Calm turquoise water, white sandy beaches, homemade ice cream, and a quaint beach town are just a few of the things you’ll find on Anna Maria Island, a 7-mile island south of Tampa. If you’ve ever dreamed of finding a less-crowded and tourist-trap-free Clearwater beach, Anna Maria Island just might be your paradise.
After a 2.5 hour drive from Orlando, expect to be rewarded with beautiful sunsets, all the island cocktails you can dream of, and plenty of dining options to please foodies and beach bar lovers alike.
Originally published in August 2016, most recent update March 2022.
STAY
You won’t find any high-rise hotels or condo complexes so typical of Florida’s more popular beaches, and that’s one thing to love about this little island.
If you want to go the hotel route, book a few nights at the Silver Surf Gulf Beach Resort. While the property isn't oceanfront, it's located right across the street from the beach and boasts a private strip of sand complete with beach loungers for guests. The central location makes it convenient to explore the island in either direction, and several notable eateries are within walking distance. This is my go-to for shorter stays.
The best way to immerse yourself in island life is by staying at one of the many available beach rentals. Most rental properties are located in the wider north end, which is notably more residential, but boasts the best shopping on the island. Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach are other alternatives with shopping and dining districts of their own. Anna Maria Paradise and Island Real Estate have dozens of listings to peruse.
PLAY
BEACH TIME
The main draw of Anna Maria Island is of course the beach. It's the ideal place to soak up the sun, lounge in the clear, calm gulf waters, watch dolphins frolic and enjoy a beachfront bite.
Bean Point is slightly off the beaten path, making it one of the more unique, nature-oriented beaches in the area. Couples can enjoy beautiful wildlife and picturesque views of the water. Located at the north end of the island, it's the ideal place to watch one of Anna Maria’s beautiful sunsets.
The biggest public beach areas are Manatee Beach (central) and Coquina Beach (south). Both have ample parking, food options, lifeguards on duty, picnic areas with grills, and restrooms. They also tend to be more crowded.
I'm partial to Bradenton Beach and Cortez Beach, located between Cortez Rd and Coquina Beach. While there are no facilities, these beaches are ideally located close to some of the island's best bars and restaurants. Street parking is abundant and easy to find if you arrive early.
While it's perfectly acceptable to spend all of your days being a beach bum, there's plenty more to do if you're up for exploring.
PADDLING
Hit the water in a tandem kayak to paddle through nearby preserves. Rent a kayak from Surfer Bus for a 1-hour journey through Robinson Preserve to the park's observation tower. Or, head south and cross the bridge to Longboat Key to rent a kayak from Happy Paddler. From here, you can paddle to Jewfish Key near Longboat Pass, check out Beer Can Island and cruise out into the Gulf to take in views of Anna Maria Island from the water.
If you don't mind the 30-minute drive, follow Gulf Drive south to Lido Key for an afternoon spent kayaking in the mangroves. While you can certainly hire a guide, the mangroves are well marked and easy to navigate. Your rental company may also provide a map. Keep an eye out for manatees as they frequent the area at certain times of year.
Excursion idea – Sail Away to Egmont Key State Park for the Day
SHOPPING
Instead of driving, catch the trolley at one of the many stops along Gulf Drive. The trolley runs the entire length of the island and is completely free. Consider making a stop at Pine Avenue to visit the local shops and art galleries, the City Pier, and Bayfront Park. Stop by Shiny Fish Emporium to paint your own sand dollar–walk ins are welcome.
DINE
Fresh seafood is one of the many perks of a Gulf beach getaway, and there's no shortage of options on Anna Maria Island.
For fish taco fans, The Waterfront Restaurant serves excellent grouper tacos with fresh salsa and jicama slaw. If you want to hang out where the locals go, cross the Cortez bridge and head to Tide Tables for super casual dining in a no-fuss setting. They put their own spin on fish tacos with a sesame ginger sauce, and a slice of key lime pie is perfect for dessert.
For beachfront dining at sunset, Sandbar Restaurant can't be beat. Order a mojito and check out the daily specials while watching the sun dip below the horizon. There are tables right on the sand, so go ahead and slip off your shoes.
For an afternoon drink, pull up a seat at your own tiki hut table on the beach at The Kokonut Hut. Just across the street, you'll find my favorite lunch spot on the island: Wicked Cantina. This Tex-Mex joint owned by a husband and wife team serves up killer tacos, chips and salsa, and the best mango margaritas in town. You'll frequently find a talented local musician on the patio out front.
The Donut Experiment on Pine Ave. is the perfect spot to get your sugar fix. Fresh donuts are constantly being churned out and made fresh to order. Just pick up an order form and select your preferred glaze and toppings. Then, watch your donuts being made in real time.
For a slightly more upscale date night out, make your way to The Doctor's Office. This tiny cocktail bar has a killer craft cocktail menu. You'll even be greeted with a “prescription” aka a taste test of a featured drink for the day upon being seated. While the food menu is small, it's sophisticated and includes items like cheese & charcuterie and duck tacos. Reservations are required. Other personal favorites include Mar Vista in Longboat Key and the swanky Shore Longboat Key.
ALSO TRY:
- Beach House Restaurant for tropical cocktails and island cocktails (patio facing the beach)
- Smoqehouse for creative BBQ
- Skinny's Place for a classic burger
- Ginny & Jane E's for smoothies and a hearty breakfast
- The Waffle Press for indulgent waffles
- Anna Maria Oyster Bar for casual seafood fare
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
While there’s certainly no wrong time to visit Anna Maria Island, April-early June is ideal. Late January through March should be avoided as this is the busy season and traffic can get pretty heavy. September/October are sleepy and quiet, which has its own benefits. There's also much to be said for an early December visit, when the island is practically deserted and weather can still be lovely.
If you plan on doing your own cooking, there is a Publix on the island along with various drugstores. If you'd like fresh seafood to prepare at home, Star Fish Company is a great seafood market located just off the island, across the Cortez bridge.
There are two main roads leading on and off the island. While both are sufficient, there are much fewer traffic lights on Manatee Ave. (FL-64).
The free trolley runs daily from 6:00am to 10:30pm every 20-30 minutes. To locate a trolley stop, look for a green sign with a trolley symbol on it. There are stops every few blocks along the route.
About the Author/Photographer:
Stephanie Patterson is a talented professional food and travel photographer and writer with a passion for creativity, the beach and great eats. When she’s not taking photos or writing, you can find her exploring the state for her Florida travel blog, Travel Taste Click. Find her online at www.spattersonphotography.com and www.traveltasteclick.com.
