Romantic Things To Do In Anna Maria Island, FL 2024

Anna Maria Island, FL, is a hidden gem on Florida’s Gulf Coast. This beautiful island has the charm of an old Florida beach town with breathtaking sunsets and beautiful white sandy beaches. Romance is in the air. The combination of old world charm, white sandy beaches and sea air make this the ideal place for a romantic island getaway.

If you are looking for that out-of-the-way place in Florida for your next romantic beach getaway, Anna Maria Island will not disappoint. There is plenty to do in Anna Maria Island to make this one of your best island getaways in the U.S.

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Anna Maria Island beach

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We spend our winters in Anna Maria Island. We have watched it change over the years and even rebuild after a hurricane, but it still has not lost that out-of-the-way Florida charm we seek. We consider Anna Maria Island home and have even returned to enjoy many summers here along the coast.

Top Things You Don’t Want to Miss in Anna Maria Island

We have made this list of romantic things to do in Anna Maria Island, FL, many of our favorite local hangouts, the best places to eat, the best places to stay, and most importantly, the best beaches. This island destination is someplace to add to your bucket list.

This hidden gem on the Gulf Coast of Florida is a place that, once you have visited, continues to draw you back time and time again.

Top 3 Romantic Things To Do In Anna Maria Island

  • Visit the Beaches ~ All the beaches are beautiful, but Bean Point is the beach you must try to visit. The secludedness of the beach makes it perfect for a romantic walk.
  • Shop on Pine Avenue ~ These are not your typical shops. These trendy shops will transport you to a tropical island just by walking through the doors.
  • Enjoy the Sunset ~ Anna Maria has some of the most beautiful sunsets around. Find that perfect spot on the beach and watch the sun disappear into the gulf and dolphins gracefully jump in the moonlight.
Sunset on Anna Maria Island

Romantic Things to do in Anna Maria Island, FL

Anna Maria Island may seem small, being only seven miles long. Yet, there is a lot of charm within those seven miles. You will not lack for things to do while visiting Anna Maria Island, Florida.

1 Find the Heart of the Island

You’ll want to go on a scavenger hunt along Anna Maria Island coasts and bridges to look for the heart of the island. As far as anyone knows, this heart-formed naturally by way of water eroding it over the years.

Most locals know its location, but if you ask anyone, they will politely tell you the thrill is in the hunt, and you are on your own. It’s not that difficult to find, but I do have to agree there is an excitement in getting to know the island while searching for its heart.

2 Anna Maria Island Historical Museum – Photo Op At The Old City Jail

Getting There: Google Map Link To Anna Maria Island Historical Museum

Gary in Jail Anna Maria Island

The city jail was built in 1927 to “quarter the rowdies” who had drank too much at the local bar and dance hall. The jail was used until 1940, when it caught on fire. The wooden roof burnt away, but the exterior walls remained.

The city decided to use the jail as a photo op for visitors, so it was left standing and painted with the current slogan. The jail is the most photographed attraction on the island.

3 Go Beachcombing

shells on the beach

Once you get to Anna Maria Island, one of the favorite things of young and old is to kick off your shoes and feel the sand between your toes. Wander the beach and do a little beachcombing. Sea Shells are a favorite souvenir for many. I know they are for us. Keep your eyes open. You never know what treasures may wash ashore.

When beachcombing for shells, make sure the shells are not alive if removing them from the water.

4 Go Fishing

Fishing on the pier
Locals fishing off The Old City Pier

If you enjoy fishing, you may want to pack your fishing gear to try your hand at the catch of the day. Anna Maria Island has various fishing spots that are enjoyed by locals and vacationers. You can also fish from the beach or the jetty or book an offshore charter through AMI Fishing Charter.

If you want to save space and not pack your fishing pole, you will find many rental places near the piers to rent poles and buy bait.

5 Be on the Lookout for Local Marine Life

Playful Manatees

The waters around Anna Maria Island are home to some fascinating marine life. When visiting the beaches or one of the local piers, look for dolphins, schools of rays, and manatees, all of which call this area home.

We have enjoyed catching sight of playful dolphins willing to put on a show for us. AMI City Pier is a spot where we have caught sight of hundreds of rays traveling under the pier. It was a sight to behold.

Keep in mind marine life should be enjoyed from a distance, and you should not interact with them in the wild.

6 Check out a Local Pier

City Pier sign

Visit one of Anna Maria Islands Piers

  • Anna Maria Island City Pier
  • Bradenton Historic Bridge Street Pier
  • Rod and Reel Pier

Anna Maria City Pier

Getting There: Google Map Link To Anna Maria City Pier

In 1911, Anna Maria City Pier was built to make Anna Maria Island into Florida’s greatest resort city. At the time, the city pier was known as Anna Maria City Dock.

The dock was built 776 feet out into the water to allow steamboats to dock, bringing vacationers and potential buyers to Anna Maria Island. With the addition of the dock, visitors flocked to Anna Maria Island.

The city pier was one of the first places we set out to enjoy. The pier is located on the island’s north point.

Old Anna Maria Island City Pier
City Pier Restaurant in 2017

In 2017 my daughter and I took a summer girl’s trip. One of our top places to hang out was the City Pier. At that time, there was an amazing restaurant on the pier that we loved visiting. The pier was a place where locals relaxed, fished, and shared friendly conversation.

I wanted so much to share the experience of The City Pier with Gary, but when we got there, it was gone. I was so disappointed to discover that Hurricane Irma had destroyed The Anna Maria City Pier.

Slight damage has been done to Anna Maria Island Pier by minor storms and smaller hurricanes throughout the years, but nothing as extensive as Hurricane Irma. Each time, the pier has been repaired and reopened. This time, the only choice is to rebuild and then reopen.

Damage to Anna Maria Island city pier by hurricane Irma
What’s left of the City Pier after Hurricane Irma

Fast forward to 2024; on our recent visit, the Pier has been rebuilt. The City Pier Grill and Bait restaurant is open and ready to serve you dockside while you enjoy a day fishing from the pier.

Rebuilt Anna Maria Pier

Locals are back to fishing, just like the good old days. Fun and conversation flow freely among the locals and visitors. It was beautiful to see Anna Maria Island getting back to its former glory.

Historic Bridge Street Pier

Anna Maria Island Clock Tower

Getting There: Google Map Link To Historic Bridge Street Pier

Explore the island’s clock tower and the Historic Bridge Pier, complete with a fishing pier that offers stunning views of the harbor and bayside.

The Historic Bridge Street Pier boasts an array of attractions, including Floridian-style restaurants, beachside boutiques, and town events. Whether you’re looking to enjoy happy hour or have dinner, there are numerous fantastic restaurant options to choose from.

One of our favorite restaurants, The Anna Maria Oyster Bar, is located on the pier. We have enjoyed some of the best fish and chips at the Oyster Bar.

With the nostalgic charm of Old Florida in the air, this is an ideal location to wrap up a delightful day at the beach. The best part is that you can hop on the trolley for a convenient trip to and from Bridge Street!

Rod and Reel Pier

Getting There: Google Map Link to Rod and Reel Pier

This is one of our favorite areas on Anna Maria Island, you can enjoy The Rod and Reel is the perfect place to experience the taste of Old Florida. The water by the pier is so clear that you can see the marine life that calls the area home. Manatees have been known to like to hang around the area, as well as dolphins and rays.

This is also where you can hang with the locals who like to sit a spell and cast a line.

7 Enjoy Time on the Water

Water activities are plentiful on Anna Maria Island; you can rent a kayak or paddleboard for extra fun. How fun would it be to paddleboard alongside a dolphin or manatee? (Remember, no interacting with them; enjoy them in their habitat)

Happy Paddler has a variety of Kayak and Paddleboard tours available. Explore the waters around Anna Maria Island with a certified instructor through the mangroves, along the coast, or even during sunset.

Parasailing is another fun way to enjoy the waters, or should I say fly above the water. This is more than just a quick ride being pulled by a boat. This is your opportunity to see the entire coastline from above while you feel the breeze against your skin and taste the salt from the gulf.

If you love the water and are not afraid of heights, this activity should be on your bucket list.

8 Relax on Anna Maria Island Beaches

Sun, Sand, and Beach

The beaches on Anna Maria Island are breathtaking. The island is home to several beaches with two things in common: white sand and emerald-blue water. Yet each of the beaches has its own characteristics and is very different depending on where they are located on this small island.

The following beaches are some of our favorites and ones that we love visiting repeatedly. Who am I trying to kid? They are all my favorites.

starfish on the beach

Cortez Beach has a southern beach feel. You cross small wooden footbridges to get from the parking to the beach. The breathtaking Cortez Beach is hidden by tall grass. Keep your eyes open. This is an excellent beach for finding shells.

Coquina Beach is the ideal beach for strolling. You’ll enjoy discovering local shells, including the tiger’s paw and tiny coquinas, which look like little butterflies on the beach. Keep your eyes peeled. You may even find a shark’s tooth, sandstone, or a starfish.

beach fun

Bradenton Beach is the center of all the action. After crossing the bridge, you enter Bradenton Beach. You will find plenty of unique shopping opportunities, bars, and restaurants within this general area.

Holmes Beach has clean sand and tons of shells. The water is always gorgeous here. Holmes Beach is highly accessible, quiet, low-key, and peaceful. This beach has an outside shower to get the sand off your feet before getting back on the trolley.

Anna Maria Beach is great. The water is calm and clear—an excellent beach for watching the sunset. Not many shells, but the sand is beautiful, and there is plenty of potential for a sandcastle.

Bean Point
Bean Point

Bean Point was named after the original settler, George Bean. It is where Tampa Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches you will ever step foot on. The sand is super soft white, and the emerald blue water is filled with schools of fish and manatees almost within touching distance. It is advised that you NOT SWIM here because of the riptide.

It does not matter what time of year it is; don’t hesitate to dip your feet in the Gulf of Mexico. Warm or cool, the water is always welcoming.

Feet in the sand

Walking the beach, playing in the sand, and looking for shells seem to be daily activities for young and old.

9 Sea-renity Beach Spa & Bou-tiki

Getting There: Google Like to Sea-renity Beach Spa & Bou-tiki

Try the island’s only spa with the option of a massage on the beach in a private tiki hut. This one-of-a-kind experience is anything but ordinary and takes place in a very serene environment. Best of all is that couples massages are available.

Sea-renity Beach Spa is conveniently located on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach, with the beach on one end of the street and the bay on the other.

For ease, you can take the island trolly right to Bridge Street

10 Go Sightseeing

There are times when we love to drive around and go sightseeing. Whether it’s by car, bike, or golf cart, there are so many things to see on the island, and driving around is the best way to see what you may be missing.

We love to stop anywhere that looks fun. And have been known to find some exciting selfie spots.

11 Go Bike Riding

Anna Maria Island Bikes

Can you think of anything more romantic than riding around an island on bicycles? Renting a bike is a fun way to get a different view of the island. We love to make it a day of adventure; we grab our sunscreen, sunglasses, and water bottle and set off for a day of exploring.

If you are staying on Anna Maria Island, bicycles are a great way to get around without worrying about finding a parking spot.
There are several places to find rentals.

  • Beach Bums rents bicycles, golf carts, and beach supplies.
  • Fun and More Rentals rents bicycles, kayaks, paddle boards, fishing gear and beach supplies
  • Anna Maria Island Beach Fun Rentals rents bicycles, golf carts, kayaks, scooters, and beach supplies.

12 Do Some Shopping at Bradenton Beach

Island Shopping has its unique charm!

Signs on store doors that say, “We welcome ice cream cones, bare feet, and swimming attire after all – This is Anna Maria Island.”

If you need a little break from the beach activities, there is a charming main street with restaurants and small shops. You will find everything from t-shirts, swimwear, one-of-a-kind jewelry, souvenirs, and quaint beachy home decor.

This charming area is alive from morning to evening. You will find the best shopping on the island and a good cup of coffee or an evening nightcap at one of the local bars.

13 Take a Tour

Make the most of your vacation with a relaxing local tour or excursion in hopes of spotting dolphins and manatees.

There are several local tours from Anna Maria Island that will take you out on the water.

Island Boat Tours and Adventures offers snorkeling tours, private boat tours and sunset boat tours
Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours offers sunset cruises and dolphin cruises.

14 Enjoy Some of the Island’s Non-water Activities

If you want to get away from the water, try golfing at Timber Creek, mini golfing at The Fishing Hole, visiting a local orange orchard or the local bird sanctuary.

Let’s not forget the Coquina Baywalk, which winds through inviting wildlife areas. The Baywalk is located directly across from Coquina Beach. Grab your camera; this is an ideal way to get up close to Florida’s wildlife and native plants. The boardwalk trail offers breathtaking views of the bay.

Pay a visit to Motes Marine Aquarium. This is a great way to meet some of the area’s wildlife. You’ll meet sea turtles, manatees, sharks, jellyfish, and other marine wildlife. You’ll also get to explore hands-on activities and displays at Motes.

15 Enjoy an Island Sunset

Last but not least, the highlight of any day spent on Anna Maria Island has to be the sunset. Each sunset is more breathtaking than the next, and each sunset is unique. Picture sitting on the beach, holding hands as the sun slowly sets. Little by little, it is as if the sun slowly falls into the ocean.

Many evenings, while we have been watching the sunset, there are playful dolphins enjoying the sunset off in the distance.

Ask any of the locals; the best way to end every day is to pull up the beach and watch as the day comes to an end.

Best Ways to Get Around on Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island Beach Trolley

Once on Anna Maria Island, a free trolley takes you to your desired destination. The trolley runs from one end of the island to the other, seven days a week, from 6 am to 10 pm. It makes stops every 2 – 4 blocks. The most requested stops are Anna Maria Island beaches or shopping.

Bicycles, walking, and golf carts are a favored mode of transportation when exploring the island. Several places on the island offer rentals for these and many of the other items you will need.

The trolley, bicycles, walking, and golf carts add to the calm, laid-back vibe of Anna Maria Island, allowing vacationers to park their cars and vacation without the hustle and bustle of fighting traffic.

Manatee County’s Gulf Island Ferry transports passengers between the day dock in downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island City Pier for a small fee. The ferry operates weather permitting from Friday through Sunday.

Best Places to Stay on Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island has various vacation accommodations ranging from well-known hotels and landmark resorts to beachfront cottages, villas, and private homes. There are accommodations to fit just about anyone’s needs.

Most island rentals are small resorts, cottages, and vacation homes because no building over two stories is allowed on the island.

The Bridgewalk in Bradenton Beach’s historic district is a landmark resort located at the bridge’s edge. These apartment-style accommodations have an old Florida vibe.

Tortuga Inn is the kind of place that sweeps you off your feet. It comes with its own private white sand beach across the street. Beach chairs and umbrellas await you. There are three heated pools and a boat dock for guests to enjoy.

Anna Maria Island Beach Resort

Waterline Villas and Marina

You can also book a vacation rental through Booking.com and Verbo.

If you are looking to save some money, you might want to consider booking a hotel just off the island.

You can search for other amazing Anna Maria Accommodations on Booking.com

Booking.com

Best Places to Eat on Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island beachfront restaurant

I could write an entire guide on just the fantastic restaurants on Anna Maria Island. Maybe someday I’ll spend a month on Anna Maria Island and do just that! We have visited these several times, enjoyed them, and would recommend them.

Sandbar

At the recommendations of locals, we headed over to The Sandbar. We were delighted we did! We sat outside overlooking the ocean at sunset. 

The view during dinner was spectacular and the mood was romantic. The perfect combination. 

The Sand bar Shrimp
Fried Shrimp

We visited the Tide Tables twice during our visit. This place is a favorite among the locals. It is the perfect place for fried shrimp and ice-cold beer while enjoying the view.

You’ll loved Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe. It is casual beachfront dining at its best. Besides good food, they offer a tiki bar, cold beer, and island ice cream.

Burgers, fish tacos, ice cream, and even beer all taste better served on the beachfront.

The Waterfront Restaurant has some of the best food we’ve eaten on the island. I had never had pineapple coleslaw until I ate it at the Waterfront Restaurant. It is the perfect pairing with their grouper tacos. This is one place on the island you might want to see if they take reservations.

It wouldn’t be a visit to Anna Maria Island without visiting The Ugly Grouper. This easygoing eatery has a funky 3,000-pound metal fish sculpture you need to see.
The Ugly Grouper has live music every night, and their fish tacos and sweet potato fries are so good.

Food on the island does not stop at seafood. It’s just the best place to get the freshest seafood. If you want something different, explore a little and find other exceptional options.

To get your morning sweet fix, you need, I repeat, you NEED to stop and try out The Donut Experiment. The fresh donuts at The Donut Experiment are creative and they know what tastes great on a donut.

Two Scoops Ice Cream

When you need an afternoon sweet fix, stop at Two Scoops, located near the Anna Maria Island City Pier. It is unquestionably the spot to stop for the best ice cream, sundaes, shakes, floats, or even fresh brewed coffee.

If you love Anna Maria Island, you will enjoy some of our other
Couples’ Vacations In Florida.

I Love you drawn in the sand

Where is Anna Maria Island Located

Anna Maria Island is a barrier island located on the Gulf Coast of Florida It’s location is about 50 miles south of Tampa and about 20 miles north of Sarasota. Also, it is just a short two-and-a-half-hour drive from Orlando, the ideal distance for a road trip.

Anna Maria Island Weather

We have visited Anna Maria Island at all times of the year. Weather does play a role in vacation fun. Whether cool or warm, there is no wrong time to visit Anna Maria Island.

Anna Maria Island Beach

The summers are long and warm, with unexpected brief rain showers. The winters are short, calm, and windy. Over the course of the year, the temperatures vary from 55 to 90 and are rarely below 45 or above 92.

Based on the tourist score, the best times of year to visit Anna Maria Island for warm-weather activities are from late February to early May and from late October to early December. Avoid spring break.

Best Way to Get to Anna Maria Island

There are two airports near Anna Maria Island
* Tampa International Airport (TPA) – is the closest large airport. You can rent a car from the airport and drive one hour to Anna Maria Island. This is worth it to experience the Sunshine Skyway Bridge between Tampa and Sarasota. Private car services also go from the airport directly to Anna Marie Island.
* Bradenton Sarasota International Airport (SRQ) – The closest airport to Anna Maria Island is Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. It is a short drive of fewer than 20 miles from the airport to the island. If you plan to use the trolley and stay on the island, you can use a car service to take you to your condo.
* Orlando International Airport – If you choose to fly into Orlando, you will need to rent a car. It is a scenic 2 1/2 hour drive to get to Anna Maria Island from Orlando.

Booking.com

We use booking.com for the majority of our search for flights and either book with them or, in a few cases, directly through the airlines’ website.

Save Money 728x90

Rental cars and car services to the island are available from TPA and SRQ airports. We have always gotten the best rates using Discover Cars.

Things to Know Before You Go

  • Pets and Alcohol are not permitted on any of Anna Maria Islands’ Beaches
  • Parking is limited on the island; if you are visiting for the day, you need to plan on arriving early.
  • Pay close attention to all of the parking signs, you don’t want a ticket.
  • If you are staying on the island, consider renting a golf cart or bicycle to get around. The free trolley is also available during daytime hours.
  • May through October is turtle nesting season. Nests that have been located on the beaches are marked. The sea turtles are protected, and we all need to do our part to protect them. Leave the nests alone; any large holes you may have dug, making sand castles, must be filled in.
  • Be aware the waters are home to jellyfish and sting rays. Keep your distance from the jellyfish. You may also want to practice your stingray shuffle before coming to the beach.

What to Pack

Two crazy things we always park are;
Baby Powder – Nothing fancy is needed. A little powder on your feet when you get back to the golf cart, and the sand wipes right off. This keeps your hotel room sand-free.

Adolphs Meat Tenderizer – We always make sure we have a small container of this with us. Emergency rooms on the beach coast keep it on hand for jellyfish stings. The meat tenderizer enzyme breaks down the jellyfish venom’s protein and decreases the itching and burning from a sting. I’d rather be prepared than in pain.

To see more of what we pack for a beach getaway, check out What to Pack for a Beach Vacation. You may be surprised at what is on the list.

Tips for Traveling as a Couple

The Wrap-Up – Romantic Things to Do in Anna Maria Island

As if the beach, sunshine and seafood are not enough to draw you to Anna Maria Island. The island offers many things to do and has so much to offer couples looking for a getaway. The island is truly an outdoor lover’s paradise made for couples.

We are confident that once you immerse yourself in Anna Maria Islands’ laid-back ways, a getaway to Anna Maria Island is sure to be on your bucket list year after year.

So whether you are looking for an afternoon of combing the beach for shells, swimming, kayaking, or hoping to get a chance to see dolphins, sharks, rays, and maybe even manatees up close, Anna Maria Has what you are looking for.

Fair warning, just like everyone else, when your getaway is over, you will be saying, “I don’t want to leave.” You will want to book your next trip back to the island as soon as you get home.

After more than 20 years, Anna Maria Island’s slow pace and beauty keep calling us back. It’s that place where we can breathe and relax. It’s where we slow down and enjoy every moment.

We really hope you have enjoyed this guide with the best thing to do on Anna Maria Island for couples. Have you visited Anna Maria Island? We would love to know your favorite thing to do or what you look forward to most when you visit.

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Anna Maria Island jellyfish light
Anna Maria Island feet in the sand
Anna Maria Island Clock Tower
Anna Maria Island Gary and Michelle
Gary and Michelle Signature

Looking for more? Check out a few of our other posts…
Romantic Getaways to Charleston South Carolina
How to Stay Healthy and Safe While Traveling
Romantic Things to do on Tybee Island, Georgia
Fun and Romantic Things to do in Lake Wales, Florida

36 Comments

  1. Linda M Purcell says:

    Great post. Gives me everything we need to plan a trip.

  2. Cindy Baker says:

    I loved this post. Mostly because I’ve never even heard of this place, and it is not too far from where new live in Memphis. Thanks so much for the travel tips. I like your blog! 🙂

  3. Thanks your sharing your memories of Anna Marie. From the stunning sunsets to squishing toes in the sand, and meandering through town, you can do a lot there! Thanks for taking us on the journey.

  4. This is a really in-depth article and the pictures are lovely too. The Gulf Coast of FL is so breathtaking and visit-worthy so happy to add this on our must-visit list. Thank you!

  5. Joyce Rosselli says:

    I love quaint places like Anna Maria Island. I live in Florida so this is now on my weekend list for a trip ahead.

  6. Sounds so amazing and peaceful! Why haven’t I heard of this place before! Lol. Thanks for the great pointers and information.

  7. I recently moved to Tampa. I’ll definitely have to check this place out!!

  8. This seems like such a lovely place! I love the combination of your descriptions and beautiful pictures. Really gives you the incentive to travel there!

  9. I’ve never heard of Anna Maria Island, but now I want to go! Thanks for the great post – so much good information.

  10. My family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents and sisters) have lived in this area for years. I try to go as often as I can; it’s my favorite place to visit! First, because of family but also because of the Island; it never gets old. I’m always excited no matter how many times I’ve been! And I never want to leave! Hopefully one day I will have a place there but until then I’ll keep enjoying every visit!

    But I wanted to say that your article on Anna Maria Island is spot on; I love it! You describe it perfectly and you give such great information! I’m getting married there in 2021 and I’m sharing this article with my guests! 🏖🌴☀️💗

    1. Michelle Gary says:

      It makes me so happy reading your comment! I share from the heart and fell in love with Anna Maria Island. Gary and I are hoping for a very quiet wedding on Anna Maria Island at the end of March 2021.

  11. For 12 years 6 Fishwives ( not wives of fishermen) have vacationed on Anna Maria. Absolutely the best place to reconnect with your friends who are now family. The calm, sunsets we love it. Same house for 10 years. Wish we lived there.

  12. Abdullahi Ismail says:

    Will really like to visit this place … Its amazing

  13. Very nice and informative post. I’d love to visit someday 🙂

  14. Sandi Barrett says:

    I love all the islands off Florida’s coast. They are the perfect spot for Snowbirds.

  15. We are spending Christmas on Anna Maria Island (my daughter & SIL live in St. Pete) and this will be so useful! The Sandbar had been recommended to me so that’s on the list, but now we definitely have to check out the Donut Experiment!! Thank you!

    1. Michelle Gary says:

      Be sure to check out the new Pier. There was something magical about walking all the way out to have lunch. I hope the new Pier has the same flare. Christmas on Anna Maria Island, I’m a bit jealous. Enjoy!

  16. Travel Fit Psych says:

    Wow, I’ve been to Florida but missed this. Always looking for interesting places to see, rather than the usual tourist ones. Thanks for sharing!

  17. Erika Ravnsborg says:

    This is so cool. It looks like the Island is the place to go!

  18. John Goodrow says:

    I really loved your post, it seems like an incredible place to visit. I have been to Tampa, but I never extensively toured the area. I love to see Anna Maria Island. Great Job.

  19. Meghan McCaffery says:

    I frequently visit the Gulf Coast of Florida and you have convinced me to add this to my list!

  20. Linda M Purcell says:

    Anna Maria is one of the places I want to visit in FL. This is a great post. Thanks for the suggestions.

  21. Sounds so amazing, definitely another spot I’m adding to our travel list. I can’t wait to try out some of the restaurants and just stroll on the beach. Great post, so thorough!

  22. Jean C Williams says:

    Thank you for sharing Anna Maria Island and the other wonderful beaches. A couple years ago, pre-pandemic my husband took me on a vacation to Tampa-St. Pete- Stuart – Jupiter and some other beautiful places like Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. Arriving at Anna Maria was a surprise stop for us, but one with great memories. Although we didn’t get to see much or even to grab a bite to eat, we enjoyed the couple of hours spent there and have it on our list of places to return. I hate to learn of the City Pier Restaurant no longer being there; it looked like it would have been a place I would have loved to visit.

  23. We love Anna Maria Island! Can’t wait to go back! Thanks so much for sharing.

  24. Gail Kirk says:

    One thing to add to your list of things to do on Anna Maria Island. There is a Farm Market at Coquina Beach. It is open on different days of the week, depending on the time of year. Closed during the hottest time of summer. Great place to buy mementos of your trip or gifts for any occasion. There are handmade craft booths, as well as delicious food items and a wide selection of island clothing and accessories. There is something for everyone. Check on Google for more info.

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