Day Trips

One of the top ways to make the most of your next vacation to Anna Maria Island is to take long day trips to sample the region’s incredible and exciting activities and offerings. Beach House Real Estate would like to provide you with some trip ideas that are perfect any family vacation so that you can enjoy the island to the fullest!

Check Out the North Side of Anna Maria Island for Your Next Day Trip

The northern side of Anna Maria Island is a top choice for a day full of fun for your family. To start, you might visit the Coquina Baywalk, a quiet look into Floridian wildlife that is the most accessible in the morning. Here you can walk through the mangroves and can catch a glimpse of dolphins, birds, crabs, lizards, frogs and other diverse wildlife.

Another traveler favorite is the Anna Maria Historic Green Village with its local shops, all with something unique to offer. This shopper’s paradise is perfect for families looking for an authentic local creation for the kids, for house décor, or gifts to take back home.

You’ll find an eclectic mix of locals and travelers here, and your family can enjoy the freshly caught seafood at the pier’s highly rated restaurant along with the impressive ocean views.

Combining both stunning views and delicious food, the Anna Maria City Pier is a top family vacation destination.

Be Sure to Visit Bradenton Beach

Located on the southern portion of Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach is another ideal destination for a day trip. Check out the vacation rentals with a view of the famous, white powder beach is quiet and absent of the large machines and boardwalks that plague other beaches.

The scenic ocean views on this serene beach are like something out of a painting. Not too far from the shore you’ll find easygoing beachside cafes, frequent local events and plethora of shopping options. All of these attractions make Bradenton Beach a top Anna Maria Island day trip contender!

While it can be difficult to come up with trip ideas for a typical family vacation, you won’t have that problem on Anna Maria Island, as it is everything but typical! With so much to do on this spectacular island, you will find it easy to make plans and explore!

Things To Do in Holmes Beach

Check out Manatee Public Beach for a game of volleyball or let your children run out energy on the playground. This is the best family friendly beach on the island, and is also a great spot to picnic.

With four amazing restaurants to try and unique shops, you’ll get to experience the very best on your vacation. We suggest booking a fishing charter, and going in search of the monster fish that live just off the shore in the warm, Gulf waters or try Sarasota bay fishing.

Sarasota Attractions

Just 40 min away is the attraction and intriguing big city of Sarasota. With a famous downtown arts district, some of the best restaurants in the area, and plenty of attractions to explore, you should spend at least a day checking out this popular destination.

  • Marie Selby Gardens have a dazzling display of flowers and foliage that reflect a tropical island paradise.
  • Ringling Museum houses unique artwork and antiques in a once private mansion. Stop by to catch a tour, or check out a Ringling Museum event!
  • Sarasota Bay has tons of outdoor activities to pursue whether you want a gentle tour of the bay while paddle boarding, or you book a fishing charter to see wildlife and catch dinner to cook back in your fully-furnished vacation rental.

Other Florida Day Activities

Millions of tourists come to Florida every year to enjoy the activities in the Orlando area. Orlando is only a 2hr – 2 1/2hr drive from Anna Maria Island, making it a perfect choice for a day trip.

The Tampa Bay area is only a 1hr drive from the island and has the diversity of many large cities. Between the arts and other cultural activities, the Tampa/St. Petersburg area offers some interesting museums and parks.

Making vacation plans is enjoyable for most people, but very few would say that about finding the perfect vacation accommodation for their trips. Make it easy on yourself and search our collection of vacation homes and condos on Anna Maria Island and the surrounding area of this pristine Florida destination.