When looking for things to do in Anna Maria Island, Florida, you will find no shortage of sightseeing opportunities. As a top tourist destination, AMI is home to many shops, restaurants, museums, beaches, and other attractions that will get you and your family or friends out of your Anna Maria Island vacation rental and on the go every day.
The city of Anna Maria itself is a fabulous place to roam, whether you do it aimlessly or with a precise itinerary. Located at the northern end of Anna Maria Island, the City of Anna Maria gives off serious “Old Florida” vibes. It is all about finding tranquility and relaxation despite staying busy with fun things to do here.
What must you see in the City of Anna Maria? Here is a list of the places you should not miss when you visit Anna Maria.
Must-See Attractions
Want to do some off-the-pier fishing? Rod & Reel Pier is the perfect place to do so. If you have your pier fishing license – which you can purchase on the cheap nearby – you can work your angle here. As one of AMI’s hidden gems since the pier was constructed in 1947, Rod & Reel is also home to a casual dining restaurant. At the restaurant, you can grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Then, you can go out and fish off the pier or enjoy watching a beautiful sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. You can even see the Sunshine Skyway Bridge from here.
Rent a kayak and explore some of the mangroves on the northern end of Anna Maria Island. As one of the more relaxing outdoor activities on Anna Maria Island, exploring the mangroves on an eco-tour or by yourself can be exciting. Be on the lookout for horseshoe crabs, starfish, and other bottom dwellers in the shallow, clear waters. If you’re fortunate enough, you might catch a glimpse of a manatee or dolphin swimming by. You will also see other local wildlife, such as sea sponges and cormorants. A guided tour is your best bet if you are new to paddleboarding or kayaking since the tour guides can help instruct beginners.
Are you a history buff? The Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum is a must-see if so. Initially erected in 1920 as an icehouse, this building functioned as an automotive garage, sea turtle hatchery, and public administration building until the City of Anna Maria started leasing it to the Historical Society in 1992. Exhibits inside the museum educate visitors on what the Island’s first settlers went through and the legacy they left behind for us to celebrate. AMI’s baseball and fishing history is also showcased here, along with archival resources ripe for research.
Visit the museum Monday through Friday from January to March from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is open every weekday from April to December from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is closed on the weekends and through September. The AMI trolley does stop nearby, making for a quick walk.
Try Local Dishes
You’re bound to feel famished after a day of exploring Anna Maria Island. The City of Anna Maria is home to a few excellent Anna Maria Island restaurants. These three restaurants are favorites among locals and visitors alike – and here’s why.
Dip your toes in the sand as you enjoy some authentic Old Florida dishes or something newer and more exotic at The Sandbar Restaurant. You’ll find something to sate the palate, from peel & eat shrimp to the Chicken & Waffle. There’s even grilled octopus if you’re feeling adventurous!
Hey, anglers – want someone to cook your catch for you? Bring it by The Waterfront Restaurant! Crafting dishes using fresh flavors, this restaurant serves rare seasonal items caught by local watermen, and they use cutting-edge techniques to prepare them for you. After eating, enjoy a walk on the white sandy beach and watch the sunset.
Seafood lovers who enjoy live music will have fun at The Blue Marlin. You can also order roasted chicken or a famous steak sandwich. The restaurant is adorned with local artwork to create a chill ambiance. Stop by 121 Bridge Street from 5–9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 5–10 p.m. Friday-Sunday for a bite.
Take A Hike
Want to get some exercise while enjoying nature? Take a walk along the Coquina Baywalk or head over to Leffis Key Preserve for an invigorating hike.
A walk along the Coquina Baywalk is one of the top Anna Maria Island things to do for folks of all ages. The trail system spans less than a mile but is fun to explore. You will get a beautiful view of the bay from the tucked-away observation decks. What’s best – it is free!
Leffis Key Preserve is the County’s island preserve and gives you a stunning panoramic view of Sarasota Bay. Once riddled with invasive, non-native plants that restricted its habitat value, Leffis Key is now restored and enhanced. The 26-foot-high hill in its center is quite the hike but worth taking, as you’ll see dune sunflower, sea oats, green buttonwood, and over 20,000 mash grass plants all around you. There are footpaths and boardwalks to wander along from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Shopping
Anna Maria Island shopping is its own attraction. There’s no shortage of shops to stop at, and you’ll find some seriously stellar and unique items wherever you go.
Bridge Street shops make up AMI’s “hot spot” along the now-historic Bridge Street in Bradenton. You can shop, dine, and play from the beach to the bay. Shop for beachwear at The Uptown Lot or snag some silver jewelry from The Hive. Stop by Bridge Street Bazaar for all the souvenirs you could want.
Venture over to Pine Avenue at the northern end of the Island and check out shops like Three Island Monkeys (which is home to a lot of local art), White Egret, and Egrets Nest (which has home furnishings), and Libby’s Island Jewelry. You can also find beach equipment and rentals at Beach Bums.
Beaches
Visiting the beaches on Anna Maria Island is essential. But some are more crowded than others. If you’re looking for something quiet, try Cortez Beach or Bean Point Beach.
Cortez Beach in Bradenton is a quiet spot for shelling and fishing off the pier. The beach is clean and not generally crowded. Take a dip in the warm water or sunbathe with your toes dipped in the warm white sand. Noise won’t be much of an intrusion here.
Bean Point on Anna Maria Island is named for George Emerson Bean, AMI’s first permanent settler who built his homestead on the Island’s northernmost shoreline. Today, you’ll see all manner of wild birds here and dolphins and manatees swimming just offshore. The evening is the best time since it is the least crowded and perfect for a tranquil beach stroll.
Transportation
Didn’t drive-in? Not a problem. You have many transportation options on AMI. Whether you take the trolley, ride a bike, or drive a golf cart, you can get anywhere.
The Anna Maria Island trolley is free to ride. It runs from Coquina Beach in the south up to the City of Anna Maria. It even runs on most holidays. Service starts at 6 a.m. and runs until 9 p.m. every 20 minutes, then every half-hour until 10:30 p.m. Trolley stops line the Island.
Rent a bike from Beach Bums or Robinhood Rentals AMI in the City of Anna Maria. The Anna Maria Island bike rentals are comfortable and durable, with a vast selection to choose from at either location. They make for easy access to many places on the Island where parking for vehicles is tight. And, of course, you get a lot of exercises.
Need a golf cart rental on Anna Maria Island? Many visitors rent golf carts since they can drive the speed limit on the street and are easy to park. There are a variety of styles, including those fit families, friends, and even big wedding parties. Beach Bums and AMI Golf Cart Rentals will have friendly carts that you need.
Now all that’s left to do is book your stay! Contact us today to get started.
