THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Anna Maria Island (Updated 2024) (2024)

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Ways to tour Anna Maria Island

Book these experiences for a close-up look at Anna Maria Island.

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Outdoor Activities

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  • Half Day Private Luxury Boat CharterNature and Wildlife Toursfrom $1,568 per group (up to 6)
  • Private 4 Hours Fishing Trip in Anna Maria IslandFishing Chartersfrom $600 per group (up to 3)
  • 90 Minute Parasailing Adventure above Anna Maria Island41Parasailing from $70 per adult
  • Parasailing Adventure in Anna Maria Island48Parasailing from $119 per adult
  • Parasailing Adventure above the Gulf of Mexico16Parasailing from $95 per adult
  • Half Day All The Way 33Nature and Wildlife Toursfrom $824 per group (up to 6)
  • Half Day Private Fishing Trip with Site Seeing Around Anna Maria Island1Fishing Chartersfrom $700 per group (up to 3)
  • Full Day Private Luxury Boat Charter Nature and Wildlife Toursfrom $3,168 per group (up to 6)

Top Attractions in Anna Maria Island

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These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

2023
1. Bean Point980

Beaches

By jet1j

The blue-green gulf of Mexico merges with the inner dark blue waterway bordered by wide white beaches.
2023
2. Coquina Beach581

Beaches

By 560cliffg

Cotton white powdery sand, clear warm gentle waters and park like setting with trees and lots of public barbecue grills…
3. Bradenton Beach897

Beaches

By mustangjeanne

The beach is currently being restored by pumping in sand via large pipes.
4. Manatee Public Beach674

Beaches

By Caroline270965

Miles of clean white sand with gentle sloping walk into sea
5. Anna Maria Island Historical Museum153

History Museums

The Museum is a wonderful little treasure conveniently located on Pine Avenue in the city of Anna Maria, Florida. It has a well planned display of island history and knowledgeable volunteers to help make your visit pleasant. It is free to visit but they welcome donations. The Museum limits visitors to 5 at a time to insure the safety of all our visitors.
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6. Coquina Baywalk219

Historic Walking Areas

A small nature park on Anna Maria Island perfect for relaxing walks.
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2023
7. Anna Maria City Pier Grille452

Piers & Boardwalks

This place is temporarily closed due to a hurricane. It will reopen when repairs are complete.
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8. Bridge Street Pier105

Piers & Boardwalks

By 490irinag

Historically, Bridge Street Pier goes back to the old times when Bradenton Beach used to be Cortez Village.

Parks

By shartli

This is a reclaimed sand dredging island made into a native species island.
10. Manatee Beach Park42

State Parks

By 490irinag

further off to the beach - a lifeguard station with staff on duty, spacious playing grounds for kids, a casual beach…
11. Island Players Community Theatre39

Theaters

Founded in 1949, The Island Players, Inc. is an organization dedicated to providing artistic experiences for the communities of Anna Maria Island and its neighboring cities through the presentation of stage productions.
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12. Bradenton Beach City Pier232

Piers & Boardwalks

By WorldTravelers34

The 300-foot wooden fishing pier was the original Skyway Bridge from Bradenton Beach to St. Petersburg and environs.

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Water Sports

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  • Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour - Anna Maria Island9Kayaking Toursfrom $65 per adult
  • The Island TourSwimmingfrom $65 per adult
  • Clear Kayak Glass Bottom Day Tour - Anna Maria Island8Kayaking Toursfrom $65 per adult
  • Half Day Private Fishing Trip with Site Seeing Around Anna Maria Island1Fishing Chartersfrom $700 per group (up to 3)
  • Half Day Private Luxury Boat CharterNature and Wildlife Toursfrom $1,568 per group (up to 6)
  • Full Day Private Luxury Boat Charter Nature and Wildlife Toursfrom $3,168 per group (up to 6)

See all

  • Half Day All The Way 33Nature and Wildlife Toursfrom $824 per group (up to 6)
  • Half Day Private Luxury Boat CharterNature and Wildlife Toursfrom $1,568 per group (up to 6)
  • Full Day Private Luxury Boat Charter Nature and Wildlife Toursfrom $3,168 per group (up to 6)

Popular Cities in Anna Maria Island

Bradenton BeachFlorida, United States
Anna MariaFlorida, United States
Holmes BeachFlorida, United States

What travelers are saying

  • Michele K

    Bridgewater, Canada130 contributions

    Absolutely stunning!

    Beach was beautiful, long, and clean. You couldn’t ask for more. Wasn’t too busy, saw birds, found shells, and had a great trip. Can’t wait to return.

    Review of: Bean Point

    Written January 15, 2024

    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

  • Mike F

    Antigo, WI313 contributions

    Beautiful

    We took a little road trip up from Sarasota, had been recommended this spot. Excellent, area and beach is beautiful, easy, free and plenty of parking. Nice facilities and playground. Also came on a market day which was a nice atmosphere. Did a little fishing; no luck but saw tons of dolphins up close! Definitely recommend and we’ll be back!

    Review of: Coquina Beach

    Written January 21, 2024

    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

  • Aubrey M

    6 contributions

    Fabulous Peer!

    The peer was great! Very roomy and great view points! Waves were still, restaurant options were great and the fish were easy to spot! There were cranes and so many exotic animals!

    Review of: Bradenton Beach

    Written January 14, 2024

    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

  • Nyormirror

    Bay City, MI1,302 contributions

    Caribbean sand in the USA 🇺🇸😀

    Hours sunrise to 10p. Restrooms, showers, lifeguards, changing stations food and drinks and a tiki bar. Soft white groomed sand. Free parking. Chair and umbrella rentals. All you can eat pancakes at the AMI cafe. Less people towards the north end.

    Just a one star drop because of the sea lice. I found out later that Southwest Florida is a hot spot for it. Just remember to shower/rinse off thoroughly before and after going in the water. I just let the wave hit my lower legs and still got it due to inadequate rinsing.

    Review of: Manatee Public Beach

    Written December 23, 2023

    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

  • Yuliya T

    Asheville, NC155 contributions

    Great historical museum

    Great little museum and information about the island. Great staff, friendly and great with our child. Definitely a sight to see on Anna Maria.

    Review of: Anna Maria Island Historical Museum

    Written August 8, 2023

    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

  • Barbara B

    8 contributions

    Good experience

    Great nature walk. Highly recommend. We saw lots of birds and crabs etc. Highly recommend for families.

    Review of: Coquina Baywalk

    Written June 25, 2023

    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

  • Meredith

    Avon, CT10 contributions

    Worth the windy walk

    Well worth the windy walk! We toured the coastline from one side of the island to the other. We were surprised to find the nature center at the end. The up closed pelicans and other birds was super cool!

    Review of: Anna Maria City Pier Grille

    Written December 18, 2023

    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

  • Frank D

    1 contribution

    a hidden gem

    If you drive too fast you'll miss one of the coolest places around this area. the Bridge Street Pier. We went there back in August and loved it, so when family came down in December we took them there. The Anna Maria Oyster has great food, plus you can take a beautiful sunset cruise from there too. We hope to go back there again soon.

    Review of: Bridge Street Pier

    Written December 25, 2023

    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

  • wenturtle

    North Ridgeville, OH115 contributions

    Great little nature walk

    Great place to go for a walk. Nicely shaded and easy walk for most people, young or old. Has offshoots several times to get good views of the bay. Had gravel, sand and boardwalk surfaces. Went on a nice day and took or time. Only criticisms I would make is that the trail could do with maps. It’s not a huge place or a big walk, but it would be helpful.

    Review of: Leffis Key Preserve

    Written February 8, 2024

    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

  • Linda H

    Augusta, GA10 contributions

    Great Place To Take The Family

    Free, ample parking. Wonderful, warm, light blue clear water. The beach is pretty flat so it’s easy to get in and out of the water. It was clean water; just some seaweed. Nice store and snack spot.

    Review of: Manatee Beach Park

    Written June 29, 2023

    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

  • Tom B

    Worthington, OH465 contributions

    An Enjoyable AMI Experience

    Enjoyable long standing (74th season;1949) community theatre. A small theatre of less than 150 seats set in an historic island house at the corner of Gulf Drive and Pine avenue. The seating is very comfortable with excellent sight lines and sound. The pricing is quite reasonable with tickets available online or from the theatre box office. Usually several productions throughout the year. Check their website for production and pricing details. Coupled with a pre-show dinner makes for a unique and enjoyable AMI evening.

    Review of: Island Players Community Theatre

    Written March 16, 2023

    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

  • Venture820615

    Findlay, OH25 contributions

    Great place for a walk

    You can fish, bird watch, eat at AMOB, or just walk. Great views.
    I just liked to watch the boats and the birds. Fun time !

    Review of: Bradenton Beach City Pier

    Written September 14, 2022

    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Anna Maria Island (Updated 2024) (2024)

FAQs

What celebrities go to Anna Maria Island? ›

In the two decades since, AMI has slowly but steadily lost its “best-kept secret” status, drawing increasing numbers of tourists from around the country and globe, including occasional celebrity visitors (Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Cameron Diaz and Jared Leto are among the stars seen on the island).

What month is best to go to Anna Maria Island? ›

The best time to visit Anna Maria Island is all year round depending on why you are visiting. Our tourism score for weather is very high January, February, March, April, October, November and December. May and September are shoulder tourism scores with June, July and August half of May and September.

What's special about Anna Maria Island? ›

Boasting arguably the whitest and most pristine seven miles of beach in the US, Anna Maria Island on the west coast of Florida just south of Tampa is a coveted destination for Floridians and global travelers alike.

Is the trolley on Anna Maria Island free? ›

Anna Maria Island has a free Trolley Service that travels daily up and down the island between Anna Maria Island and Coquina Beach, from 6AM- 10:30PM, about every 20 minutes. It is a cool ride on a hot day. About every 2-4 blocks there is a Trolley Stop, most have covered seating while you wait.

Can you walk everywhere on Anna Maria Island? ›

The city of Anna Maria is very walkable, and it is recommended that you ditch the car. If you wanting to travel the whole island and visit the City of Holmes Beach and the City of Bradenton Beach, then it is recommended that you that you drive or take the island trolley.

Is Anna Maria Island too expensive? ›

In last year's survey, Anna Maria Island ranked ninth in the U.S. with an average room rate of $321. Two Florida cities that ranked among priciest in 2022, Sarasota and St. Pete Beach, fell out of the top 20 in this year's survey.

What is the average age in Anna Maria Island? ›

In 2021, Anna Maria, FL had a population of 944 people with a median age of 65.3 and a median household income of $85,729.

Is Anna Maria Island expensive? ›

With lodging costing an average $294 per night for its most affordable double room, Anna Maria Island was Florida's most expensive spring destination and fifth overall in the United States, according to a survey by cheaphotels.org.

What is the busiest time on Anna Maria Island? ›

Summer. The summer season runs from the end of May to September, with the busiest months being July and August. A common misconception about Anna Maria Island is that it's just too hot to visit in the summer.

What is the least crowded beach on Anna Maria Island? ›

For the quiet getaway

For that there is the hidden gem of Bean Point – a beautiful white sand beach found at the very tip of Anna Maria Island. Once you find its “secret” entrance you'll know you're in for a treat. This beach is always quiet, secluded and sparsely populated.

Does Anna Maria Island have a boardwalk? ›

Fun thing to do while visiting Anna Maria Island. The Coquina Baywalk is a pretty set of trails and boardwalks that is right across the street from Coquina Beach. The paths wind throughout mangroves, giant sea grapes and over small inlets of water.

Is Anna Maria or Siesta Key better? ›

Siesta Key and Anna Maria Island both have amazing beaches with great nearby restaurants. And they're both located by lots of other fun things to do, with Anna Maria Island close to downtown Bradenton and the Riverwalk, while Siesta Key is by downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle.

Is Anna Maria Island for old people? ›

Anna Maria Island is ideal for seniors looking for a relaxing and enjoyable trip. The pristine beaches and nice weather make it a great place to stay.

How long does the trolley run on Anna Maria Island? ›

The trolley on Anna Maria Island begins operating at 6 a.m. every day and ends at 10:30 p.m. It stops every 20 minutes up until 9 p.m.; during the final 90 minutes, it stops every half hour.

How much is the trolley on Anna Maria Island? ›

Anna Maria Island Trolley operates daily at no cost to riders . The trolley runs from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. and visits each stop approximately every 20 minutes. The service to Sarasota runs from 6 a.m. until 11 a.m. with pickup every half hour.

Does Anna Maria Beach have a boardwalk? ›

The pier is a popular spot for anglers who fish for Redfish, Snook, Spanish Mackerel, Pompano, Sharks, and more. You'll typically find locals and visitors strolling the boardwalk taking in the sights of this authentic Anna Maria landmark.

Is there a main street in Anna Maria Island? ›

Pine Ave: A historic village main street that is the heart of Anna Maria Island. Bridge Street: A fun walking street and pier for dining, shopping, and nightlife.

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