Top 10 Things To Do In Anna Maria Island’s Towns

Beyond beguiling beaches, the island’s three towns brim with activities from first-class dining and shopping to pedaling the backstreets. Discover the top things luring visitors inland during an Anna Maria Island escape.

1. Devour Melt-In-Your-Mouth Mini Donuts

For the ultimate treat, queue up at the bright green Meaney’s Mini Donuts trailer to watch warm rounds tumble into cinnamon sugar or specialty glazes. Adults have these confectionery marvels rival favorite childhood carnival fare while kids adore choosing flavors. Order varieties like chocolate delight or strawberry cheesecake!

2. Explore Picturesque Bridge Street & Historic Pier

Get your bearings in Bradenton Beach at the scenic marina hub known as Bridge Street anchored by a clock tower. Snap selfies on the pier behind the landmark Beach House eatery then browse gift shops hawking beachy souvenirs. Don’t miss savory raw oysters slurped dockside at Anna Maria Oyster Bar either!

3. Pedal Between Favorite Eateries & Sights

Bike rentals allow easy access to island attractions without parking headaches. Cruise the island’s full perimeter or just pedal between Anna Maria’s favored businesses. Secure wheels using bike racks before grabbing bean-to-bar chocolate at Paradise Chocolate or acclaimed fish tacos from Poppo’s Taqueria.

4. Plunge The Salty Rim Taco Pub’s Swanky Spiral Slide

Partake in serious family fun at Holmes Beach’s downtown gem Salty Rim Taco Pub. Parents sip fruity cocktails like Miami Vice Margaritas downstairs while supervised kids scamper up two flights to swish down the snazzy metal slide. Refuel with Baja-style tacos, quesadillas or nachos.

5. Stock Up On Souvenirs At The Island Bazaar

Procure the perfect mementos during a browse through this acclaimed island shop in Anna Maria. Beyond merely tacky tee shirts, you’ll discover upscale beach-chic apparel, Islander honey products, local art, and vintage furnishings ideal for a coastal cottage. Ask about their interior design services too.

6. Tour The Island By Trolley For Insider Perspectives

If mobility issues make biking difficult between sights, hop aboard the island trolley shuttling south to Coquina Beach or northwards to the county pier for just $5 per person roundtrip. Not only does the air-conditioned ride spare walking in the elements, but conductors share fun commentary about island life.

7. Pause For Sweet Treats At Two Scoops Ice Cream

After working up an appetite biking or beaching, recharge with creamy confections from this Holmes Beach legend. Since opening in 2005, the shop keeps expanding flavors with clever infusions like Guava Key Lime Pie or Mango Mojito Sorbet. The exterior mural makes a zany backdrop for selfies too!

8. Browse The Beach Market For Quality Souvenirs & Eats

Every Wednesday and Sunday from November through April, a stretch near Coquina Beach transforms into a lively bazaar the Beach Market. Unlike many flea markets, you’ll uncover quality keepsakes like unique sea-glass jewelry, essential oils, or pottery among plentiful food stalls.

9. Practice Stand Up Paddleboarding Via Lessons

Instead of just winging it, book an introductory stand up paddleboard session with the experienced staff at Beach Bums PWC & Watersports Rental. Their expert-led Anna Maria Island paddle tour navigates lush residential canals revealing herons, turtles, and fancy real estate rarely viewed from beaches.

10. Wet Your Whistle During Hot Summer Happy Hours

Thanks to blazing midday temperatures in peak season, island bars lure customers with extended afternoon happy hours from 2-6 pm or later. Post up on a deck overlooking the Gulf with half-price drafts at Sandbar Restaurant or nosh Mexi fare on Pier 22’s airy veranda.

Essential Anna Maria Island Travel Tips

Follow these key hacks for knowledgeable navigating Anna Maria Island’s amenities, transportation, and accommodation arrangements.

Rent A Golf Cart For DIY Island Exploration

Forget mundane cars…zip around Anna Maria’s streets and attractions in a 4-to-6-passenger golf cart rental available from multiple agencies. Sensible daily or weekly pricing provides independence without parking headaches plus you’ll fit places vehicles cannot. Reserve ahead since seasonal cart shortages frequently occur.

Use Sunscreen…Lots! Those Gulf Rays Intensify Fast

Don’t be fooled by breezy tropical temps when hitting Anna Maria Island from April through September. The sun rays baking western-facing Gulf beaches intensify with scarcely any natural shade barriers. Slather waterproof SPF 30 or higher over all exposed skin every 60-80 minutes plus sport UV protective cover-ups and hats.

Try An Anna Maria Island Vacation Rental Over Area Hotels

Limited lodging options exist across this slender island, mostly mom-and-pop motels or private vacation rentals. Booking a roomy rental property using platforms like Vrbo or Vacasa often proves more affordable for groups than multiple hotel suites. Look in the north island town of Anna Maria for quieter locales.

Seize The Day On Anna Maria Island

Are plane tickets booked? Accommodations secured? Now put this mammoth list of quintessential island activities to work maximizing every magical minute on Anna Maria Island! Seek out quintessential experiences like kayaking through lush jungle canals and witnessing radiant scarlet sunsets from the powdery sand. Then sprinkle in cultural gems like the Beach Market and Meaney’s Mini Donuts for full immersion in local islander living!