Last Updated on August 16, 2024
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Anna Maria Island, Florida, then look no further! Anna Maria Island is one of my all-time favorite places to visit in Florida and I’ve been here several times!
Anna Maria Island is a lot like stepping back into Old Florida, with relatively undisturbed beaches and without the traffic of cities like Orlando or Miami.
The island is made up of 3 cities, Bradenton Beach (southern end), Holmes Beach (middle), and Anna Maria (northern end).
This barrier island is a beautiful 7-mile stretch along the Gulf of Mexico with lots of opportunities for fun and relaxation. It’s just an hour south of Tampa on the other end of Tampa Bay.
Table of Contents
Things To Do In Anna Maria Island
2. Enjoy Dinner With A View At Amazing Restaurants
3. Visit The Anna Maria City Pier
4. Go Fishing (Or Eat Some Food) At Rod & Reel Pier
5. Rent Kayaks Or Paddleboards For The Day
6. See What The Vendors Are Selling At Pineapple Marketplace
7. Learn About Anna Maria Island At The Historical Society Museum
8. Check Out Bridge Street Shops, Restaurants, And Pier
9. Indulge In The Donut Experiment
10. Explore Leffis Key Preserve
11. Go On A Dolphin Tour Or Sunset Cruise
12. Ride Around The Island On Bikes
13. Buy A Souvenir At The Island Shopping Center
14. Have A Drink At D’Coy Ducks
15. Take In The Views At The End Of The Island (Bean Point)
17. Discover St. Armands Circle
19. Visit The South Florida Museum
20. Take A Trip To Longboat Key
21. Explore The Robinson Preserve
22. Embark On A Fishing Adventure
23. Attend Events And Festivals
24. Explore The Fishing Village Of Cortez
What Is Anna Maria Island Known For?
How To Get Around On Anna Maria Island?
What Is Anna Maria Island Known For?
Where To Stay In Anna Maria Island?
What Are The Best Things To Do For Families On Anna Maria Island?
How Do You Spend A Day At Anna Maria Island?
What Is The Best Time Of The Year To Go To Anna Maria Island?
What Is The Best Part Of Anna Maria Island?
Final Thoughts: Unforgettable Things To Do In Anna Maria Island
27 Unforgettable Things To Do
In Anna Maria Island
1. Relax At The Beaches
If you’re looking for what to do in Anna Maria Island, there are several beautiful beaches throughout the island.
Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach are popular beaches on the southern end of the island in Bradenton Beach.
Both of these beaches have plenty of amenities and Coquina Beach has a restaurant right at the beach.
Manatee Beach is in Holmes Beach and is the main public beach in the central part of the island.
You can grab some food at Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe and drinks at Bamboo Beach Tiki Bar.
Manatee Beach has lots of other amenities, including a gift shop. They have live music here throughout the year, too.
Bayfront Park and Bean Point Beach are in the city of Anna Maria at the northern end of the island.
Bayfront Park is between Anna Maria City Pier and Rod & Reel Pier, and a short distance from both.
There is a nice playground here with picnic tables, shelters, and a beach area, also.
In my opinion, the best beaches on Anna Maria Island are Manatee Beach and Bean Point, but all of the beaches here have their perks.
The island’s beaches are the perfect way to spend the day!
Can You Swim At Anna Maria Island?
Yes, the waters here are generally calm and are great for swimming. Many of the beaches here have lifeguards, as well. (Bean Point does not).
Just check the flags before hitting the water to make sure the water is safe to swim in.
Photo Credit- floridadep.gov
Here’s a quick recap of Anna Maria Island’s Beaches:
In Bradenton Beach
✓ Coquina Beach
✓ Cortez Beach
✓ Beach Access (Across The Street From Tropic Isle Resort)- this is one of my favorite spots to hit the beach on Anna Maria Island!
In Holmes Beach
✓ Manatee Public Beach
In Anna Maria
✓ Bayfront Park
✓ Bean Point
Want to experience the best beach adventure in AMI? Check out the Parasailing in Holmes Beach Tour!
2. Enjoy Dinner With A View At Amazing Restaurants
A trip to Anna Maria Island wouldn’t be complete without dining at the best restaurants in the area!
Once you’re done exploring the gorgeous beaches, there are several waterfront restaurants on the island, that boast great seafood, burgers, drinks, ice cream, and more.
The Kokonut Hut, Bridge Tender, Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Sandbar, and Rod & Reel Pier are all excellent waterfront dining options with beautiful scenery.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar and The Feast both have some of the best seafood on the entire island.
For pizza and subs, Omas Pizza is a pizza place and Italian restaurant in Bradenton Beach.
My favorite restaurants in Anna Maria Island are The Kokonut Hut and Bridge Tender, both for their great food and awesome views!
The great thing about AMI is that you’re not going to see a lot of chain restaurants here.
3. Visit The Anna Maria City Pier
Located at the northern end of the island, the Anna Maria City Pier is an impressive landmark to visit.
Come here to walk the 700-foot pier, get some food and drinks, go fishing, or just check out the views and crystal-clear water.
This is also the perfect spot to see marine life. We saw lots of stingrays while in the area, and even a couple of dolphins.
Also, keep your eyes open for manatees and sea turtles as you head north toward the beach.
The pier does have parking, or you can take the free trolley here.
Anna Maria City Pier
📍 100 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, FL 34216
☎️ Phone 941-254-4219
Anna Maria City Pier: Things To Do Nearby
✓ From the pier, you’re just a few minutes walk from Bayfront Park, which is a little further north.
✓ The Waterfront Restaurant and Two Scoops Dessert Shop are right across the street.
4. Go Fishing Or Eat At Rod & Reel Pier
If you’re looking for a casual seafood restaurant with stunning views of the Gulf, Rod & Reel Pier is the perfect place to go!
Eat inside the restaurant or outside on the deck. Rod & Reel Pier offers appetizers, and sandwiches, as well as grouper, shrimp, and other seafood meals.
Stop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can go fishing off the dock or walkways for a fee, too.
It’s $2 for a fishing ticket, $2 for a pole, and $2 every hour. Bait costs $3.50.
Rod & Reel Pier
📍 875 N Shore Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216
☎️ Phone 941-778-1885
Rod & Reel Pier: Things To Do Nearby
✓ From the Rod & Reel Pier, you can walk over to Bean Point which is at the northern tip of the island.
5. Rent Kayaks Or Paddleboards For The Day
Anna Maria Island has several places where you can rent kayaks and paddle boards.
Beach Bums and Kayak Jacks are just a couple of the rental companies where you can rent water equipment.
There are also a few companies on the island that do kayak and paddleboard tours.
We did a guided kayak tour with Happy Paddlers, which is just across the bridge in Longboat Key.
They do several kinds of kayak tours but they do kayak fishing charters, too!
Photo credit – Pineapple Marketplace
6. See What The Vendors Are Selling At Pineapple Marketplace
With over 30 vendors, Pineapple Marketplace is a local favorite for clothing, jewelry, antiques, art, and more.
Whether you’re a collector or just a casual shopper browsing for a deal, this is a great place to shop for unique finds!
Pineapple Marketplace
📍 425 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria, FL 34216
☎️ Phone 941-216-4226
Pineapple Marketplace: Things To Do Nearby
✓ From Pineapple Marketplace, head to the other Pine Avenue shops. Here, there are candy stores, gift shops, clothing stores, and more.
✓ Grab a treat at The Flip Flop Candy Shop or a souvenir at The Island Cabana.
7. Learn About The City At Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum
Anna Maria Island isn’t just about the beaches and waterfront restaurants.
Come to the museum to learn about the history of Anna Maria Island!
This museum has exhibits that show early island life and the first settlers in the area.
See the artifacts, newspapers, and maps that keep Anna Maria Island’s history alive.
While here, take a walk through the Anna Maria Historical Park and visit the historic Anna Maria City Jail that was built in the 1920’s!
Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum
📍 402 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria, FL 34216
Anna Maria Island Museum: Things To Do Nearby
✓ While at the museum, take the Historic Anna Maria City Tour to learn more about the island’s history.
8. Check Out Bridge Street Shops, Restaurants, & Pier
Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach is famous for its boutiques, bars, restaurants, and Bradenton Beach City Pier. There are also several art shows and events throughout the year.
As you work your way up Bridge Street, you’ll pass by restaurants such as Island Time Bar & Grill, Daiquiri Deck, Bamboo Island Bar, Blue Marlin, and Bridge Tender Dockside Bar. These restaurants are a great place for some live music!
There is a fudge shop, as well as Sea Salt Boutique, and Bridge Street Jewelers as you make your way to the pier.
The pier has shops and Anna Maria Oyster Bar is mid-way up the pier. You can do a guided tour such as fishing and parasailing.
Bridge Street Shops & Stores
√ Back Alley Treasures
√ Beach Blossom Studio
√ Bridge Street Bazaar
√ Bridge Street Jewelers
√ Sea-renity Beach Spa & Bou-tiki
Bridge Street: Things To Do Nearby
✓ Just a few blocks south of Bridge Street is Cortez Beach with a trail and picnic area.
✓ The Fish Hole is a mini golf course to play while at Bridge Street!
Photo credit – The Donut Experiment
9. Indulge At The Donut Experiment
The Donut Experiment is a terrific place to satisfy your sweet tooth when visiting Anna Maria Island.
Here, you get to create your own donuts with their donut bar!
They make the donuts and then you pick out the icing and toppings that you want on them.
Or you can try their mixed donut combinations or their special donuts.
Don’t forget to wash down the donuts with one of their cafe drinks!
The Donut Experiment reminds me a lot of the Donut King in Clermont, Florida.
The Donut Experiment
📍 210C Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216
☎️ Phone 941-896-3172
The Donut Experiment: Things To Do Nearby
✓ For more sweets nearby, Hometown Desserts is just up Pine Avenue in Anna Maria.
✓ Harry’s Grill is also close by on Gulf Drive with burgers and craft beers.
10. Explore Leffis Key Preserve
One of my favorite things to do on the island, Leffis Key Nature Preserve is a nice place to go for hiking and exploring.
While here, walk the boardwalk and nature trails through the mangrove forest.
Take a break and take in the views, while relaxing on the dock benches that overlook the water.
There is a 26-foot hill where you can get awesome views of the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay.
Many people come here to go fishing and view birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Leffis Key
📍 2351 Gulf Drive South, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
☎️ Phone 941-742-5923
Leffis Key Preserve: Things To Do Nearby
✓ Just a short drive from the preserve is Coquina Beach with a cafe right on the beach, walking and bike paths, and more.
✓ Just south of Leffis Key is the Longboat Pass Bridge with Longboat Key on the other side, with more places to explore.
11. Go On A Dolphin Tour Or Sunset Cruise
Anna Maria Island has several companies throughout the island that offer boat tours.
We did our boat tour through Paradise Boat Tours, which is located at the Bradenton Beach Pier.
These 90-minute tours take you through the intercoastal waterways.
Dolphins, manatees, and stingrays are common sea life that you see on the tour.
Bring your own food and alcohol!
12. Ride Around The Island On Bikes
Anna Maria Island is only 7 miles long and 2 miles wide so riding a bike is a nice option for getting around the island!
Many of the main attractions on the island have bike racks, including most of the beaches.
A lot of the beaches have walking/biking trails, too.
As mentioned, finding a parking spot in a car can also be difficult in the busier places.
There are several companies on the island where you can rent bicycles.
13. Buy A Souvenir At The Island Shopping Center or Nearby Shops
Anna Maria Island has several areas for shopping on the island.
The Island Shopping Center is in Holmes Beach and is a strip mall with gift shops, restaurants, and bars.
Across the street from The Island Shopping Center on Gulf Drive are more shops and restaurants.
Island Shopping Center
📍 5414 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217
Island Shopping Center: Things To Do Nearby
✓ The Freckled Fin Irish Pub and Hurricane Hanks Restaurant are all within easy walking distance of The Island Shopping Center.
✓ Anna Maria Island Shops and Alvin’s Island are both shopping centers in Holmes Beach that are about a mile away.
✓ Once you’re done shopping, Manatee Beach is nearby!
14. Have A Drink At D’ Coy Ducks
Right at The Island Shopping Center, D’ Coy Ducks call itself Anna Maria Island’s favorite hangout.
This bar is a good place to go to watch sports and see some live music on weekends.
They have different entertainment throughout the week including poker, trivia, and karaoke nights.
D’ Coy Ducks
📍 5410 Holmes Beach, FL 34217
☎️ Phone 941-778-5888
D’Coy Ducks: Things To Do Nearby
✓ There are some fantastic food options near the bar including The Feast, which is right next door to D’ Coy Ducks.
✓ Ugly Grouper is just around the corner from the bar to the north.
15. Take In The Views At The End Of The Island (Bean Point)
Bean Point is a peaceful spot tucked away at the northern tip of the island, where Tampa Bay and the Gulf intersect.
More of a secluded, wide beach with amazing views, Bean Point is a must-do when you’re on the island.
Getting to Bean Point does take a little work. There are some parking spots on the nearby streets, but those can fill up quickly.
Many people take the trolley to Anna Maria City Pier and then walk to Bean Point, which is about a mile away.
There are no amenities at Bean Point, but the scenery definitely makes it worth the walk! Bean Point is also a beautiful place to see a sunset.
Bean Point: Things To Do Nearby
✓ Just a short walk from Bean Point is Rod & Reel Pier
✓ Bayfront Park is a little over a half-mile away past Rod & Reel
16. Explore Sarasota
Located just south of Anna Maria Island, Sarasota is a vibrant city known for its white sandy beaches, cultural attractions, and fine dining.
Visit the Ringling Museum of Art, stroll through the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, or catch a show at the Sarasota Opera.
17. Discover St. Armands Circle
Situated on Lido Key, adjacent to Sarasota, St. Armands Circle is a charming shopping and dining district.
Browse through boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops, and savor delicious meals at the area’s many restaurants and cafes.
Photo credit – Ellenton Premium Outlets
18. Go Shopping In Bradenton
Head east to Bradenton, where you can enjoy a day of shopping at the popular Ellenton Premium Outlets.
With numerous designer and brand-name stores, you can find great deals on clothing, accessories, and more.
19. Visit The South Florida Museum
Located in downtown Bradenton, the South Florida Museum is a must-visit attraction for history and nature lovers.
It features a planetarium, a natural history museum, and the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, where you can observe manatees up close.
20. Take A Trip To Longboat Key
Located just south of Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key offers pristine beaches and upscale resorts.
Spend a day lounging by the water, indulge in water sports activities, or enjoy a round of golf at one of the area’s renowned courses.
21. Explore the Robinson Preserve
Situated in northwest Bradenton, the Robinson Preserve is a picturesque nature preserve with walking trails, kayaking opportunities, and breathtaking views.
It’s an excellent spot for seeing local wildlife, birdwatching, picnicking, and enjoying the tranquility of nature.
22. Embark On A Fishing Adventure
The Gulf of Mexico is known for its excellent fishing opportunities.
Charter a boat and head out for a day of deep-sea fishing, where you can catch grouper, snapper, and other prized species.
23. Attend Events And Festivals
Keep an eye on the local event calendars, as the area around Anna Maria Island hosts various festivals and events throughout the year.
There’s always something happening nearby, from art festivals and live music concerts to food and wine events.
24. Explore the Fishing Village of Cortez
Situated just across the bridge from Anna Maria Island, the historic Cortez Fishing Village is a charming area with a rich maritime heritage.
Visit the Florida Maritime Museum, dine at local seafood restaurants, and observe the working waterfront.
25. Take A Day Trip To Tampa
If you’re up for a slightly longer excursion, Tampa is just over an hour’s drive from Anna Maria Island.
Explore popular attractions like Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, or catch a game at Raymond James Stadium.
26. Rent Jet Skis
If you have the budget for it, I can’t think of a better way to explore the calm waters surrounding Anna Maria Island than by jet ski.
Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’ve come many times before, nothing beats roaring over the waves on a jet ski. It’s a rush!
Plus, Anna Maria Island has over 200 miles of shoreline, so jet skiing is a perfect way to sightsee, explore, and have a blast on the waves. The views from the water are a feast for the eyes.
Rentals are available by the hour, half-day, and full-day. You can either zoom around on your own or join guided tours to see dolphins.
This jet ski rental company offers jet skis that handle well and are equipped with water-proof speakers so you can listen to tunes while you explore.
Water activities don’t get better than this!
27. Go Parasailing
Another of the top things to do on Anna Maria Island is to go parasailing. Gliding through the air 400 hundred feet above gorgeous turquoise water is a next-level experience.
It’s probably the best way to get an adrenaline rush, enjoy a bird’s eye view of the scenery, and get the wind in your face.
Parasailing experiences are available from YOLO Adventures and Fly Anna Maria.
💡 Tip: The easiest way to get to the Parasailing spots and your favorite beaches is to ride the free Anna Maria Island Trolley.
It runs every 20 minutes from 6 am until 9 pm, then every half hour until 10:30 pm. Trolley stops are usually within a couple of blocks of any location on the island.
Looking for the best parasailing tour? Book this 90-Minute Parasailing Experience Above Anna Maria Island! 👈
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Anna Maria Island Known For?
The island is known for its incredible Gulf beaches, amazing food, waterfront patios, and laid-back people.
There’s also great shopping and entertainment, both on water and land.
So what is so great about Anna Maria Island? From kayaking or paddle boarding alongside manatees, exploring a mangrove forest, and seeing live music at one of the local spots, to the best Gulf beaches, Anna Maria Island has you covered for activities!
How To Get Around Anna Maria Island?
You can drive your vehicle and there are paved roads throughout the island.
Traffic does get congested during the busier times of the year, however. Parking at the beaches is free, but these spots do fill up quickly.
It can also be a little difficult to park at the beaches, especially in the summer and on the northern end of the island.
(I was here in April and there were no issues with driving my car or parking. Street parking by Bean Point was the most difficult at this time since there are not many spots.)
Lots of people travel around the island in golf carts and you can rent these at most of the places that also have kayak/paddleboard rentals.
Another option is taking one of the free trolleys around the island or the Monkey Bus!
Most of these shuttle services on the island work for tips.
Where To Stay In Anna Maria Island?
I like staying here and recommend it because it’s a fun place for the whole family and is a relatively small hotel. It also has a nice pool, and is just across the street from the beach!
It’s at the northern end of Bradenton Beach so centrally located on Anna Maria Island.
Tropic Isle is within walking distance of several restaurants, Kokonut Hut, Wicked Cantina, and Sharky’s.
There are plenty of vacation rental options on the island, too.
What Are The Best Things To Do For Families On Anna Maria Island?
Although all the activities in this post are family-friendly, here are my top picks for the best things to do with the family in Anna Maria Island!
✓ Visit The Beaches (Bean Point, Coquina Beach, Manatee Public Beach, Bayfront Park)
✓ Bridge Street Shops & Dining
✓ The Donut Experiment
✓ Rent Bikes
✓ Kayaking Tours
How Do You Spend A Day At Anna Maria Island?
✓ Relax On The Beaches
✓ Visit Historic Bridge Street
✓ Explore Leffis Key
✓ Go Kayaking On The Anna Maria Sound
✓ Take A Stroll Along The Anna Maria Pier
✓ Finish The Day Watching the Sunset At Bean Point
What Is The Best Time Of The Year To Go To Anna Maria Island?
The best time to avoid crowds and get cheaper rates on hotels is by visiting from October- April.
You’ll also avoid the heat and humidity of the summer months!
I’ve been to the island several times in April and the weather has been mild and it’s been relatively quiet.
What Is The Best Part Of Anna Maria Island?
While all the cities on the island are amazing and all offer something unique, I prefer Bradenton Beach.
Some may have a different opinion, but there’s so much to do here on the southern end from kayaking near Longboat Key, swimming at Cortez Beach and Coquina Beach, exploring Leffis Key, and visiting the Bridge Street shops and pier, to arguably the best waterfront restaurants on the island.
If you’re looking for a quieter spot on the island, visit Anna Maria on the north end.
Final Thoughts: Things To Do In Anna Maria Island
If you like the restaurants in Anna Maria Island, take a look at these Waterfront Restaurants In St. Pete and Nearby!
Additional Florida Gulf Coast Blogs
Me enjoying the beach at Pass-A-Grille in St Pete, Florida!
You may be interested in these related articles:
Is Anna Maria Island Safe? Everything To Know Before Visiting!
6 Best Beaches In Anna Maria Island!
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Booking a last-minute trip to Anna Maria Island?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended tours and hotels!
Top Tours in Anna Maria Island
Boat Excursion To Capri Island – (Small Group Boat Tour From Sorrento)
Parasailing Adventure – (Above Bradenton Beach & Anna Maria Island)
Private Fishing Trip With Sight Seeing – (Half Day Tour Around Anna Maria Island)
Top Hotels & Accommodations in Anna Maria Island
Playa Esmeralda Boutique Inn – (Top Rated Accommodation In Bradenton Beach)
Bungalow Beach Resort – (Beachfront Property In Bradenton Beach)
Captain’s Quarters At Anna Maria Island – (High Rated Villa With Private Pool)
Anna Maria Island Inn – (Aparthotel Nearby Beach)
Looking To Get Around In Anna Maria Island?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗
