Anna Maria Island, FL

The Inside Scoop

There are three different cities on Anna Maria Island, each with its own “hubs” with bars, restaurants, and things to do and see. The City of Bradenton Beach is on the south end – check out Bridge Street! The City of Holmes Beach is in the middle – check out the area near Gulf Drive and Holmes Blvd! The City of Anna Maria on the north end – you will find lots of shops & restaurants along Pine Ave!

Parking can be a challenge on the island so take the free trolley if you can! Island trolley service starts at 6am from both ends of the loop. Trolleys typically run at 20 minute intervals until 9pm, then every 30 minutes until 10:30pm. (times may vary due to unforeseen incidents, traffic conditions or weather) You’ll never be far from a trolley stop, you can usually find them every two to four blocks. With 35 northbound and 35 southbound trolley stops, it’s easy to get anywhere you want to go on the island.

While there are plenty of restaurants with delicious seafood located on the island, you should definitely check out the Historic Cortez Fishing Village located just off the island for some of the freshest catch around! Take a walk through the historic fishing village of Cortez and visit the old fish houses. Listen to locals tell the tale of yesteryear fishing in the bays and waterways of the Gulf of Mexico. Local favorites include Star Fish Company, Tide Tables, Cortez Kitchen, and Swordfish Grill. These restaurants in Cortez Fishing Village showcase the area’s fresh seafood offerings and provide a taste of its maritime heritage

https://annamariaislandchamber.org/

Perfect Music Vibes

“Kokomo” by The Beach Boys
“Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley
“Toes” by Zac Brown Band
“Island in the Sun” by Weezer
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
“Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett
“Banana Pancakes” by Jack Johnson
“Volcano” by Damien Rice and The Persuasions
“One Love” by Bob Marley
“Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes
“Sitting, Waiting, Wishing” by Jack Johnson
“Somewhere on a Beach” by Dierks Bentley
“Red Red Wine” by UB40
“Soak Up the Sun” by Sheryl Crow
“Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes” by Jimmy Buffett
“No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems” by Kenny Chesney
“Riptide” by Vance Joy
“Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and The Waves
“Cheeseburger in Paradise” by Jimmy Buffett
“Beachin'” by Jake Owen

Top Vacation Experiences

Pine Ave – Pine Avenue is a vibrant and charming street located on Anna Maria Island. It offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy including shopping, dining, the Anna Maria City Pier (check out Mote Marine’s Science and Outreach Center at the end of the pier!), and the Anna Maria Island Historical Society
Bridge Street – Bridge Street is home to a range of unique shops, boutiques, and galleries. Explore the local stores to find clothing, jewelry, beachwear, artwork, and souvenirs. After shopping, grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants, cafes, or ice cream parlors on Bridge Street.
Enjoy the Water: Engage in various water sports activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing, or parasailing. You can rent equipment from local shops and explore the island’s waterways and coastline. There are also sunset and sightseeing cruises to take the whole family on an adventure on the water!
Have a beach day! There are multiple beaches to enjoy on the island. Bradenton Beach and Coquina Beach are on the south end, Manatee Public Beach (aka Holmes Beach) is in the middle of the island, and Anna Maria Beach and Bean Point are located on the north end. Bring a chair, umbrella, and some beach toys and enjoy sunbathing, swimming, shelling, and the natural beauty!
Take in nature’s beauty: There is so much nature and wildlife to see in Anna Maria and the surrounding area. Take a hike or bike ride at a local preserve! On Anna Maria there is Bayfront Park on the north end and Coquina Baywalk at Leffis Key on the south end (Mangrove Tunnels!!). Off the island, head to Robinson Preserve, Emerson Point, Myakka State Park, Perico Preserve, or DeSoto National Memorial Park.

Bars, Venues, & Views

Bars/Restaurants with a view!

- Daiquiri Deck Rooftop
- Bridge Tender
- Anna Maria Oyster Bar
- Beach House Restaurant
- Gulf Drive Cafe
- Sandbar Restaurant
- Rod and Reel Pier
- Anna Maria City Pier

Family Friendly Venues/Activities

- Pirate Ship Adventures
- Mini Golf on Bridge Street
- Mote Marine Aquarium (Longboat Key)
- Jungle Gardens (Sarasota)
- Bishop Science Museum and Planetarium (Bradenton – take the water taxi from AMI!)

Love to Eat

The Doctor’s Office: A unique speakeasy-style bar located in the heart of historic Cortez Village, just a short distance from Anna Maria Island. The Doctor’s Office offers a wide selection of craft cocktails and a cozy, intimate setting.
Beach Bistro: This upscale restaurant is known for its fine dining experience and creative menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. Beach Bistro offers a sophisticated atmosphere and an extensive wine list.
The Beach House Restaurant: Located right on the beach, The Beach House offers a casual dining experience with stunning views of the Gulf. Their menu features seafood, steaks, and other American classics.
The Sandbar Restaurant: Located directly on the beach, The Sandbar Restaurant offers a scenic oceanfront dining experience with a menu featuring fresh seafood, delicious cocktails, and stunning sunset views.
The Waterfront Restaurant: Situated on the Bay, The Waterfront Restaurant provides picturesque waterfront views. The bar area offers panoramic vistas of the bay and passing boats, making it an ideal spot for enjoying a drink with a view.

Random Gems

Bridge Street – Can you find the famous “heart rock”?
Anna Maria Historic City Pier – Can you spot the Sunshine Skyway Bridge?
Rod & Reel Pier – Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a view!
Bean Point – The tip of Anna Maria!
Cortez Fishing Village – The freshest catch around!

Catch Some Sport

IMG Academy: Numerous professional sports athletes from a wide range of disciplines have trained at the IMG Academy. Here’s just a few to name:

**Tennis:**

– Serena Williams
– Maria Sharapova
– Andre Agassi
– Kei Nishikori
– Nick Kyrgios

**Golf:**

– Tiger Woods
– Michelle Wie
– Justin Rose
– Paula Creamer
– Jordan Spieth

**Soccer:**

– Lionel Messi
– David Beckham
– Thierry Henry
– Alex Morgan
– Abby Wambach

**Basketball:**

– Carmelo Anthony
– Andrew Wiggins
– Deandre Ayton
– Chauncey Billups
– Amar’e Stoudemire

**Football (American):**

– Cam Newton
– Andrew Luck
– Russell Wilson
– Bo Scarbrough
– Deion Sanders (also a multi-sport athlete)

**Baseball:**

– Bryce Harper
– Noah Syndergaard
– Giancarlo Stanton
– Josh Hamilton
– Prince Fielder

Other Sports to Participate in while visiting AMI:

Beach Volleyball: The sandy shores of Anna Maria Island are perfect for a game of beach volleyball. Many public beaches have designated volleyball courts where you can join a game or organize your own.
Fishing: The island is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. Whether you’re interested in fishing off the piers, inshore angling, or deep-sea fishing, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding: The calm waters surrounding the island make it a great spot for kayaking and paddleboarding. Rent equipment and explore the scenic coastline, mangroves, and nearby waterways.
Biking: Anna Maria Island is relatively small and bike-friendly. You can rent bicycles and cruise along the dedicated bike paths or explore the island’s charming streets.
Golf: While there are no golf courses directly on the island, there are several quality courses in nearby areas like Bradenton and Sarasota. These courses offer a chance to enjoy a round of golf in the beautiful Florida surroundings.
Tennis: Some of the accommodations on the island offer tennis courts. If you’re a tennis enthusiast, check with your lodging to see if they have facilities available for guests.
Spectator Sports: While not as well-known for professional sports, the island occasionally hosts local sports events, beach volleyball tournaments, and friendly matches. You might have the chance to watch or participate in these events during your visit.
Water Sports: From jet skiing to parasailing, the island offers a range of water-based activities for those seeking adventure and a bit of a thrill.

Annual Events

View and Book Properties