Just south of St. Petersburg on Florida's Gulf Coast lies one of Florida's small barrier islands, Anna Maria.
Anna Maria Island (or "AMI" to the locals) is one of Florida's most charming Gulf Coast getaways. It's a laid-back slice of paradise where white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and small-town, family-friendly vibe, filled with shops, ice cream parlors, and eateries collide.
Local Floridians gained access to Anna Maria Island in 1921 when the wooden Cortez bridge was built to connect the islet to the mainland, and it's been a well-kept secret amongst natives ever since.
Anna Maria Island maintains quintessential seaside town features. It's lined with reduced-speed roads that bustle with golf carts and bicycles. It also offers a free trolley known as the Island Trolley, a service that runs up and down the island all day, making it easy to access all the best beaches and the best restaurants.
Travelers can also embark on the Monkey Bus, a small bus decked in sunset hues that transports visitors to and from various island bars and restaurants, where you might even catch sightings of dolphins. Each driver works on tips, and you may be lucky enough to board a bus with built-in karaoke.
With all that said, if you've booked a stay at one of our fantastic Anna Maria Island vacation rentals you'll have no shortage of fun spots to explore.
These are our favorite things to do in Anna Maria Island.
1. Kayak with Dolphins & Manatees
Photo Credit: PeopleImages
One of the most magical ways to explore Anna Maria Island is from the water.
Rent a kayak or join an eco-tour to paddle through mangrove tunnels in the Anna Maria Sound or venture out into Tampa Bay. Along the way, you might spot dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and all kinds of fish darting beneath your boat.
Guided tours are often the best way to explore the gentle aquamarine waters surrounding Anna Maria Island. There are various expert-led, guided dolphin tours around the island that offer journeys through a band of red mangroves in the Anna Maria Sound to spot dolphins playing.
Prefer to explore on your own? Kayak rentals are available in both single and tandem options, giving you the freedom to paddle at your own pace.
2. Treat Yourself to a Beach Massage
Photo Credit: triocean
For the ultimate relaxation, Sea-renity Beach Spa and Bou-Tiki offers heavenly massages on Bradenton Beach and at their spa on historic Bridge Street.Massage therapists treat patients to tranquil massages under lofty cabanas, soundtracked by the swishing waves. Those on a couples retreat may also partake in a romantic couples massage.
3. Cruise the Island by Bike, Golf Cart, or Scooter
Looking to get the blood pumping on your vacation? Rent bikes and get pedalling around Anna Maria Island.
One of life's great de-stressors is a joy ride across a scenic coastal stretch. Anna Maria Island's slow-moving roads provide the perfect conditions for a scenic Gulf drive around the perimeter of the island.
Anna Maria Island has no shortage of charm, and the best way to take it all in is to arrange a bike rental and enjoy a leisurely ride around its quiet, palm-lined streets.
For a more relaxing experience, you could rent a scooter or golf cart instead. Spend the day exploring hidden corners, hopping between beaches full of outdoor adventure, and stopping for treats along the way.
Local shops offer a slew of bike rentals, scooters, and golf carts for hire.
4. Savor Dinner & Drinks by the Water
Anna Maria Island offers a deluge of delicious food. Its tasty eateries and fun restaurants offer everything from seaside feasts to artisan cocktails. Visitors may dine near the water's edge as chefs serve up stunning crab hushpuppies.
Seafood fans shouldn't miss Anna Maria Oyster Bar. As well as some of the freshest oysters around, diners can also enjoy classics such as seafood gumbo and clam chowder.
For after-dinner drinks, head to The Doctor's Office, a cool speakeasy-style bar. It offers a slew of unique artisanal cocktails.
For live music, head to Drift Inn, one of AMI's best dive bars, where you can drink, dance, and have a great time.
5. Cast a Line & Go Fishing
Photo Credit: Mark Winfrey
The island of Anna Maria offers a plentiful assortment of fishing piers for all your fishing needs. The Gulf of Mexico and surrounding bay waters are filled with saltwater redfish, spotted seatrout, and snook. Tarpons are also plentiful; however, catch-and-release is necessary.
There are a few things to note before you head out to sea.
- Those over the age of 16 must acquire a fishing license before casting their rod off the Gulf Coast.
- Many experienced fishers on the island also tend to fish at the break of dusk and dawn to avoid unbearably hot temperatures.
- Rock jetties and shorelines are also suitable fishing locations enjoyed by tourists and locals.
For the best of Anna Maria Island fishing, seasoned fishers may book a fishing charter to spend a few days out on the water.
If you'd rather stay on dry land, cast a line on some of Anna Maria Island's many piers, including Rod and Reel Pier, Bridge Street Pier, Anna Maria City Pier, and Bradenton Beach City Pier.
There are also a couple of inshore fishing spots, like Palma Sola and Sarasota Bay.
6. Indulge Your Sweet Tooth
Anna Maria Island will satisfy those with an unrelenting sweet tooth thanks to its extensive selection of candies and sweets at its many great restaurants.
Hometown Desserts, owned and operated by Cindy Tutterow, is a favorite among locals for sweet delicacies such as key lime coconut cake, cranberry orange scones, and bourbon chocolate pecan pie.
For some of the best ice cream on the island, head to Two Scoops. This Bay Boulevard institution serves a huge selection of flavors.
The Donut Experiment, founded by wife and husband duo Cecilia and Shawn Wampole, is a boutique-style donut shop on Pine Avenue that offers its visitors the opportunity to customize their own freshly made donuts, perfect for a beach day treat. Customers may choose from six types of icing: chocolate, caramel, maple, vanilla, glaze, and a specialty flavor.
7. Try Horse Surfing (Yes, Really!)
Photo Credit: SunflowerMomma
That's right! Horse surfing has its birthplace right here on Anna Maria Island. Anna Maria Island is one of the few locations in Florida that allows horse riding on its pristine beaches. So why not pair a sunset ride with a sunset swim?
Florida Beach Horses (previously The Real Beach Horses) is the company to book with. Participants can book tours directly through their website.
8. Browse Local Boutiques & Art
Take a stroll along Pine Avenue to find an arrangement of our favorite shops specializing in local artisan goods.
The Olive Oil Outpost offers an abundance of infused olive oils, spices, and cheeses, while the Pineapple Marketplace offers thrifty finds from over 30 different vendors.
9. Hit the Beaches
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Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators
The seven-mile stretch of beautiful beaches offers a plethora of stunning seaside destinations.The clear, calm waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and more dynamic beach activities such as parasailing and paddleboarding are available to try, too. There are also great opportunities for shelling and searching for sand dollars.
The most popular of the many gorgeous beaches is Bean Point Beach. Bean Point lies on the northern tip of AMI and is a bit of a hidden gem.
The historic site of Bean Point was once home to island founder George Emerson Bean, who established the island's first roads, schools, and churches. Now, the remote locale is one of the most sought-after stretches on the north end of the island, offering pristine views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Coquina Beach, located in the southern part of the island, is another fun place for a day trip on this small island. Open from sunrise to midnight and bespeckled with blue umbrellas, this laid-back shorefront offers amenities including changing cabanas, showers, and volleyball nets.
Coquina Beach also hosts an outdoor beach market during peak season that features a lineup of local vendors. Stroll through the displays as you peruse a variety of jewelry, artwork, and produce.
For a more rugged option, check out Cortez Beach. Tall trees, native grass, fascinating seashells, and sand dunes give this spot a true picture-perfect feel. Note that there aren't any lifeguards on duty at this beach, so it might not be the most family-friendly option.
If you have young kids with you, check out Manatee Public Beach instead. Here you'll find lots of handy amenities for the whole family, including a beach cafe and several waterfront restaurants. Manatee Beach lies in the Holmes Beach neighborhood of Anna Maria Island.
10. Shop at the Island Fresh Market on Anna Maria Island
Island Fresh Market is reminiscent of the markets of Old Florida. Just off the shore of Holmes Beach, the store offers freshly-caught seafood and locally sourced products. Among its shelves are spices, sauces, and dips, as well as pre-made meals like shrimp scampi pasta.
Once you've stocked up on fresh and tasty ingredients, why not head to Bayfront Park? Here you can grill your goods and enjoy an al fresco lunch on one of the many picnic tables.
11. Take a Nature Walk Through Leffis Key Preserve
Photo Credit: Linda White Wolf
For a break from the beach, head to Leffis Key Preserve, Anna Maria Island's wild nature. Its boardwalk trails wind through mangroves and salt marshes, leading to panoramic views of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
The trails run through stunning mangrove forests, and there are some superb opportunities for 360-degree views of the gulf. Leffis Key Preserve isn't just the only preserve in this Anna Maria Island Guide, it's AMI's only nature preserve, and its well-kept boardwalks are the best place to escape into nature.
Keep in mind that Leffis Key Preserve was damaged in the 2024 hurricane and is closed until further notice. Check the Manatee County website for more information.
In the meantime, there are four different preserves near Anna Maria Island, including Robinson Preserve, Neal Preserve, and Perico Preserve, many of which you can explore via boat tours.
Dogs aren't permitted on the trails in these preserves, so please leave your furry friends at home.
Visit Anna Maria Island for an Idyllic Getaway
As you can see, there are endless fun things to do on Anna Maria Island. AMI is the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. From kayaking with dolphins to indulging in fresh seafood, every day here feels like a postcard.
You'll find yourself spoilt for choice with so much to see, eat, and do in Anna Maria Island, from exploring historic Bridge Street to the Cortez fishing village. And, if you plan to stay a while, day trips to Orlando and its many adventure parks are easily doable from Anna Maria Island.
Book your vacation rental with us on Anna Maria Island well in advance for the high season because places tend to sell out quickly. Come for the beaches, stay for the small-town charm, and don't be surprised if you're already planning your return before you leave.
