Visiting Anna Maria Island, Florida, and looking for fun ways to spend your days? If you've already visited Coquina Beach and eaten at all of the yummy Gulf Drive eateries, it's time to venture further afield.
There's no shortage of things to do on Anna Maria Island, but if you're looking for exciting and different ways to spend a day, we've compiled some of the best day trip destinations from Anna Maria Island. All of these spots are easily reachable in less than two hours from your vacation rental home.
Once you've finished seeing the sights in Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach, these cool day trips from Anna Maria Island will keep you and the whole family busy.
1. Longboat Key
Photo Credit: Wendy Bond
Driving Time from Anna Maria Island: 15 minutes Longboat Key is a beautiful beach town located on the coast of Florida. With its peaceful beaches and crystal-clear waters, there are plenty of things to see and do in Longboat Key that will make for an enjoyable day trip.
One of the best things to do in Longboat Key is to explore its quiet beaches, some of which are tiny hidden gems that offer welcome respite from the crowded beaches of Anna Maria Island. Take a stroll along the beach alongside turquoise Gulf waters or relax with some ice cream under the shade of a palm tree.
You'll find some lovely shops and small art galleries in Longboat Key, as well as some fantastic restaurants. Additionally, Longboat Key is home to one of the area's best golf courses, so if you're a fan of golfing, you'll be sure to find something that appeals to your interests here.
2. Sarasota
Photo Credit: Mia2you
Driving Time from Anna Maria Island: 35 minutes
Sarasota, Florida, is one of the most popular beach destinations on the Gulf Coast. With its warm temperatures year-round and miles of sandy coastline, it's no wonder that this city draws so many visitors every year.
Lido Key has everything you need for a fun day at the beach, including picnic areas and grills, a playground for kids, and showers for rinsing off when you're done playing in the waves.
While you're there, be sure to take time to stroll along the shore and explore the many seashells that wash up on the beach. Occasionally, you'll even spot some of the state's precious manatees here if you search the waters for these happy groups of floating "mermaids" or sea cows.
You can't miss one of Sarasota's most iconic landmarks, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. This renowned art museum is located on the grounds of the historic Ca' d'Zan Mansion, which was built by circus magnate John Ringling in the 1920s.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach getaway or an exciting day of shopping and sightseeing near Armands Circle, Sarasota is sure to have something that fits your tastes.
3. Siesta Key
Photo Credit: Shawn Goldberg
Driving Time from Anna Maria Island: 45 minutes
One of the best things to do while visiting Siesta Key is to spend some time on its famous white sand beaches. With powdery soft sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, these beaches are a must-see for any visitor to the area.
Whether you want to go for a swim, relax with a good book, or simply soak up the sun, there's a beach for you at Siesta Key.
Another great thing to do on Siesta Key is to enjoy some time exploring its charming downtown area. This small town has a lot to offer, from quaint cafes and shops to beautiful natural landscapes. There are also many wonderful parks and green spaces where you can go for a relaxing walk or picnic.
If you're looking for something a little more adventurous, Siesta Key also has plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Go kayaking on the waters surrounding the island, try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding, or take an exhilarating zip line tour through the trees. There's something to suit every taste.
4. Saint Petersburg
Driving Time from Anna Maria Island: 45 minutes
Saint Petersburg, Florida, is a vibrant city that offers a wide variety of things to see and do. Travelers looking for arts and culture, outdoor activities, dining and shopping, or just some time at the beach will find it all at St. Pete.
For arts and culture, be sure to visit the Dali Museum, which is the largest collection of Salvador Dali's works outside of Europe. This fantastic museum is located in a stunning building that is a work of art in itself. You can take advantage of one of several free guided tours offered every day and see Dali's works up close.
If you're looking to enjoy some time outdoors, St. Pete has plenty of options for hiking, biking, and even kayaking.
Head to the nearby Weedon Island Preserve or Fort De Soto Park and spend a few hours exploring the nature trails, beaches, and kayaking routes. Both of these areas provide stunning views of the nearby waterways and wildlife.
5. Egmont Key
Photo Credit: Kinda Bush
Driving Time from Anna Maria Island: 50 minutes
Egmont Key is a small island located off the coast of Florida, about 30 miles south of St. Petersburg. If you only have one day to spend on this charming little island, there are definitely some things that you should see and do during your day trip.
The first thing you'll want to do when you get to Egmont Key is check out the historic lighthouse that resides there. Built in 1848, then rebuilt in 1858 following the Great Hurricane, the lighthouse remains in great condition and provides a fascinating glimpse into Florida's early history.
If you're interested in Florida's military past, be sure to explore Fort Dade while you're on the island, too. This was established in 1898 and remained active until 1923.
Another must-see spot on Egmont Key is the beautiful beaches that line the island. There are plenty of places to relax and unwind on the white sand, so be sure to bring along a picnic lunch or some snacks to enjoy while you're soaking up the sun.
6. Tampa Bay
Photo Credit: Heidi Besen
Driving Time from Anna Maria Island: 55 minutes
Tampa is a bustling city filled with plenty of things to see and do, making it a great place for those looking to explore on a day trip. Whether you're interested in learning about the city's history and culture or simply want to have some fun outdoors, there are plenty of attractions that are sure to keep you busy.
Head over to Ybor City, one of the most historic areas in Tampa, which is reminiscent of Old Florida. This neighborhood is known as the "Cigar Capital of the World" and was once home to numerous cigar factories that helped shape its unique character.
Today, Ybor City still retains much of its old-world charm and is full of quaint shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes. Be sure to check out the Ybor City Museum State Park or spend some time wandering the vibrant streets of this eclectic neighborhood.
Outdoor enthusiasts will relish the numerous opportunities to explore nature and lush parks during a quick visit to Tampa.
If you're looking for something a bit more exciting to do in Tampa, be sure to check out some of the area's famous theme parks and waterparks. Busch Gardens is one of the most popular amusement parks in Florida, offering fun rides and zoological animal exhibits with giraffes and zebras.
Meanwhile, if you're in the mood for some adrenaline-pumping thrills, head to nearby Adventure Island waterpark, where you can ride on a massive water slide, go tubing down a lazy river, or simply float along in an inner tube.
7. Clearwater
Photo Credit: Margaret.Wiktor
Driving Time from Anna Maria Island: 1 hour
Clearwater is a beautiful coastal city that offers plenty of fun things to see and do, making it among the most popular day trips from Anna Maria Island.
First, head over to Clearwater Beach, which is one of the most renowned beaches in Florida. This stunning white-sand beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, fishing charters & rentals, and surfing.
While not as famous for shelling as some other beaches in Florida, there's still plenty to be found in the sand here. You'll also find plenty of restaurants and bars along the waterfront, where you can grab some yummy fish tacos or a refreshing cocktail while taking in the stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Another great spot to explore in Clearwater is the Pinellas Trail, which is a long paved trail that runs through the city from Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg. This popular outdoor spot is perfect for biking, jogging, or simply strolling along and taking in the beautiful scenery.
If you're looking for some family-friendly activities, be sure to check out the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This fascinating aquarium is home to a wide variety of marine life, including otters, dolphins, and sea turtles.
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8. Fort Myers
Photo Credit; Gage Goulding
Driving Time from Anna Maria Island: 1 hour 40 minutes
Fort Myers is one of the most popular cities in Florida for tourists, thanks to its beautiful beaches and variety of exciting activities.
If you're craving some movement, go for a bike ride along the Sanibel Causeway. This scenic biking path offers incredible views of both the Gulf of Mexico and mangroves, as well as opportunities to stop along the way at some of Sanibel's best beachfront restaurants and bars.
Looking for adventure? You can rent a boat or jet ski from one of Fort Myers' many marinas. One of the best ways to explore this area is by spending a day on the water, and there are plenty of options for doing so in Fort Myers.
Whether you want to try dolphin tours, snorkeling, or just cruising around and taking in the beautiful scenery, you'll find everything you need at a marina here.
9. Orlando & Theme Parks
Photo Credit: VIAVAL TOURS
Driving Time from Anna Maria Island: 2 hours
Orlando is a vibrant, exciting city that offers a wide variety of things to see and do. With its world-famous theme parks, beautiful natural landscapes, and rich cultural offerings, Orlando is a popular family-friendly tourist destination for good reason.
First, we have to talk about the theme parks. Whether you're a fan of Disney, Universal Studios, or SeaWorld, there are plenty of choices when it comes to experiencing the magic and excitement of these popular attractions. With so many different rides, shows, and activities to available, you'll never run out of things to do at any one of these fantastic theme parks.
Orlando's incredible natural landscapes are another reason to visit. Thanks to its proximity to the Florida coastline and numerous lakes, rivers, and forests, Orlando has some truly stunning natural scenery that makes for great photo opportunities.
The road trip to Orlando takes two hours, but there are plenty of places to stop along the way if you want a more leisurely drive. Even if theme parks aren't your thing, Orlando is a great place to visit.
Come Enjoy Your Home Away From Home in AMI
If you're looking for some fun, family-friendly day trips from Anna Maria Island on your next vacation, definitely check out these excellent options. From gorgeous nature parks brimming with wild birds and dolphins, to interesting historical sites packed with information, there's something for everyone within a two-hour drive of the island.
Gas up the car, get ready for some fun, and make our vacation rentals your home base for exploring the entire Gulf Coast area.
