Anna Maria Island is home to many exciting adventures and experiences. Located between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, this seven-mile-long island is home to three distinct communities, each with its own downtown center and unique selection of eateries, boutiques, and beaches. The island’s southern end is where you’ll find Bradenton Beach and Coquina Beach, while the central part is where you’ll find Holmes Beach and Manatee Public Beach. Anna Maria is the island’s northernmost city and home to Bean Point, a famous private beach. If you’re planning a trip to Anna Maria Island, here are some places and things to do you can add to your itinerary.
Snorkeling
If you’re seeking a thrilling experience on Anna Maria Island, snorkeling is it. The calm, mild seas are ideal for diving into the underwater world. Snorkelers may see a wide variety of fish and even sea turtles, manatees, stingrays, among other marine life. And if you’ve never been snorkeling, joining a guided trip is best. Beach trips sometimes include a lesson in correct equipment usage and safety precautions. Your tour guide will take you to the most fabulous places on the island to see various marine life.
Anna Maria City Pier
North Bay Boulevard is where you’ll find the Anna Maria City Pier, a must-see attraction. The pier has several chairs and picnic tables, ideal for basking in the sunshine. Those interested in fishing may use the pier’s wooden platform to cast their lines in the presence of herons and egrets. Dolphins and manatees may be seen from the pier as well.
Kayaking
You can go kayaking in style on Anna Maria Island. You can rent a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or jet ski to explore the area. Kayaking is a lovely way to get close to nature; you can see some dolphins swimming beside you. You can go kayaking or canoeing any time of year here, and a mangrove forest is an excellent place to get your paddles wet if you’re new to the region. Shrubs and trees will grow out of the water around you, and you may even see some roseate spoonbills or ibis swimming nearby. Robinson Preserve, Bimini Bay, and the South Lido Mangrove Tunnels are popular places to go kayaking.
Coquina Beach
Coquina Beach is a fantastic place to begin if you’re planning a trip to Anna Maria Island and want to check out the beach. White sand and calm waves make this beach ideal for relaxing in the sun or participating in water sports like snorkeling. Picnic tables, barbecue grills, bathrooms, showers, a kid-friendly playground, and more can all be found at this beach. For your protection, there are also lifeguards on duty. And if you’re itching to see more of the surrounding region, a stroll along the sea at dawn or dusk is the way to go. The Coquina Baywalk is worth your time; it’s a simple path that winds along the beach and boardwalks through the mangroves.
Bridge Street
Check out the Anna Maria Island community’s unique and attractive local stores. There are no huge chain businesses here, but Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach is the finest spot to shop. Several stores provide unique souvenirs, local artwork, apparel, home décor, and food. Mini-golf is also available on Bridge Street if you’re in the mood for a game. Then continue going until you reach the pier, where you may watch the sunset.
Sunset Cruises
If you want to make the most of your time on Anna Maria Island, try to see as many sunsets as possible. Therefore, you should take into consideration reserving a sunset cruise. Tours suitable for the whole family and candlelit dinner cruises for two are just two possibilities. The timing of these trips is ideal so that you may see a spectacular light display above the sea.
Leffis Key
Leffis Key Preserve is an outstanding natural attraction with beautiful views of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. This area has been revitalized and is now a thriving saltwater marsh teeming with native fish, animals, birds, plants, and trees. Migratory birds flock to this estuary because of its national significance. You’re in the right place if you have a green thumb and found this. You’ll hike up the slope and pass across the natural dune and coastal ridge vegetation. There are several possibilities to see birds and appreciate the natural surroundings.
Sealife Boat Excursions
Boat excursions of the ocean environment are another popular pastime for island visitors. Numerous highly regarded boat trip companies give an enjoyable way to unwind. If you want to see marine life, choose a boat excursion that takes you into open water. When you get far enough away from the other swimmers, you may watch for manatees, dolphins, and other large marine species.
Pine Avenue
This is the epicenter of the island. Pine Avenue attracts numerous tourists because of its proximity to popular tourist attractions, including the Anna Maria City Pier, Bayfront Park, and the Rod and Reel Pier. You may discover the ideal souvenir to take home from your travels at one of the many specialty stores here. You may also find a wide selection of cafes and bakeries to satisfy your craving for something sweet or savory.
