Anna Maria Island is always something special and a unique experience for visitors to cherish. You can spend a lifetime here and soak in the acclaimed sights and the long list of ocean activities, but let’s just start at a day.
Whether you are looking for an exciting adventure on the beach or water or a relaxing getaway with your family and loved ones, you’ll find the perfect experience that you’ll remember for years to come
Below are 5 top ways to spend a day on Anna Maria Island to help you plan your schedule.
Stay on the Beach
If you don’t have a schedule and you don’t have a place to be, you may as well stay on the beach for a day.
There’s Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach for a centrally located main island beach with lifeguards and facilities, while you can head north to visit the beautiful Bayfront Park – a popular spot for picnics and the sights.
Coquina Beach on the southern end of the island is another top option with its famous paved trail, amazing scenery and full facilities for groups and families.
Anna Maria Island is filled with other more private beach access points that are never too far by trolley, bike, car or just your two legs.
Visit a Performing Arts Hall and See a Show
Due to the passion of local leaders, artists and institutions, Anna Maria Island and the surrounding communities have fostered an excellent performing arts culture.
The Island Players (10009 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216) is a community theater on the island where can see repertory theatre shows, brand new plays written by locals, or touring classics.
The Manatee Performing Arts Center (502 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL) isn’t too far from Anna Maria Island and features a variety of exciting Broadway musicals and long-time fan favorite plays on two stages.
Or you can head over to Sarasota for a banquet-styled show in the massive Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall (777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236).
Get Out on the Water
The beach is one thing, but the surrounding mangrove forests, marshes and manatees, dolphins and sea turtles and more are all found on the water.
Whether you rent a boat charter that takes you deep in the Gulf of Mexico or hop on a guided kayak tour through the nearby preserves, you really should get out on the water.
Paradise Boat Tours (200 Bridge St at the Bridge Street Pier, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217) will get you on the water in style. AMI Charters (424 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216) offers a wide assortment of adventure packages.
Visit the Nearby Nature Preserves
The Anna Maria Island and Bradenton government cherishes local nature. Hundreds of acres of the island and surrounding areas are protected preserve land.
The Robinson Preserve (1704 99th St NW, Bradenton, FL 34209) is a fantastic place to visit, with biking trails and large shaded picnic areas. You can really get lost within the foliage of Neal Preserve (12301 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209).
Spend a day kayaking or paddleboarding at either preserve – a very popular option for a day out with the family. Also available are hiking and bird watching trails at Neal Preserve, and picnic spots, hiking paths, and a 53-foot tall viewing tower at Robinson Preserve.
Visit the Historic Sites, Learn the Modern Culture
It’s always fun to learn a bit about Anna Maria Island history and some of the attractions that still stand.
Visit one of the island’s iconic piers, such as the Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach or the Rod and Reel Pier on the north end of the island. The Historic Green Village and Roser Church on Pine Avenue give you the chance to see several restored historic buildings.
These sites all have a fascinating history tied to the roots of the island that you can learn more about at the Anna Maria Historical Society. It is a free museum that holds the city’s first jail. It’s an informative flash back in time and a nice way to spend a rainy afternoon.
As you plan your adventure, choose from our many beautiful vacation rentals on Anna Maria Island. Soak in the sunset views on your outdoor patio. Take day trips and find plenty of rewarding things to do, knowing you have a cozy home-away-from-home to always come back to. Contact us at (941)-778-4178 for more.