If you’re searching for things to do on Anna Maria Island for your next vacation, you’re in luck! There are so many great activities around here that it would be impossible for us to list them all in one single blog. You can spend your days checking out all the fantastic historical sites in the area, exploring the unique shops and their one-of-a-kind souvenirs, or dining on some fresh local seafood at restaurants all across the island.
But while you’re here on AMI, you should be spending as much time as possible outside! No matter what you’re interested in, there are tons of outdoor activities on Anna Maria Island for you. Best of all, you can experience the great outdoors just moments away from any of our rentals on Anna Maria Island. Be sure to try at least a few of these activities while you’re in town!
Beaches
No trip to Florida would be complete without spending some time on the beach! There are three main beaches on Anna Maria Island for you to discover: Bean Point Beach, Manatee Public Beach, and Coquina Beach.
Suppose you want a beach experience that’s relaxed, secluded, and romantic, head to Bean Point in Anna Maria Island. This beach is located at the northernmost tip of the island and provides a much calmer experience than the other stretches of shoreline here. Bean Point is ideal for having a romantic beach picnic with your sweetheart or simply watching the sunset over the waves.
In the central part of the island in the community of Holmes Beach, you’ll find Manatee Public Beach. This beach is considered the most family-friendly spot and offers tons to see and do. In addition to the beautiful shores, you can experience some exciting water sports (more on that in a moment) as well as plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance.
Finally, Coquina Beach is the southernmost beach on Anna Maria Island. It offers many amenities, just like Manatee Public Beach, but it tends to be slightly less crowded. You can still find plenty of activities for the whole family as well as tons of room on the shore to spread out and relax. Plus, if you want to head to the mainland at some point, this beach gives you the closest proximity.
Water Sports
You don’t simply have to stay on the shore or wade into the water when you’re at the beach. You can get a bit more of a thrill with some of the awesome water sports in the area! Guests are welcome to rent jet skis for an adrenaline rush, head high up into the air on a parasailing journey, or take a relaxing dolphin cruise around the island. However, the two most popular water sports are kayaking and paddle boarding.
Kayaking in Anna Maria Island is a great way to get out on the water and experience the most beautiful nature of the island up close. If you’re already an experienced kayaker, you can head to a local equipment shop to rent a kayak and head on the water as you please. However, if you’ve never been kayaking before or you want to be shown around the area, consider booking a kayak tour! You’ll be able to experience the water with a trusty tour guide by your side, helping you get comfortable in your kayak and teaching you about the incredible nature and wildlife you see around you.
Similarly, you might want to embark on a paddle boarding journey. While you sit down to paddle in a kayak, you’ll stand up on a paddle board (which is why you’ll often see SUP, or Stand Up Paddle board, as an abbreviation). Again, you can choose to rent a paddle board to experience the water on your own, or you can opt for a paddle board lesson and tour. Either way, you’re guaranteed to have a unique perspective on the water and make memories you won’t soon forget!
Hiking and Biking
Want to get outside but would rather take a break from the water? No problem! There are plenty of outdoor activities that you can experience on land. Regardless of your age or skill level (or those of your family members), you can enjoy some quality time in nature by hiking or biking in the local parks and preserves.
When you’re going hiking, you don’t need any equipment other than a sturdy pair of walking shoes (or perhaps a pair of binoculars if you want to get a good look at the local wildlife). If you are interested in biking, you can rent a bike and all safety equipment from a local retailer. Are you bringing young kids along? You can often find trike rentals as well as baby carriages that attach to the back of your bike!
But where can you hike or bike around Anna Maria Island? While there are tons of great spots on the island itself, we highly recommend taking the short journey to the mainland to experience Robinson Preserve in nearby Bradenton (not to be confused with Bradenton Beach on AMI). This preserve covers nearly 500 acres and has plenty of room for you to hike and bike. Be sure to check out the observation towers for a truly stunning view! Also in Bradenton is the Perico Preserve, which offers some of the best bird watching in Florida. If you’re hiking or biking here, you can expect 1.5 miles of trail to check out.
If you’re interested in staying on the island, there are tons of bike paths all over AMI. Just be aware that these paths also accommodate pedestrians, so give plenty of space! By biking around AMI, you can easily reach any attraction you please, get some fresh air and exercise, and provide the environment a bit of a break as well.
Plan Your Visit
On top of the incredible amenities and the fantastic locations, our guests also receive a level of customer service that is simply unmatched. We aim to provide a one-of-a-kind experience to each group, offering a level of luxury and attention you won’t find anywhere else. Our team is dedicated to your comfort and fun throughout your entire stay, meaning that no request is too big or too small! Interested in planning your dream escape to the shores of Anna Maria Island? Contact us today to get started with your booking!
Book Your Stay in Our AMI Rentals
After spending the day soaking up the sun and making memories with your family, you’re bound to be tired! Luckily, there are plenty of convenient and luxurious Anna Maria Island rentals in our catalog. We offer rentals big and small to accommodate the needs of any group, and we even have specialty properties such as pet-friendly rentals or Anna Maria Island rentals with a pool! In each of our rentals, you’ll find handy amenities like high-speed internet, spacious living and dining areas, breathtaking views of the island, and fully equipped kitchens.
