A trip to Florida means sunshine and beaches. One of your options for an awesome stay in Florida is Anna Maria Island. This island is close to Sarasota, Tampa, and Bradenton, Florida. Regardless of all the sunshine in the state, sometimes one will have to deal with a rainy day.
If you are in Florida for a getaway, you will most likely want to make the most of your time and figure out some rainy day activities. So let's look into some indoor activities you can do during bad weather on your Anna Maria Island vacation.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
This museum has a wide variety of exhibits that will interest both children and adults. You can see examples of local wildlife, as well as artifacts from ancient civilizations.
This museum has a wide variety of exhibits that will interest both children and adults. You can see examples of local wildlife, as well as artifacts from ancient civilizations. There is also a section on the history of the island, which is interesting for those who want to know more about how the island developed over time. Kids will love the life-size robotic dinosaurs. The museum is housed in a beautiful building with intricate decorations, so it is worth going just to see the architecture. But you get to learn something too!
Red Barn Flea Market in Bradenton
This market is a paradise for bargain hunters. With over 200 vendors, you are sure to find something to your liking, even on a rainy day. You can find everything here, from clothes and jewelry to art and vintage furniture. The one downside is that this market can be crowded, so it might take you a while to find what you are looking for. But it's worth the wait!Mote Marine Aquarium
Visit this museum in Sarasota, Florida on a rainy day. It has many different marine animals, from sharks and dolphins to sea turtles and manatees. The aquarium also offers many activities for kids, like touching starfish or making arts and crafts. And if you get hungry or thirsty, there are several restaurants and cafes on-site.Island Players Community Theater
You don't have to be a performer to visit this theater. They have many shows all year long, so you can enjoy some off-Broadway or Broadway on your Anna Maria Island vacation. With over 200 seats, they can host local events and accommodate everyone's taste. Their shows calendar is always changing, so it's worth checking out what they have to offer.Florida Maritime Museum
This museum in Sarasota, Florida has exhibits on Florida's maritime history. There is also an exhibition of old photographs and artifacts found by archaeologists underwater.Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach
The historic Bridge Street is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the view of Manatee County's sunset. It has many restaurants, cafes, and shops that offer excellent views of the bay. You also have access to lots of live music and a thriving nightlife, regardless of the weather.Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum
Located in the center of Anna Maria Island, this museum is housed in one of the oldest buildings on the island. You can visit this place to learn about life on the island at the beginning of the last century. You will also see artifacts from ships wrecked off its coast and photographs taken by local people. And if you are lucky, you might get to meet one of the volunteers who run the museum. They are always happy to share their knowledge about the island with visitors.Acqua Aveda Spa in Holmes Beach
There is nothing like a spa day - rain or shine. Acqua Aveda is one of the best spas on the island and offers a wide range of treatments, from massages to facials.They also have a hair salon and a shop where you can buy products for at-home use. Come here for plant-based facials, sunless tans, waxing, mineral-based make-up, and more.Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe
Some days can be very depressing, even on vacation. So why not cheer yourself up with a nice meal at the beach? The Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe is a good place to relax and have some food. Enjoy some Edy's ice cream or the Bamboo Beach bar in this fun eatery.There are several restaurants in this area, but the Beach Cafe stands out with its view of Tampa Bay. There are also some snacks to enjoy, like ice cream and crepes.Body & Sol Day Spa & Wellness Center
This wellness center is the perfect place to relax and unwind. They offer a wide range of services, from massages to yoga classes.You can also buy products for at-home use here, like essential oils and natural skincare products.They have a beautiful setting with an outdoor patio where you can enjoy the sun (or the rain).Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota
This museum holds a collection of art related to John and Mable Ringling, circus performers. You can see works by Rembrandt or Degas, as well as an impressive collection of paintings depicting the life of this couple. The museum also hosts different types of shows, like ballet performances and live music. And if you are hungry or thirsty, there are several restaurants and cafes on-site.Sarasota Jungle Gardens
This botanical garden is a great place for the whole family to visit on a rainy day. There is an abundance of plants and trees, as well as a butterfly garden and a bird aviary. You can also enjoy a trip around the lake to see the different plants that live there. There is also an insect zoo housed inside a pavilion, with many types of creepy crawlies, including butterflies. If you are really brave, let the kids hold some in their hands. Get your picture taken with an alligator and see a waterfall. Parents may even enjoy this more than the kids.John Ringling's Mansion
This historic home was built by circus magnate John Ringling. It has an Italian Renaissance style and is one of the most impressive buildings on the island. It was originally built as a winter home, but it also served as his office for years after that. You can walk around inside to see how this magnate lived during the early 20th century. Scheduled tours inside usually last about an hour.In conclusion, a rainy day or several of them, won't put a dent in your Anna Maria Island vacation. While you can always chill and enjoy the flat-screen TVs in your accommodation - you can go out in the rain instead.
