Beyond beguiling beaches, Anna Maria Island’s trio of towns overflow with activities from superb dining and shopping to unlocking local history and interacting with wildlife. Discover the top things luring visitors inland during an island escape.
- 1. Pedal Between Favorite Eateries & Sights By Bike
- 2. Practice Photography At The City Pier Cultural District
- 3. Plunge Down A Three-Story Restaurant Waterslide
- 4. Explore The Historic Bridge Street Pier & Clocktower
- 5. Tour The Island & Unlock Insider’s Perspectives
- 6. Photograph The Island’s Only Lighthouse
- 7. Savor Sweet Treats At The Donut Experiment
- 8. Explore Painterly Work At Island Gallery West
- 9. Photograph The Island’s Only Lighthouse
- 10. Watch Manatees At The Florida Maritime Museum
- Tips For Effortless Craving Endless Summer Vibes? Unlock the Magic of Anna Maria Island
- Seize The Day On Captivating Anna Maria Island!
1. Pedal Between Favorite Eateries & Sights By Bike
Cycling allows easy access to island attractions without parking headaches. Cruise Anna Maria’s perimeter or pedal between favored businesses like the Donut Experiment and Poppo’s Taqueria. Simply lock up bikes curbside before grabbing snacks then continue exploring.
2. Practice Photography At The City Pier Cultural District
Avid snappers adore the artistic City Pier Cultural District where installations like the AMI Artisan Distillery’s mermaid wall make playful backdrops. The adjacent park also charms with its quaint chapel available for events. And don’t miss bean-to-bar chocolate next door at Paradise Found.
3. Plunge Down A Three-Story Restaurant Waterslide
Partake in family fun at Salty Rim Taco Pub where supervised kids scamper upstairs to swoosh down an epic three-story metal waterslide while parents sip fruity cocktails downstairs. Then refuel on their fusion Mexi fare like quesadillas, nachos, and shrimp ceviche.
4. Explore The Historic Bridge Street Pier & Clocktower
Get your bearings in Bradenton Beach at the scenic marina hub known as Bridge Street anchored by a distinctive clocktower since 1957. Mill about the pier behind it or try raw Gulf oysters dockside at the acclaimed Beach House eatery nearby.
5. Tour The Island & Unlock Insider’s Perspectives
If mobility issues preclude biking between sights, hop aboard the island trolley shuttling up and down for just $5 roundtrip. Not only does the air-conditioned ride spare walking, but conductors share fascinating islander commentaries en route about Anna Maria’s evolution and allure.
6. Photograph The Island’s Only Lighthouse
History buffs flock to the northwest shore of Anna Maria near the Rod & Reel Pier to snapshot the local icon known as Bean Point Lighthouse, built in 1880. Though only 32 feet tall, its white column and surrounding tropical foliage make a pretty scene. Fun fact: its beacon no longer operates!
7. Savor Sweet Treats At The Donut Experiment
After working up a sweat beaching or biking, recharge with custom cake donuts hot off the fryer then dipped in favorite frostings and toppings at this Pine Avenue gem. Adults relish picking decadent drizzle combos while kids watch the assembly line magic behind glass.
8. Explore Painterly Work At Island Gallery West
Beyond beachy scenes, this upscale gallery displays the sumptuous abstract expressionist paintings of critically acclaimed couple William and Priscilla Seitz. Admire their textured works during monthly ArtWalks or while sipping the afternoon away at their quaint outdoor bistro the Artists’ Cafe.
9. Photograph The Island’s Only Lighthouse
History lovers flock to the northwest shore of Anna Maria near the Rod & Reel Pier to snapshot the local icon known as Bean Point Lighthouse, built in 1880. Though only 32 feet tall, its white column and surrounding tropical foliage make a pretty scene. Fun fact: its beacon no longer operates!
10. Watch Manatees At The Florida Maritime Museum
Alongside chronicling Cortez’s fishing history, this hidden Bradenton gem recently opened a manatee observation deck allowing close-up sightings. Watch these gentle sea creatures glide through a new boat basin destination created especially for them next to the preserved fishing village.
Tips For Effortless Craving Endless Summer Vibes? Unlock the Magic of Anna Maria Island
Follow these key hacks for navigating Anna Maria Island’s transportation, amenities, and lodging nuances knowledgeably. Then spend more quality time reveling in paradise!
Try An Anna Maria Rental Home For More Room To Spread Out
Limited lodging options dot Anna Maria Island mostly private homes or lowrise motels. But booking a multi-bedroom rental property through platforms like Vrbo or Vacasa often proves more affordable for groups than multiple cramped hotel rooms. The north island town of Anna Maria offers the quietest rentals.
Reserve Golf Carts For Nimble Navigating Between Sights
Forget clunky cars…zip between Anna Maria sights and beaches easily via 4-to-6 passenger golf cart rentals available islandwide. Convenient pricing grants independence without parking hassles. Remember to reserve your wheels early to avoid shortages during the high season though!
Slather On Specialized Sunscreen…Relentlessly!
Don’t be fooled by tropical island temps, Anna Maria Island boasts intense sun exposure thanks to unshaded west-facing beaches. Liberally apply waterproof SPF 30+ to all exposed skin every 60-80 minutes. And don protective UPF clothing, hats plus sunglasses when beaching between April and September especially.
Seize The Day On Captivating Anna Maria Island!
Itinerary set? Lodgings booked? Now put this compilation of beloved island activities into play maximizing every moment on splendid Anna Maria Island. There’s no wrong way to embrace balmy days here either chilling beachside or unlocking laidback culture in its trio of towns inland. Just arrive eager to soak up all the nostalgic vibes!