Anna Maria Island

What to Do

Explore Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island sits at the northern edge of the Sarasota County and Manatee County border, technically in Manatee County but functionally part of the greater Sarasota island chain. The island has maintained a retro old-Florida character more successfully than its southern neighbors, with colorful beach cottages, small restaurants that have not changed their approach in decades, and a pace of life calibrated for walking and sitting rather than activity.

Walk Bridge Street Pier

The historic fishing pier at the end of Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach is free to fish from and offers panoramic views of the Gulf and Tampa Bay. The shallow sandbar offshore is one of the most family-friendly wading spots on the Gulf Coast.

Swim Manatee Beach

The county park beach at the center of Anna Maria Island has full amenities, calm Gulf water, and consistent sand quality. The rental options and nearby food trucks make it a full-day destination for families.

Reach Bean Point

The northernmost tip of Anna Maria Island is accessible only on foot or by boat. The undeveloped beach at Bean Point is one of the least-visited spots in the greater Sarasota area, with a peace that the more developed islands rarely deliver.

Ride the Island Trolley

The free island trolley runs from Coquina Beach at the southern tip to the AMI Rod and Reel Pier at the northern end. It is the most practical way to move around the island without a car and is popular with both families and cyclists.

Kayak Tampa Bay

The eastern bay side of Anna Maria Island offers calm protected water with access to mangrove channels and the shallow grass flats where manatees are regularly sighted from September through April.

Shop and Eat on Pine Avenue

Pine Avenue in Anna Maria City is the most distinctively old-Florida commercial strip in the greater Sarasota area. Small boutiques, a historic city pier, local restaurants, and a pace of life calibrated for strolling rather than rushing.

Bridge Street

Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach is the social heart of the island. The pier at the end of Bridge Street is free to fish from and is one of the more scenic fishing piers on the Gulf Coast. The block behind the pier has restaurants, bars, and shops within a compact walkable area. The sandbar phenomenon in the Gulf just offshore from Bridge Street creates a wading area that families use for hours at low tide.

The Beaches

Manatee Beach County Park at the center of the island has full amenities and is the most accessible beach on Anna Maria. Coquina Beach at the southern tip of Anna Maria is generally quieter and often more scenic. The northern tip at Bean Point is accessible only on foot and represents one of the least-visited beach environments in the greater Sarasota area.

Getting There

Anna Maria Island is reached via one of three bridges from the mainland. The Route 684 bridge via Bradenton Beach is the most direct from Sarasota via I-75. The island has no chain hotels or fast food restaurants, which contributes to its distinctive character but also means that provisioning for a beach day requires planning ahead or using one of the island grocery operations.

Where to Eat in Anna Maria Island

Beach Bistro

Fine Dining

One of the most recognized restaurants on the Gulf Coast. Gulf-sourced seafood in a simple beachfront setting that has attracted national press for its direct sourcing and honest preparations.

Skinny's Place

Casual Local

The most authentic local bar and grill on the island. Cash-only, no frills, and a regular crowd of islanders who have been coming since the 1950s. The fish sandwich and cold beer combination is exactly right.

Gulf Drive Cafe

Breakfast and Brunch

Waterfront breakfast and brunch that has been an island institution for decades. Lines form on winter mornings but the wait is part of the Anna Maria ritual for regulars.

Getting to Anna Maria Island

Interactive map coming soon

Via Route 684 (Cortez Road): Most direct from Sarasota via I-75 north - approximately 40 minutes
Via Manatee Avenue (Route 64): From Bradenton - 20 minutes from I-75
Free Island Trolley: Connects all three towns on the island from southern Coquina Beach to northern Rod and Reel
By bike: Bring a bike - cycling between island towns is practical and the roads are manageable on weekday mornings
Note: No chain hotels or fast food on the island. Stock provisions or plan around local restaurant hours

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is the primary regional airport, approximately 20 minutes from most barrier island destinations. Tampa International (TPA) is 60 to 75 minutes north via I-75.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Sarasota?

Winter, from December through April, is peak season with ideal weather and a full cultural and events calendar. Summer offers warm Gulf water and family activities at lower prices.

How far is this area from downtown Sarasota?

Most Sarasota barrier islands and neighborhoods are within 20 to 40 minutes of downtown Sarasota by car. Water taxi service connects some waterfront locations seasonally.

Is Sarasota a good family destination?

Yes. The beaches, wildlife experiences, museum programs, and outdoor recreation options make Sarasota County one of Florida most family-friendly destinations outside of the major theme park corridors.