Anna Maria Island is a seven-mile stretch of shoreline located just off the Gulf Coast of Florida near Sarasota. This tiny island might be unassuming at first, but it’s the perfect destination for your next getaway! There’s plenty to see and do here to cover a wide range of interests, and through it all, you’ll get to experience that relaxed “Old Florida” feeling that many other destinations have forgotten about. If you’re seeking the ultimate destination to get some R&R, Anna Maria Island is the place!
While there are so many fun Anna Maria Island things to do, you want to make sure you set aside some time to enjoy Bridge Street. It’s a fantastic place to spend an afternoon or evening with your loved ones, and it’s just moments from our most popular Anna Maria Island vacation rentals!
What is Bridge Street?
Bridge Street, sometimes also referred to as Historic Bridge Street truly has a little bit of everything. Located in Bradenton Beach at the southern end of the island, Bridge Street is a fantastic destination to take your family. Are you looking for some unique history? Want to go fishing? Need to get a souvenir? Want to experience a mouthwatering meal? You can do all that and more right here on Bridge Street!
Things to Do
Bridge Street in Anna Maria Island truly has it all, but the best things to do here can be grouped into three main categories: dining, shopping, and activities.
Dining
One of the best ways to get to know Anna Maria Island is by experiencing the local cuisine. Bridge Street offers both casual and laid-back eateries and upscale and elegant dining options, perfect for any occasion! This list is not all-inclusive, but below are a few of our top recommendations if you plan to enjoy a meal on Bridge Street.
If you’re searching for a dining experience where you can get delicious meals made with fresh, local, sustainable ingredients, look no further than Beach House Waterfront Restaurant. The menu changes seasonally to keep up with the best available ingredients in any season, you’ll always get a stunning view of the water from your table, and the wait staff will help you to feel right at home.
Want a bit of history with your meal? Head over to Blue Marlin Seafood, where you’ll get a fantastic meal served inside of an original 1920’s cottage! Every dish is prepared with fresh local seafood caught just off the shores of AMI. In addition to the great food, Blue Marlin also offers a fun and welcoming atmosphere, with live music on the weekends and fun outdoor games out in the courtyard!
If you’ve got a big group, it can be hard to find somewhere to eat if everyone wants something different. Luckily, Bridge Tender Inn and Dockside Bar have you covered! Their extensive menu has everything from seafood to steaks to pasta, ribs, sandwiches, and more. It’s all served up with amazing views, exciting entertainment, and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Other dining options on Bridge Street include Back Alley Treasures, The Freckled Fin Restaurant, Island Creperie, and the Anna Maria Oyster Bar.
Shopping
Whether you want to pick up a new souvenir, a cute piece for your wardrobe, or an item for your kids to enjoy on the beach, there are plenty of opportunities for shopping on Anna Maria Island along Bridge Street.
Start at The Hive, where you can find incredibly unique items from local artisans and international creators. If you want something new to add to your home, check out their Buddha art or the South African handmade pieces. Add some beautiful silver jewelry or an artistic t-shirt into your wardrobe, or snack on some of the most delicious specialty candy. One thing’s for sure: The Hive provides a one-of-a-kind experience for every shopper!
If you’re searching for jewelry, in particular, Bridge Street Jewelers is one of the best places to get it. They have been supplying locals and visitors alike with the most stunning pieces for nearly 15 years now, so you know you’re working with a team that’s experienced and dedicated. Whether you’re searching for a designer piece for your sweetheart or something customized to your style, Bridge Street Jewelers can help you find the perfect new accessory.
Art lovers of all kinds are sure to appreciate what they find inside The Uptown Lot. This shop was started and is managed by Gayden Shell, who has put her unique twist on everything she sells. Not only is Gayden passionate about her up-cycled jewelry and wide range of gifts and artwork available, but she is also an incredibly talented photographer with a natural eye for the beauty of Anna Maria Island. If you want a magnificent photo to hang in your home that will always remind you of the comforts of AMI, this is the place to get it!
If you want to find a souvenir that you can prominently display in your home, you’ll find it at Bridge Street Interiors. The team here has more than 25 years of experience helping locals and visitors find the perfect pieces for their homes, including tropical décor, furniture pieces big and small, and even unique detailed items like wall coverings and lamps. If you can’t carry a huge piece home with you, don’t worry; Bridge Street Interiors has plenty of smaller pieces as well as gorgeous jewelry.
Activities
Besides shopping and dining, there’s plenty more you can do on Bridge Street! They’ve got all kinds of unique services that are sure to keep the whole family entertained.
What better way to feel the ocean breeze and get to explore the island than on a fun Segway tour? Segs by the Sea offers incredible Segway tours and rentals that let you get around AMI in style. Tours last from 1-2 hours and are led by an experienced guide who can tell you all about the island. Segs by the Sea also offers electric bikes, beach cruiser bikes, and standup paddleboard rentals.
Want to have a fun night out with your friends? Visit Drift In, where they’re serving up delicious drinks in a fun sports bar atmosphere. Come in and catch the game on the flat screens, and if the game isn’t on, you can still visit for the awesome live entertainment! Participate in karaoke or listen to the musical stylings of local artists. If you’re visiting earlier in the day, stop in for coffee and other drinks.
Get competitive with your family at The Fish Hole Adventure Golf! As you make your way through the course, you’ll see beautiful plants, unique course decorations, and even some unique fish as they swim in the ponds between the holes! This course is just steps away from the beach, perfect for when you need a break from the sand.
Vacation should be a time to treat yourself, so a visit to the Searenity Beach Spa and Eco Boutique is sure to be in order! Come in to get a relaxing massage inside a tiki hit, get a facial that leaves you feeling rejuvenated, or purchase one of their incredible pieces of artwork or artisan candles and soaps. There’s nowhere more relaxing on all of AMI!
Where to Stay
You can experience all of this and more on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach, just a short walk or trolley ride away from our most popular vacation rentals on Anna Maria Island! Want to learn more about AMI and start booking your getaway? Contact our team today to make it happen!
