Anna Maria Island is a seven-mile stretch of sand located off the coastline of Florida. It provides a relaxing “Old Florida” getaway that you just can’t find in the big tourist cities like Orlando, Tampa, or Miami, letting you escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
There’s a little something for everyone here, from gorgeous white sand beaches to mouthwatering seafood and local boutiques on every corner. But while you’re in town, you should also take some time to learn a bit about the history of Anna Maria Island, Florida.
About
Anna Maria Island was originally discovered by the Timucan and Caloosan Native American tribes. They called the area home and were alone here for many years, but explorers like Ponce de Leon and Hernando de Soto arrived and tried to colonize the island. It’s been said that Ponce de Leon named the island after Queen Maria Anna of Spain during his 1521 expedition.
While the Native Americans prevented de Leon from colonizing the area, they faced another threat in 1539 when Hernando de Soto arrived. He forced the Native Americans to lead him to El Dorado, but he died after 4,000 miles of searching. By then, the damage had been done; the Native American tribes quickly declined from the combination of disease and war.
The island saw its first permanent resident in 1893: George Emerson Bean. He homesteaded what is known today as the City of Anna Maria. After his death, his son George Wilhelm partnered with Charles Roser to create the Anna Maria Beach Company, which developed much of the area. A bridge connecting AMI to the mainland was completed in 1922, essentially putting the island on the map.
3 Towns
Anna Maria Island is divided into three separate and distinct towns: the City of Anna Maria to the north, Holmes Beach in the middle, and Bradenton Beach (not to be confused with Bradenton on the mainland) to the south.
The City of Anna Maria consists mostly of residential properties and is typically less crowded than the other towns. You’ll find two piers in this city, as well as tons of shops and restaurants to discover. This is the perfect place to relax and unwind on the shore. We offer a variety of City of Anna Maria vacation rentals as well.
Holmes Beach is a popular section for residents and tourists alike. This town is home to Manatee Public Beach, a great family-friendly attraction. You’ll also find the island’s only major grocery store here, and no matter where you’re Holmes Beach rental is, you’ll have unmatched views of the Skyway Bridge and Tampa Bay.
Finally, Bradenton Beach is the most congested section of AMI. Bradenton Beach rentals are usually a bit of a walk away from the main attractions, but it does give you an added level of privacy. There’s always plenty of room on the beach for you to spread out, and you’re close to nearby destinations like Cortez Road and Longboat Key.
Old Florida Charm
Guests are drawn to AMI for that “Old Florida” charm. So much of Florida has been over industrialized, leading to tons of crowds and high rises everywhere you look. But on AMI, you’ll find a place where you can truly relax. Life is slow-paced here, allowing you to walk or bike wherever you go. It’s easy to leave your phone behind and simply live in the moment here, allowing you to make unbelievable memories with the ones you love most. Relax as you deserve to on the shores of AMI!
Plan Your Visit
Contact us today to learn more about our Anna Maria Island rentals including our pet-friendly rentals in Anna Maria Island!
Today
Today, Anna Maria Island offers a little something for everyone. It’s easy to find an attraction for everyone in your family. While it’s still a relaxing destination, there’s tons to explore, from the natural beauty to the fascinating history, beautiful shops, fun kids’ activities, and so much more. Indoor or outdoor, rain or shine, Anna Maria Island always has something to offer. More and more people are discovering the wonders of AMI, so plan your visit today to find out what all the hype is about!
