The scenic Anna Maria City Pier is one of the most frequently visited Anna Maria Island historical sites, with an interesting story behind it. The area remains one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island, with several unique restaurants and other attractions nearby such as Bayfront Park, Pine Avenue and Anna Maria Island Historical Society.
Over 100 years old and still in use
The City Pier is located at 100 South Bay Blvd. on the north end of Anna Maria Island. The 776-foot pier is over 100 years old, being built in 1911 as a spot to load and unload passengers on steamboats from Tampa to enjoy the beaches of the island. Prior to the first wooden bridge for vehicles being built in 1921, the City Pier was the only way to get on and off the island.
The City Pier symbolizes the first tourist destination on the island and was also an important supply point. It was commissioned by the Anna Maria Beach Company and was planned by Will Bean, whose father was the first settler on the island, and Charles Roser, who is credited for developing the Fig Newton.
What the City Pier is today
Today, the Anna Maria City Pier represents one of the best family friendly attractions on the island and a central hub for activity and fun. There is a free trolley stop directly at the City Pier, so on many days you can find this area to be quite busy and bustling. There are dessert shops, small stores and restaurants all throughout the area on Pine Avenue and along Bay Boulevard, as well as a highly rated seafood restaurant right on the pier.
Visitors from all over enjoy stopping by the pier to fish right off it or to grab a drink or a bite to eat at the City Pier Restaurant. You can purchase a local fishing license and rent a pole and bait right at the pier, so there’s no need to bring fishing equipment with you.
If you would rather let someone else do the hard work, the restaurant is always available. With incredible water views of Tampa Bay and an extensive menu, you’ll find several locally caught seafood delicacies to try out. There’s also a jewelry and gift store at the pier which you can pick up some unique handmade jewelry, pendants, fossils, sharks’ teeth, and other interesting knickknacks to take back home.
It’s a family friendly area that is always a perfect place to spend many hours during a sunny Anna Maria Island day. Taking a walk nearby along Pine Avenue, you’ll find many historic buildings that have been refurbished and remain standing, as well as newer buildings to explore.
Refurbishing the City Pier
The pier itself is currently undergoing a refurbishment project in order to make it last for many more years. It has already been restored several times after hurricanes and the elements damaged it. After local debate, a decision was made to continue with the project. Refurbishing the pier is expected to provide it with several decades of continued usage.
The decision to refurbish it was approved with extensive local support, as the pier remains an important historical and tourist destination on the island and is also treasured among locals. The project is currently underway, and once it is completed it will ensure that this treasured Anna Maria Island historical site remains on the island for many years to come!
If you happen to be visiting Anna Maria Island anytime soon, don’t miss the Anna Maria City Pier, where you can enjoy some of the most beautiful views of Tampa Bay, some delicious local seafood, try your hand at fishing, and converse with some of the friendliest Floridians anywhere!
