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Home » Beach Travel » Things to do in Anna Maria Island, Florida
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Beach Travel

Things to do in Anna Maria Island, Florida

By Rachael | Updated on August 7, 2020

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I received complimentary accommodations, food, and activities to facilitate this post, courtesy of Visit Bradenton. However, my love of Anna Maria Island, and all opinions are 100% my own.

A little slice of paradise–Anna Maria Island! If you haven’t ever been to the Gulf Coast area of Florida, put it on your list now! This little island offers sugar-white coastlines, 7 miles of charming shops, boutique hotels, gorgeous emerald blue waters, and a serious food scene! You can’t go wrong with a visit to Anna Maria Island, whether it is a girl’s weekend or a family vacation.

Anna Maria Island is in west Florida near Tampa

You guys, I have to be honest, I had never even heard of Anna Maria Island before this year. But then not one, but two, of my friends mentioned it. They told me how it is one of their favorite places in the world, and a must-visit location. When I later learned that the island has a 94% return-visitor rate, I knew I had to see this slice of heaven for myself. And I am so glad I did. If you want to visit a gorgeous beach location, without having to have a passport, this is the place to go.

The weather is beautiful, the beaches gorgeous, the waters warm, and you may even find yourself swimming along side a manatee. The shops are quaint and charming. The accommodations lovely, and perfect for families. And the food. Don’t even get me started on the food.

I had the pleasure of visiting AMI with friends on a blogger retreat, and am already planning a visit back to take my kids. It is the ultimate place to get away, sit back, relax, and enjoy life. I was only there for 3 short days, but got to enjoy some mouthwatering food, got a massage, had some fun, and of course hit up those white sandy beaches. I got a taste of all the island has to offer, and can’t wait to share it with you. So here it is, the places to go, places to eat, places to stay, and things to do in Anna Maria Island, Florida

Where to Stay:

Tortuga Inn Beach Resort

Tortuga Inn Beach Resort | 1325 Gulf Drive N | Bradenton Beach, FL 34217 | (941) 778-6611

I have stayed in a lot of resorts, condos, and hotels in my life. So trust me when I tell you that when I read that Tortuga Inn was voted #1 hotel in 2015 for Bradenton Beach on TripAdvisor, it came as no surprise. The Inn offers water access on both sides, with a private beach across the street. The rooms are spacious, the kitchens large, the porches screened in. There are 2 pools. The rooms are huge, the whole time I was there I kept thinking about how great it would be to bring my family back.

Tortuga Inn is a beautiful fl lice of heaven on Anna Maria Island

I loved how light and spacious the rooms were. I visited with a group of bloggers, and we had plenty of space to spread out with laptops and camera bags, and food. Always food.

room-decor

Getting Around:

The island is about an hour away from Tampa, so not a bad drive from the Tampa airport, and very scenic as well. We had to privilege of using a Kia Sorento for the trip, it was roomy, comfortable, had great AC and a nice sun roof, which made it the perfect vehicle for cruising this beach-y town! And it has seats with coolers on them. Seriously!! I have seat warmers in my awesome mini-van, but coolers…how cool is that?

However, should you visit without a car, or if you don’t want to deal with finding parking on this tiny little island, then you are in luck because Anna Maria Island has its own Free Trolley that can take you up and down the island. There is also a monkey bus, without real monkeys. It is also free of charge. No matter how you do it, just be sure to get around the island. It is fantastic.

kia

Where to Eat:

The food is plentiful on Anna Maria Island, from cupcakes and confections to seafood and salads. I loved nearly every bite, and was in my own personal heaven with all the seafood and frozen fruity drinks! To say I consumed a *few* virgin Pina Coladas is an understatement. Places you don’t want to miss while visiting include:

The Sandbar Restaurant

The Sandbar Restaurant | 100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216 | (941) 778-0444

If you haven’t eaten with your sand in the toes, then you are missing out. I am a huge fan of fresh and local seafood and The Sandbar delivered on that. I can’t speak to their non-seafood dishes, but the seafood was amazing. I loved the fish dip (try it!), the fresh crab, and the caviar. The stuffed squash blossoms were a huge treat. And I had a mango pina colada that was super refreshing. The restaurant is charming, and the atmosphere is relaxing and fun. In fact, every night they run a contest to see who can predict sunset. If you are on AMI, stop in and dine feet in the sand!

Sand Bar

And be sure to order a seafood platter for the table! The freshness is killer.

seafood

Poppo’s Tacqueria (Poppo’s Tacos)

Poppo’s Taqueria | 212 C Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216 | (941) 254-7941

I never wait for Tuesday to indulge in tacos, and so I was pretty excited to try Poppo’s Taqueria. It is a darling restaurant on Pine Ave. with fresh made chips, amazing guacamole, sodas that are free from high-fructose corn syrup, and of course…mouthwatering tacos. You can chose what you want in them, and there are tons of fresh ingredients. I loved the pickled cabbage, and went with a “Classic” which is just the carnitas, cilantro, and onion. I enjoyed every bite! They also have bowl, quesadillas, and more. This is a place I will visit again. The customer service here was also awesome. The staff was friendly, funny, and kept up a lively banter through the ordering process, explaining everything and making suggestions.

Poppos Tacos

The Donut Experiment

The Donut Experiment | 210 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216 | (941) 896-3172

There is something you should know about me…I am a Krispy Kreme girl. Love original glazed, hot off the assemble line, Krispy Kreme donuts. I visit Portland regularly and love Blue Star donuts. But I am not a big fan of VooDoo. I just can’t get into donuts with cereal on top or lots of extras. When it comes to donuts I am plain Jane. BUT…I LOVED the maple bacon donut fresh and hot from The Donut Experiment.

This is a donut shop that lets you mix and match to create your donuts. You have a list of glazes/frostings, and toppings, and you decide what you want. They offer a daily special, and some really unique flavors like sriracha and peanut. The donuts are made to order, so they are hot when you get them, and seriously delicious. As food bloggers do, we had to get lots of photos before we could dig in, but I just couldn’t wait. I didn’t want my donut to get cold, so I snagged it and scarfed it mid photo sesh. Shhhh….don’t tell.

The donut experiment

Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar

Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar | 4628 119th St. W. Cortez, FL  34215 | (941) 798-2035

The best pina colada I had while visiting AMI was here. But the worst service I had was also here. Despite the grouchy hostess and snotty server, I have to recommend this place because it was the one place every local told us we had to eat. And the food was outstanding. I got coconut shrimp, fries, and cole slaw. We also had some awesome appetizers like conch fritters, insanely large portioned nachos, and other good eats. Try the nachos, but split them! They are huge.

It was a hot day and we sat outside. The views were great, but the shade canopy and misting fans weren’t enough to keep us cool, so if given the option, you might want to chose AC!

drinks-ami

Blue Marlin

Blue Marlin | 121 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217 | (941) 896-9737

I HIGHLY recommend a visit to Blue Marlin. You guys, the food is SO good. The atmosphere is SO charming. The servers were SO fun and knowledgable. Basically it was everything you would want from a dining experience. It was the last place we ate while on the island, and it was the best send off I could wish for.  From the appetizers to the desserts, every bite was awesome. It was one of those meals where you know you are full and you will pay for it later but you can’t stop eating because it is just that good. We had fried green tomatoes, shrimp egg rolls (Oh-Em-Gee), a Seafood Mediterranean pasta, Shrimp and Grits (Double Oh-Em-Gee), Grouper, and more. For dessert I loved the Key Lime Pie with Passion Fruit syrup, and the Bourbon Pecan Pie was really yummy too. Order it all.

Blue Marling on AMI

Cupcakes Delight

Cupcakes Delight |3324 E Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217 | (941) 779-2253

I have never been a big cake eater. But I have this friend who makes the best Peanut Butter Cupcakes ever, and after she won Cupcake Wars, I was validated in my cupcake taste. If I am going to eat a cupcake, it had better be a good cupcake. Well, Cupcakes Delight is worth it. They make their cupcakes fresh daily, and when they are out, they are out. They have a ton of awesome flavors, and if you call in early enough and request the flavor you want, the baker will do her best to make it for you. My favorite was a Turtle One, but the Key Lime was a close second. Stop in for a treat!

What to do:

Paint Sand Dollars

Shiny Fish Emporium | 306 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216 | (941) 896-9742

If you visit Anna Maria Island, one thing you do not want to miss out on is painting sand dollars at the Shiny Fish Emporium. It is a darling boutique right on Pine Ave. The shop is full of eye candy, and beautiful things. The owners are sweet, helpful, and a lot of fun. And one thing they offer is a chance to paint a sand dollar and each mochi (an ice cream treat). The husband of the husband wife team that own the shop is an artist, and you can buy t-shirts etc. with his artwork on them, but you can also just walk around the shop and admire some of the sand dollars he painted.

Some people visit AMI every year and paint a sand dollar on every trip, which they then hang on their Christmas tree. I thought that was such a cute idea. The Shiny Fish Emporium is absolutely darling, so even if you don’t want to paint a sand dollar pop your head in for a look around.

sand-dollar-painting

Visit the Beaches

Bean Point Beach | Bean Point, Anna Maria, FL 34216 | 
While Anna Maria Island is an island, so there are tons of beaches to visit, Bean Point beach is the best. It is on the very northern tip of Anna Maria Island. It is a gorgeous strip of sugar white sands. The water is warm. The views incredible. It is where Tampa Bay meets the Gulf.
Honestly, I wish I had spent more time at the beach, but as I was only there for a few days, and it was a working vacation, I only got to spend one afternoon there. We grabbed some sun umbrellas, and hit the sands. And guess what happened? We got to swim with a Manatee. We were all just hanging out in the water when this dark shadow in the water started coming toward us. It was a pretty big dark blob, and was potentially pretty scary. But it was a huge, gentle, and oh so awesome! I learned later that you can let them come up to you, but it is illegal to approach them. So if you have the pleasure, don’t approach.  umbrellas
You could sail, parasail or try other fun beach activities as well. Any time spent on the water or sand is a win for me! If you can’t make it to Bean Point, check out some of the other beaches. This gorgeous beach is right across the street from the Tortuga Inn. They have umbrellas, beach chairs, and more to enjoy while being a beach bum. Take full advantage of that. sail-boats
The white sandy beaches of AMI

Get a Massage at Aluna Wellness Spa

Aluna Wellness Spa | 2219 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34216 | (941) 778-8400
Several of the girls in our group decided to go parasailing one morning. I parasailed in Hawaii a few years ago, and while it was fun, I decided to do something else with my time on the beach. I wanted relaxation and sunshine, so I decided to book a massage. It was a good call. So relaxing, and pretty affordable at under $100 for an hour.

Basically, no matter what you do, Anna Maria Island is an absolutely amazing place to visit! The beaches, the food, the shopping. Your time is sure to be relaxing and enjoyable. I mean, how can a view like this not be peaceful, relaxing, and good for the soul?

beach-reeds

And take some friends! They make it even better.

girls-in-ami

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Related categories:
Beach Travel Domestic Travel Family Travel North America Solo Couples Travel Travel Excursionsbeach travel Florida Golf Coast Florida old florida. Anna Maria Island travel vacation

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sara Glover says

    August 19, 2016 at 10:02 am

    This trip looks freaking amazing!! I'm so jealous! The weather looked absolutely perfect!
    Reply
  2. Catherine Sargent says

    August 19, 2016 at 1:56 pm

    Anna Maria Island is one of my favorite beaches. It is only about an hour drive for us and we go several times over the summer.
    Reply
    • Anne Weinhoffer says

      May 10, 2017 at 8:47 am

      I was at Anna Maria island a few years ago and we found a part of the beach that had private home for rent with a boardwalk along the beach and lots of shells. Would you happen to know what street that area could be found? Thank you.
      Reply
  3. valmg @ Mom Knows It All says

    August 19, 2016 at 6:46 pm

    I could use a vacation to somewhere lovely like that. I've never been to that area but it is on my travel bucket list.
    Reply
    • Rachael says

      August 21, 2016 at 8:05 pm

      I hope you get there some time. It is beautiful.
      Reply
  4. Janeane Davis says

    August 19, 2016 at 8:09 pm

    This is such a beautiful place. My favorite photo was the table set up right on the beach! That is simple amazing and a wonderful way to dine.
    Reply
    • Rachael says

      August 21, 2016 at 8:05 pm

      It was so cool. I kicked off my shoes immediately.
      Reply
  5. Jennifer H says

    August 19, 2016 at 9:23 pm

    This sounds like the next place on our list to visit in Florida! We live locally and enjoy taking mini staycations around the state.
    Reply
    • Rachael says

      August 21, 2016 at 8:04 pm

      If you haven't been you should go! ASAP
      Reply
  6. Dawn Lopez says

    August 19, 2016 at 11:17 pm

    Wow! Anna Maria Island is gorgeous! I would love to visit there. I know where I would be eating...Poppo’s Taqueria looks like my kind of yummy! ;)
    Reply
    • Rachael says

      August 21, 2016 at 8:03 pm

      SOOOO good. My kind of food too.
      Reply
  7. Scott says

    August 20, 2016 at 8:54 am

    I had never even heard of this island! We visit the gulf coast quite often - have to reconsider where we're going this year!
    Reply
    • Rachael says

      August 21, 2016 at 8:03 pm

      You should definitely go there. It is awesome
      Reply
  8. Ryan Escat says

    August 22, 2016 at 3:00 am

    What a fun place! I would love to visit this place one day, it looks exactly what I love, quite peaceful beautiful view.
    Reply
  9. Kristin says

    August 24, 2016 at 11:02 am

    Oh this looks like such a nice place. The food is what always brings me back to my favorite vacations and this food looks great!
    Reply
  10. Debbie says

    January 5, 2017 at 11:02 am

    If you go in the spring, right before sunset, you are pretty much guaranteed to see a small beach wedding and maybe even a reception at The Sandbar. It's so heartwarming!
    Reply
  11. Vicki D. says

    March 6, 2017 at 12:53 pm

    If you go to AMI, The Sign of the Mermaid is a MUST!! They have THE best Stuffed French Toast with huge fresh blackberries and blueberries!! It is out-of-this-world!! I also love the Donut Experiment! I would recommend the Sand Dollar for shopping. Really unique items and very reasonably priced!
    Reply
  12. Curt Baker says

    February 25, 2018 at 11:20 am

    We are really looking forward to visiting AMI again. We fell in love with it the second we arrived!! We found a rental that we loved & booked it for two weeks!! Will be there the last week of September & the first week in October. Hopefully no hurricanes!!
    Reply
  13. Tania says

    October 24, 2018 at 7:21 pm

    Hi! I was reading all the info you shared about AMI and it seems absolutely amazing. I am planning a girls getaway with 10 dear friends to celebrate my 50 th birthday. I’m thinking this is the perfect getaway! I was wondering if you knew of a home that would accommodate all of us . Perhaps suggest a great place to stay! Thanks
    Reply
  14. Diana Wright says

    December 10, 2018 at 2:04 pm

    You guys! Stop telling everyone about this place! ;)
    Reply
    • Rachael says

      December 10, 2018 at 5:56 pm

      Hahaha, right? It is a little slice of heaven.
      Reply
  15. Al Lobbe says

    May 2, 2021 at 2:13 pm

    Be sure to visit Ginny and Jane E for breakfast or lunch and check out the local artists fare on sale there. Love that place.
    Reply

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