortable weather for beach days, water sports, and outdoor pursuits.
Getting to Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is a delicate spit of sand that juts out from Sarasota about halfway up the Gulf Coast of Florida. For an island, it's wildly accessible with no less than four international airports within easy driving distance.
Below, we explain how to reach AMI from two popular nearby airports. For more detailed maps and instructions from these and other nearby international airports, browse our complete guide on getting to Anna Maria Island.
From Sarasota Bradenton International Airport
While there are public transport options from this airport, most visitors to Anna Maria Island opt for a car rental, a taxi, or a private shuttle service. If you're driving, the good news is Anna Maria Island is an easy 30-minute drive from this local airport.
First, take University Parkway west to SR-41 north to SR-70 west. Then turn left onto Cortez Rd and follow it all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Turn right onto Gulf of Mexico Drive until you reach AMI. Welcome to paradise!
From Tampa Bay International Airport
While Tampa International Airport is a little further from AMI, it often has better deals than the smaller Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. If you're driving from Tampa, you'll have a slightly longer journey, clocking in at about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
First, get on I-275 S. Follow I-275 S to US-19 S in Terra Ceia, and then take exit 5 from I-275 S. Then, take S Tamiami Trail/US Hwy 41 S and FL-64 W/Manatee Ave W until you reach Anna Maria Island.
Getting Around Anna Maria Island
Photo Credit: Mark Winfrey
Since Anna Maria Island is so quaint and you can get around the entire island in little time, most guests prefer to use car-free methods of travel to get around. In 2026, Anna Maria Island is more connected than ever.
There's a free trolley service, lovely walking paths, and plenty of bike and golf cart rentals. Renting bikes is also a great way to discover hidden gems and explore the more far-flung parts of the island, such as Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach.
The AMI Ferry is a great way to reach the mainland without a car. The scenic ferry service runs between Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach on the island and Bradenton Riverwalk Pier in downtown Bradenton on the mainland. Tickets start at just $6, and the peaceful journey takes around 50 minutes with fantastic island views.
12 Best Things to Do on Anna Maria Island
Photo Credit: Mark Winfrey
Despite its size, there are so many things to do on Anna Maria Island, from exploring historic Bridge Street to reveling in the great outdoors. These are a handful of our favorites.
1. Hit the Beach
You don't have to search long to find white sandy beaches on Anna Maria Island. Our favorites include:
- Bean Point Beach - Known for being a peaceful, hidden gem.
- Bayfront Park - Excellent fishing, wildlife watching, and known as one of the best Gulf Coast beaches for families.
- Manatee Public Beach - The most beloved and popular beach on AMI.
- Cortez Beach - Quiet beach for swimming and sun-tanning.
- Coquina Beach - While many beaches in AMI boast shelling, this is a shelling paradise.
2. Play Pickleball
Even on vacation, it's important to stay active. Anna Maria Island makes that easy with an abundance of outdoor and indoor activities. As pickleball has risen in popularity around the globe, AMI began offering some court options. Gather your friends and check out the island's pickleball courts.
3. Pay a Visit To Cortez Fishing Village
Cortez Fishing Village is one of the last remaining working fishing villages in all of Florida. While you aren't going to get a polished and clean museum-like experience here, you can immerse yourself in the traditional culture of the Gulf.
This nitty-gritty village is a must-see if you want to experience the Old-Florida atmosphere and witness first-hand where your seafood dinner is coming from.
4. Spot Some Local Wildlife
From the sandy beaches to the lush mangroves, Anna Maria Island is a veritable paradise for Florida wildlife.
You can spot wild flamingos, rent a kayak and paddle through the mangroves to look for dolphins and manatees, and during the summertime, watch as the Anna Maria Island beaches become nesting sites for sea turtles.
Undersea, you'll spot wildlife like sharks and stingrays. While on land, you'll get to witness an abundance of birdlife like pelicans and pink spoonbills. Be sure to visit the numerous wildlife preserves on AMI during your stay.
5. Go Horseback Riding
A handful of Anna Maria Island beaches are open for horse strolls on the sand. Our complete Anna Maria Island Horseback riding guide covers all the details you need to book a romantic sunset ride or a fun family outing.
6. Explore Downtown Anna Maria Island
The downtown area of Anna Maria Island, including the historic Bridge Street Market and the Anna Maria City Pier, is the perfect place to kick off your Florida vacation.
Here, you can enjoy the bustling city center and shop until you drop at the numerous boutique stores. You'll find gifts from local artists that you'll absolutely love at local shops like the Shiny Fish Emporium. This is also where you'll find many of the island's best places to eat and drink.
7. Go Snorkeling
The best way to see marine life on Anna Maria Island is through the transparent screens of a snorkel mask. While every beach from Bean Point on the northern tip to Coquina Beach in the south is sublime, there are a few standouts for this fun activity. Our guide on the best places to snorkel on Anna Maria Island is a great place to start.
8. Visit Nearby Longboat Key
Longboat Key is another quaint island well worth a day-trip from Anna Maria Island. Getting from Anna Maria Island to Longboat Key is simple and easy, and with an array of stunning beaches, you won't want to skip it.
9. Hire a Fishing Charter
Visit Anna Maria Island the right way and book yourself a fishing charter. Offshore charters for deep-sea fishing are available for small groups so you can get the full Florida experience. With these Anna Maria Island fishing charter experts, it doesn't matter whether you're a seasoned angler or a total newbie; you're bound to have a great experience.
10. Go On A Boat Tour
Our Anna Maria Island travel guide couldn't be complete without a look at the numerous boat tours offered on AMI. You can cruise the Gulf at sunset for a romantic evening out or take a daytime dolphin tour with the whole family.
11. Hit the Links, Full Size & Mini
In sunshiny Florida, golfing is a year-round pastime. With so many golf courses in Anna Maria Island to choose from, including an array of mini-golf courses for some whimsical play. Who needs an amusement park when mini-golf can provide plenty of fun?
12. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day or Beach Massage
If you're searching for a relaxing way to spend an afternoon on Anna Maria Island, consider heading to one of the spas in town or booking a beachside massage for ultimate rejuvenation. This is a perfect activity to pair with a sunset cruise for a full day of relaxation.
2026 Events in Anna Maria Island
Photo Credit: Miha Creative
This year, Anna Maria Island is expanding its already extensive collection of annual events. If you plan your visit during one of the traditional holidays like Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, and Christmas, you can expect plenty of exuberant celebrations in AMI.
We've compiled a full list of annual events in Anna Maria Island to help you discover what's on during your upcoming trip. Highlights include:
- Cortez Fishing Festival in February
- Springfest Art Festival in March
- Bayfest in October
- Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade in December
Noteworthy Food & Drinks For 2026 in Anna Maria Island
Photo Credit: Denys Poliakov
Let's dig into some delicious food and fun restaurants that you can't miss when visiting Anna Maria Island.
Not only is the island home to some incredible seafood and waterfront restaurants, but we've also got exceptional coffee shops, beach bistros, sushi joints, pizza places, ice cream shops, and more.
These are a handful of the best restaurants in AMI worth visiting.
- The Waterfront Restaurant - Globally-inspired seafood cuisine.
- Rod & Reel Pier - An iconic Holmes Beach establishment serving delicious fresh seafood.
- Hurricane Hanks - A beloved local sports bar.
- Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier - Top-notch oysters.
- Bamboo Island Bar - One of the best bars in Anna Maria Island.
- Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe - American food and ice cream.
- The Doctor's Office - Craft cocktails and tasty bites in a chic atmosphere.
Accommodation in Anna Maria Island
As Anna Maria Island is void of any high-rises and chain hotels, most travelers opt for something a little more luxurious, convenient, and local. We're talking about vacation rentals.
Our collection of AMI rentals has a range of amenities to choose from, such as pool access and beachfront views. They're located within easy reach of some of Florida's prettiest beaches, making it easy to take full advantage of all that the island offers on your next trip.
5 Helpful Tips to Plan Your Perfect Anna Maria Island Getaway
This Anna Maria Island travel guide wouldn't be complete without a few recommendations to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
1. Don't Forget to Get Your AMI Drink & Dine Passport
If you plan to indulge in all of Anna Maria Island's iconic eats from the Anna Maria Oyster Bar to the North Shore Cafe and the iconic Beach House Restaurant, you've got to pick yourself up an AMI drink and dine passport.
Not only does this affordable booklet get you access to extended happy hours and discounts on food and drinks, but many participating restaurants also go above and beyond, offering free dishes and drinks.
This is a brand new program in Anna Maria Island that helps to support local businesses while giving you a rockin' deal on the best eats in town. One passport covers four people, so you don't need a booklet for every single person in the family to take advantage of these deals.
2. Take Advantage of the Free Island Trolley Shuttle Service
The Anna Maria Island Trolley is a 100% free service that runs every 20 minutes and stops in the most popular AMI destinations. Not only is it an eco-friendly option, but it's also convenient. Browse our full guide to the trolley for a list of stops in 2026.
3. Consider Getting Your Groceries Delivered
If you're staying in our AMI beachfront vacation rentals, you will have access to a full kitchen. Why not come home to it fully stocked? Head to the Loaded Kitchen online and create your shopping list. This local company will come deliver the goods, so you don't have to waste valuable vacation time shopping.
4. Rent Bikes Or Golf Carts to Get Around
The easiest way to navigate Anna Maria Island is via golf cart. Bike rentals are fairly popular as well. You can cruise from Bradenton Beach or Bean Point all the way to Manatee Beach, Coquina Beach, or Holmes Beach, stopping off at local shops on Bridge Street or Pine Avenue along the way.
There are numerous rental locations to secure your island transport. Book in advance if you're planning to visit at a busy time.
5. Pack Everything You Need for a Perfect Beach Holiday
Let's make sure you have all the clothes and gear you need to enjoy some miniature golf, delicious menus, and beautiful beaches on Anna Maria Island. Browse our beach packing list before you go.
The Beach Awaits: Book Your Anna Maria 2026 Trip Today
Anna Maria Island is certainly one of the most breathtaking getaways in the entire Sunshine State, if not the whole US. Come lounge on our shores and enjoy our spacious and perfectly styled beachfront vacation rentals in between attractions.
Ready to explore the island's beaches in style with the whole family in 2026? Book your stay today.
