Anna Maria Island is the best spot every traveler can find amusing in this small paradise. This island has the best springtime weather and family beaches in Florida. All you’ll need for the cooler days and evenings is a light jacket, and you’ll still be able to engage in all the activities you like. Choose from exciting activities to personalize your hour on the guided tour. It includes dolphin tours, diving, gliding, eco excursions, relaxing, and sunset tours. So, if you plan where to go next, there are plenty of things to do in Anna Maria Island.
Things to Do in Anna Maria Island
It is a complete article on the gorgeous island, the top hotels, places to dine and drink, and things to do in Anna Maria Island.
1. Wildlife Spotting Sea Excursions
Tour companies Paradise Boat Tours and AMI Dolphin Tours offer small-group trips. It guarantees encounters with dolphins. For the trips, a 28-passenger ship offers the ideal observation position. A complete narration will follow you on tour through the gorgeous seas of Anna Maria Island as you search for fish, rays, dolphins, manatees, and other species.
Further, meet bottlenose dolphins up close and personal. Traveling over a 7-mile stretch of pure white beaches and crystal-clear waters will allow you to appreciate the island’s ageless charm. Both open and closed tours are offered. Throughout the tours, guests can move around comfortably and look at the wildlife from every angle.
2. Have Fresh Coconuts on the Beach
These stunning beaches are well-known, from Bean Point in the north to Coquina at the island’s west end. After having a road trip around Florida, the first place you arrive on the island is Manatee Public Beach. It’s a terrific place to people-watch and offers free parking.
Moreover, stroll a hundred yards in each direction if you want solitude. Elevate your beach days with AMI Coconuts’ fresh coconut water brought right to the shore, or boost the ante with Beach Suites’ elegant chairs and umbrellas. So, sit on the chair, sip coconut water, and enjoy the beach views.
3. Stroll Down The Pine Avenue
In the early 1900s, steamboat day-trippers from Tampa discovered the island when they traveled a trail to the beaches from the bayside pier. You can still go for many things to do in Anna Maria Island. The old bathhouse is now the famous Sandbar Restaurant, and the pathway is Pine Avenue.
In addition, the Historical Society House and City Jail offer photo opportunities. The net-zero Historic Green Village offers supplies at The General Store and Hometown Desserts. You can even see the Shiny Fish Emporium and the Olive Oil Outpost. The store provides crafts and commodities, and Poppo’s Taqueria cafe is nearby.
4. Sunsets on Bean Point
Bean Point Beach is located on the island’s north shore and faces directly west. It is well-known for its breathtaking sunsets. Visit Sandbar Restaurant for cold drinks. Then, explore the sandbars during sunsets with the purple sky or sit on the back terrace to watch the sunset from your toes.
Numerous easily accessible beach spots are across the island’s center and southern regions. All of the beach access points are well-marked. Thus, choose one while driving, then walk outside and engage in yoga, beach exercise, or even a picnic at sunset.
5. Enjoy at Ginny’s & Jane E’s Cafe & Coastal Store
It is the most peculiar location among many other things to do in Anna Maria Island. The business serves smoothies and mimosas as part of its extensive breakfast menu. They are renowned for their delicious head-sized cinnamon rolls. The menu is constantly changing and features both seasonal and classic dishes.
Besides, there is a selection of delectable items in the bakery cabinet if you have little time. As you approach the store, you are greeted by a unique assortment of local artwork. Hence, you will receive all the unique items, odds, and ends you can only discover here.
6. Rest at Vacation Rentals
Reserve a room at Manatee Beach’s Mello on the Beach. There are eleven light-filled, one- to three-bedroom villas here, each with all the conveniences of home. Rentals are the most common type of lodging on islands. A spacious three-story house in Anna Maria is ideal for gatherings with extended family.
Further, reach Waterline Villas & Marina by boat. This hotel is more upscale, with 37 two-bedroom condominiums, each with a balcony and dock in one of the 50 slips. The Holmes Beach Joie Inn’s apartment-style lodgings are surprising. So, every suite has a color scheme and is furnished accordingly.
7. Half-Day Private Fishing Trip
The 20-foot center encourages fishing and the tour boat to enjoy. Ask the captain to show you the sandbars, adjacent waterways, Egmont Key, Passage Keys, and Anna Maria Island. Numerous activities that are only possible by boat are available to you. They also provide four-hour boat cruises.
Further, fuel, life jackets, snorkel masks, water bottles, and a snack budget are all included in each excursion. You may buy all parasailing gear and picture packages. Due to traffic, please arrive 20 to 25 minutes before your reservation.
8. 90-Minute Parasailing Above Island
A 90-minute paragliding trip is available beyond Anna Maria Island. You will be given all parasailing gear, safety guidelines, and a speedboat with a skilled crew. Gather at the Bradenton Beach Marina, hook up, and parachute in pairs or trios during around ten-minute bursts. They leave for the parasailing trips every two hours.
Moreover, the crew will review security protocols and get everyone strapped in for another adventure. Make sure to enquire about photo packages with the staff. Weather conditions must be favorable for this experience. However, you will receive a full refund or an alternative date in awful weather.
9. Have Horseback Riding
You can experience a unique aquatic riding journey. Tourists can ride their horse along the shore and into the bay, where it will swim. It is a fantastic all-year family activity. Beautiful horses and a group of knowledgeable equestrians will make sure your ride is safe and among your most pleasant vacation trips.
Apart from all this, keep in mind a few points. The ride will proceed on land if the outside temperature falls below 65° F. Likewise, the minimum age required is eight. Hence, these are not ordinary horses but once-in-a-lifetime breeds and adventures.
10. Come aboard the Sea Gypsy
Get on board the Sea Gypsy and immerse yourself in this authentic journey. You can watch in awe as the crew discovers the splendor of a child’s fantasy. The kids will be delighted the entire time by the pirates, who will perform a fantastic job. As you board, the kids will be given pirate weapons, which they find amusing.
Moreover, they are then engaged in a fierce water gun battle with Peg Leg Pete and Pirate Josh. They even have the chance to get their faces painted and are awarded certificates as honorary pirates. Hence, your kids will love it all as they track a ghostly treasure map towards the hidden treasure and face up against it.
Conclusion
A variety of enjoyable activities are available on Anna Maria Island. You can dine at waterfront eateries, shop at local stores, and lounge on clean shores. Visitors can visit the galleries to discover more about the area’s rich artistic history and participate in outdoor activities like riding and fishing. With plenty to enjoy for everyone, it is the ideal location for fun. Its sunset ambience makes it a great escape. So, enjoy various things to do in Anna Maria Island.
FAQs About Things to Do in Anna Maria Island
Many rental options are available on the island, and bikes or motors are available to reach there. On the Anna Maria Island Trolley, you may take the hop-off bus that circles the island every 20 minutes. Also, a new ferry is operating, the Gulf Islands Ferry.
The Porch is a classic location for the oldest cafes on the island. Beach Bistro, a restaurant with white tablecloths and a view of the Gulf, is a nominee for best five-course tasting menus. A recent addition to the island, Salt Bar & Table offers a worldwide menu.
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