Last Updated on November 10, 2023

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Anna Maria Island is a gorgeous barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico. It’s an excellent destination for adult travelers, couples, and families alike.

The tranquil white-sand beaches, fun outdoor activities, delicious food, and fun shopping make this a worthy destination for anything from a quick getaway to a full-blown vacation.

Let’s dive into five reasons to love this Florida island.

father and mother holding their child while walking in the small beach waves

1. Perfect For Couples, Families, Adults

One of the top reasons to love Anna Maria Island is that it’s perfect for any type of traveler, from families and couples to groups of friends.

Families will have a blast renting bicycles, going on kayak tours, visiting The Donut Experiment, and soaking in the sunshine on Anna Maria Island’s many beaches.

Couples looking for fun ways to connect followed by romantic evenings will love hiking, going on dolphin tours, kayaking together, and eating delicious meals at the many waterfront restaurants.

aerial view of boat tours in the emerald-green waters of Anna Maria Island

2. Lots Of Fun Things To Do

Another reason to love this Florida Island is the abundance of activities.

Check out my favorites below, or read this post for even more ideas.

Hiking (Leffis Key)

Mangroves, tranquil boardwalks, lush vegetation, scenic shoreline views, and wildlife viewing await at Leffis Key Nature Preserve.

I love hiking along the nature trails through the mangroves, summiting the 26-foot hill for fabulous Gulf and Sarasota Bay views, and chilling on the docks over the water.

This is also a prime spot for birders.

Boat Tours

Another great way to experience Anna Maria Island is by taking a boat tour.

Hop aboard a watercraft and spend 90 minutes cruising the lush beauty of the Intracoastal Waterways.

Keep an eye out for dolphins, stingrays, and manatees while you go.

Kayaking

Another lovely activity is to kayak through the mangrove tunnels and nature preserves or explore the warm waters of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

You might even spot marine life like manatees and dolphins.

Biking

Anna Maria Island has miles and miles of white-sand beaches, scenic boardwalks, and beautiful views.

What better way to immerse yourself in the beauty than atop a bicycle?

Bike paths abound on the island, crisscrossing through parks, leading along main roads, or skirting the beaches.

The trails are well-marked, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost.

Find Anna Maria Island bike rentals here.

entrance sign at Rod Reel Pier in Anna Maria Island FL

3. Amazing Seafoods & Restaurants

Anna Maria Island is the perfect place for a seafood feast.

But if you don’t like fish, don’t worry, there’s plenty of other mouthwatering cuisine to choose from.

Here’s a roundup of my favorite restaurants. You can find more of my top suggestions in this Anna Maria Island restaurant post.

The Kokonut Hut

First on the list is The Kokonut Hut. This restaurant has delicious food.

But one of the things I like best about it is that it’s right on the water.

Nothing beats eating a delicious meal and enjoying incredible views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Bridge Tender

The Bridge Tender Inn is another delicious eatery on the water.

It has a dockside grille, a sports bar, live music, and an outdoor patio. It’s pet-friendly, too.

The Feast

If you like hidden gems, check out The Feast. This great restaurant is just behind the Island Shopping Center.

I love their seafood, salads, pasta dishes, burgers, and steaks. They also offer pizza, craft beers, and wines.

While you’re in the area, hit up some of the nearby gift shops.

Anna Maria Oyster Bar

Oysters, oysters, get them here!

The Anna Maria Oyster Bar is located on the pier at the end of Bridge Street.

Try the Build Your Own menu with garlic parmesan, chipotle, fried, and Rockefeller oysters. It’s my go-to.

Wide beach area at Anna Maria Island during sunset

4. Great Beaches

Another reason to love Anna Maria Island is its beaches.

I go into depth about Anna Maria Islands beaches in another post, but here are three of my favorites:

Coquina Beach

If you’re looking for a central beach with plenty to do, Coquina Beach is the perfect spot.

Besides beautiful white sand and clear turquoise water, Coquina Beach has beach volleyball, games tables, and a beachside café offering three meals a day.

There are also picnic pavilions, a gift shop, biking and walking trails, and grills.

Bean Point

If you prefer a more secluded spot, Bean Point is ideal. This wide beach is located on the northern tip of the island.

Although there are no amenities, the serenity here is unmatched.

I love the sand dunes and eye-catching views of the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. Go early so you can find street parking nearby.

Manatee Beach

Another popular beach you won’t want to miss is Manatee Beach. Much like Coquina Beach, Manatee has great amenities, white sand, and clear blue water.

Kids will love the playground, while everyone will enjoy the Island Ice Cream shop!

Grab drinks at the Bamboo Beach Tiki Bar, have a picnic, grill out, or treat yourself to all-you-can-eat pancakes at the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe.