Anna Maria Island off Florida’s Gulf Coast is a picturesque beach destination perfect for a relaxing getaway. This barrier island offers stunning white sand beaches, abundant wildlife, coastal small-town charm, and endless adventures for traveling families and couples.
Nestled along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Anna Maria Island is a laidback beach destination with old-school Florida charm. This tropical 7-mile island offers stunning beaches, coastal wildlife, delicious seafood eateries, and adventures catered toward families, couples, and all travelers.
During your vacation in this tropical paradise, With a wide array of attractions and activities, below are 31 of the top things to enjoy during your Anna Maria Island vacation:
Sun-Soaked Beaches
Of course, lazing on the beach tops the list! Some favorite family-friendly spots include Manatee Public Beach with amenities like restrooms, food, and rentals, or Bean Point Beach offering serene natural scenery. The soft sand and gentle surf of Bradenton Beach is also ideal for families.
Splash Parks & Playgrounds
Let the kids burn off energy at the pirate-themed Adventure Playground or the splash pad water park at the publicly accessible Sandbar Restaurant.
Renting Bikes
Pedal the island pathways or cruise the beaches and feel that relaxing island vibe. Bike rentals are abundant island-wide.
Fishing Excursions
Cast a line off the Historic Bridge Street Pier or charter family fishing trips to reel in trout, snapper, mackerel, and more.
Beachfront Dining
Enjoy fresh seafood and iconic sunsets at pierside restaurants like Anna Maria Oyster Bar known for its Apalachicola Bay oysters.
Family Kayaking
Paddle through wild mangrove tunnels with a guided eco-tour perfect for families. See birds, fish, and dolphins along the way!
Go Dolphin Spotting
One of the most fun things to do is take a boat trip to watch wild dolphins playfully swimming. Manatee and stingray sightings are also common.
Mini-Golfing
Test your putting skills at the legendary obstacles of the historic Golf Club of the Island. A perfect family activity for some friendly competition!
Explore on Bikes
Pedal the island pathways or cruise the beaches by renting bikes abundant island-wide. It’s a relaxing way to experience the island vibes.
Retail Therapy In Bridge Street
From boutiques to souvenir shops, Bridge Street offers retail therapy for shoppers. Find art, jewelry, coastal décor, and more!
Farmer’s Markets
Check out locally-grown produce, prepared foods, artisan crafts, and unique gifts at the weekly farmer’s market.
Make Sandcastles
Kids and kids-at-heart will love building masterpieces in the silky smooth sand with a beach toys kit packed in the luggage.
See Wildlife Up Close
Pet cownose rays and nurse sharks at the Gulf Coast Discovery Center exhibit allowing safe hands-on interactions to learn about marine life.
Learn History
Visit the Anna Maria City Pier named the longest-standing pier on Florida’s Gulf coast and absorb over 100 years of island history.
Nautical Fun
Charter a sailboat tour and snorkel secluded reefs only accessible by boat. Or for couples, enjoy champagne while cruising at sunset.
And much more! Sweet shops serving homemade ice cream, adventure parks, splash fountains, museums, live music, amusement rides, parasailing adventures, and beachcombing for unique seashells all add to the family and couples’ fun.
With seemingly endless natural beauty, entertainment, dining, and beachfront charm, Anna Maria Island has something for every traveler. The hardest part is deciding where to start when you visit this can’t-miss island paradise! With so much natural beauty, family entertainment, and charming coastal activities, Anna Maria Island has something for every traveler. The hardest part is deciding what to do first when you visit this can’t-miss Gulf Coast paradise!