Anna Maria Island & Things to do around Bradenton + Sarasota
Beaches on Anna Maria Island (AMI)
Which beach fits your vibe?
Bradenton Beach and Coquina Beach are south of the island and are most lively with many bars and restaurants. There are public restrooms and changing stations. There is plenty of public parking at Coquina.
Holmes Beach and Manatee Public Beach are at the center of the island. It’s a bit quieter than Bradenton Beach. There is also a mix of restaurants and shopping. For little ones, there is nice playground at Manatee Public Beach.
The north end of the island is much quieter. There is a mix of houses, shops, and small restaurants. Bean Point is the farthest north. There are no public parking lots there and guests should pay attention to street signs for street parking. The beach is more secluded and simply breathtaking.
There is always the monkey bus Door2Door service, free island trolley, golf cart/bike rentals that can get you anywhere on the island.
Enjoy your adventure in paradise!
If you like beaches that combine tranquil swimming conditions with a bit of swell, then Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island is the perfect getaway. Known as one of Florida’s most beautiful beaches, this pristine beach offers soft white sand and crystal clear waters. For the more adventurous, there are sufficient swells to enjoy surfing, bodyboarding, or bodysurfing.
Holmes Beach is a hotspot for shopping addicts, too. Around the beach, you’ll find plenty of boutiques, souvenir shops, jewelry stores, and more. After shopping to your heart’s content, relax at a beach restaurant, enjoy a cold beverage, and wind down while watching the beautiful sunset.
Access to Holmes Beach is easy, but parking is limited. Make sure you arrive early to find a spot close to the beach!
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Holmes Beach
If you like beaches that combine tranquil swimming conditions with a bit of swell, then Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island is the perfect getaway. Known as one of Florida’s most beautiful beaches, this pristine beach offers soft white sand and crystal clear waters. For the more adventurous, there are sufficient swells to enjoy surfing, bodyboarding, or bodysurfing.
Holmes Beach is a hotspot for shopping addicts, too. Around the beach, you’ll find plenty of boutiques, souvenir shops, jewelry stores, and more. After shopping to your heart’s content, relax at a beach restaurant, enjoy a cold beverage, and wind down while watching the beautiful sunset.
Access to Holmes Beach is easy, but parking is limited. Make sure you arrive early to find a spot close to the beach!
Looking for a family-friendly beach with entertainment opportunities for both kids and adults? Pop over to Bradenton Beach. From Bradenton, you’ll cross the Cortez Bridge onto Anna Maria Island to take in its beautiful white sand beaches with Caribbean-like waters.
There are lifeguards on duty at Bradenton Beach to look out for you and your loved ones when bathing in the warm water of the Gulf. If building sandcastles, swimming, and shelling don’t wear out the young ones, there’s also a playground to enjoy.
For the older, braver ones in the family, there are plenty of watersports to enjoy here, too. Parasailing, jet skiing, and kayaking are some of the thrilling activities on offer at Bradenton Beach.
When you’re in Bradenton Beach, make sure you also spend some time at Coquina Beach next door. Shelling enthusiasts especially should not skip this spectacular beach. It’s renowned for its natural beauty and one of the best places to visit on Anna Maria Island.
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Bradenton Beach
Looking for a family-friendly beach with entertainment opportunities for both kids and adults? Pop over to Bradenton Beach. From Bradenton, you’ll cross the Cortez Bridge onto Anna Maria Island to take in its beautiful white sand beaches with Caribbean-like waters.
There are lifeguards on duty at Bradenton Beach to look out for you and your loved ones when bathing in the warm water of the Gulf. If building sandcastles, swimming, and shelling don’t wear out the young ones, there’s also a playground to enjoy.
For the older, braver ones in the family, there are plenty of watersports to enjoy here, too. Parasailing, jet skiing, and kayaking are some of the thrilling activities on offer at Bradenton Beach.
When you’re in Bradenton Beach, make sure you also spend some time at Coquina Beach next door. Shelling enthusiasts especially should not skip this spectacular beach. It’s renowned for its natural beauty and one of the best places to visit on Anna Maria Island.
Situated at the northern tip of Sarasota Bay on Anna Maria Island’s Gulf Drive, Coquina Beach offers everything from nature hikes to dolphin viewing. Challenge your angling skills on a deep-sea fishing trip or enjoy a peaceful day out on the emerald green waters with dolphins. Also nearby, you can go for an easy hike through the precious mangroves of Leffis Key Preserve.
If you’d rather just mellow out on the beautiful shell-strewn beach for the day, rest assured that the lifeguards on duty got your back. Swim in the crystal clear lukewarm water or sunbathe on the snowy white soft sand.
source:
https://www.treksplorer.com/best-beaches-anna-maria-island-fl-usa/
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Coquina Beach station
Situated at the northern tip of Sarasota Bay on Anna Maria Island’s Gulf Drive, Coquina Beach offers everything from nature hikes to dolphin viewing. Challenge your angling skills on a deep-sea fishing trip or enjoy a peaceful day out on the emerald green waters with dolphins. Also nearby, you can go for an easy hike through the precious mangroves of Leffis Key Preserve.
If you’d rather just mellow out on the beautiful shell-strewn beach for the day, rest assured that the lifeguards on duty got your back. Swim in the crystal clear lukewarm water or sunbathe on the snowy white soft sand.
source:
https://www.treksplorer.com/best-beaches-anna-maria-island-fl-usa/
If you’re a beach lover looking for a wide array of amenities, be sure to slot Manatee Public Beach into your Anna Maria Island beach vacation. Situated in Manatee County, the beach is easily accessible from Bradenton and has plenty of free parking. You can also take the free island trolley and get dropped off at one of the access points leading to this fantastic beach.
Manatee Public Beach is the perfect place for a family outing. The beach offers excellent amenities such as a playground, volleyball courts, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and showers.
On its pristine beach, unbelievably white sand meets the tranquil turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. You could easily confuse the scenery at Manatee Beach with an exotic Caribbean destination.
Manatee Beach is a famous nesting ground for turtles. There are strict rules to protect these amazing creatures. Make sure you do not disturb them or their nests if you catch a glimpse of them.
source:
https://www.treksplorer.com/best-beaches-anna-maria-island-fl-usa/
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Manatee Almenningsströnd
4000 State Road 64 and Gulf DriveIf you’re a beach lover looking for a wide array of amenities, be sure to slot Manatee Public Beach into your Anna Maria Island beach vacation. Situated in Manatee County, the beach is easily accessible from Bradenton and has plenty of free parking. You can also take the free island trolley and get dropped off at one of the access points leading to this fantastic beach.
Manatee Public Beach is the perfect place for a family outing. The beach offers excellent amenities such as a playground, volleyball courts, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and showers.
On its pristine beach, unbelievably white sand meets the tranquil turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. You could easily confuse the scenery at Manatee Beach with an exotic Caribbean destination.
Manatee Beach is a famous nesting ground for turtles. There are strict rules to protect these amazing creatures. Make sure you do not disturb them or their nests if you catch a glimpse of them.
source:
https://www.treksplorer.com/best-beaches-anna-maria-island-fl-usa/
Looking for the ideal spot to enjoy gorgeous sunsets? With its location on the northern point of Anna Maria Island, Bean Point Beach is the perfect place to watch the sunset.
Apart from the sunsets, this quiet beach is perfect for a day of relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the other more popular Anna Maria Island beaches. The gigantic white sandy beach and crystal clear turquoise waters host plenty of birds and other wildlife for you to observe.
Because there’s no public parking, Bean Point Beach does not attract as many visitors. It’s a perfect spot for beach picnics or romantic getaways. You can take the trolley and walk from the Anna Maria City Pier for beach access.
source: https://www.treksplorer.com/best-beaches-anna-maria-island-fl-usa/
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Bean Point Beach
793 N Shore DrLooking for the ideal spot to enjoy gorgeous sunsets? With its location on the northern point of Anna Maria Island, Bean Point Beach is the perfect place to watch the sunset.
Apart from the sunsets, this quiet beach is perfect for a day of relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the other more popular Anna Maria Island beaches. The gigantic white sandy beach and crystal clear turquoise waters host plenty of birds and other wildlife for you to observe.
Because there’s no public parking, Bean Point Beach does not attract as many visitors. It’s a perfect spot for beach picnics or romantic getaways. You can take the trolley and walk from the Anna Maria City Pier for beach access.
source: https://www.treksplorer.com/best-beaches-anna-maria-island-fl-usa/
Want to feel as if you’re on a private island in the Caribbean? Cortez Beach on Anna Maria Island is not as busy as Coquina Beach and offers a more relaxing atmosphere. Whether you’re exploring the charming shops or relaxing on the idyllic beach, you won’t get pushed around by a crowd of people here.
At Cortez Beach, the warm water, with its turquoise glow, flows onto the beautiful fine white sand. A lush green treeline and wild grass meet the sand dunes and create a picture-perfect backdrop for the idyllic beach.
Float over the friendly swells or flatten yourself on the beach and soak up the sun. Watch the kids build sandcastles, play in the shallows of the magical Gulf waters, or fly kites. Cortez Beach offers a relaxing and simplistic ambiance that other more popular Anna Maria Island beaches can’t provide.
Be wary if you go during hurricane season, as the storms might churn up decent waves. It’s bad news for most, but excellent news if you’re a surfer. Check out the forecast and go check surfing off your bucket list at Cortez Beach.
Source: https://www.treksplorer.com/best-beaches-anna-maria-island-fl-usa/
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Cortez strönd
698 Gulf Dr SWant to feel as if you’re on a private island in the Caribbean? Cortez Beach on Anna Maria Island is not as busy as Coquina Beach and offers a more relaxing atmosphere. Whether you’re exploring the charming shops or relaxing on the idyllic beach, you won’t get pushed around by a crowd of people here.
At Cortez Beach, the warm water, with its turquoise glow, flows onto the beautiful fine white sand. A lush green treeline and wild grass meet the sand dunes and create a picture-perfect backdrop for the idyllic beach.
Float over the friendly swells or flatten yourself on the beach and soak up the sun. Watch the kids build sandcastles, play in the shallows of the magical Gulf waters, or fly kites. Cortez Beach offers a relaxing and simplistic ambiance that other more popular Anna Maria Island beaches can’t provide.
Be wary if you go during hurricane season, as the storms might churn up decent waves. It’s bad news for most, but excellent news if you’re a surfer. Check out the forecast and go check surfing off your bucket list at Cortez Beach.
Source: https://www.treksplorer.com/best-beaches-anna-maria-island-fl-usa/
In the mood to explore off the beaten path? Beer Can Island Beach is one of Central West Florida’s hidden gems. Enjoy time in nature away from the crowds between lush green trees, white sands, and turquoise waters.
Not to be mistaken with Beer Can Island near Apollo Beach in Tampa Bay, this beach is situated in Longboat Key south of Anna Maria Island next to the Longboat Key Bridge. The stunning beach has many sturdy trees where you can hang up your hammock and swing around lazily while reading a book.
source:
https://www.treksplorer.com/best-beaches-anna-maria-island-fl-usa/
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Beer Can Island
North Shore RoadIn the mood to explore off the beaten path? Beer Can Island Beach is one of Central West Florida’s hidden gems. Enjoy time in nature away from the crowds between lush green trees, white sands, and turquoise waters.
Not to be mistaken with Beer Can Island near Apollo Beach in Tampa Bay, this beach is situated in Longboat Key south of Anna Maria Island next to the Longboat Key Bridge. The stunning beach has many sturdy trees where you can hang up your hammock and swing around lazily while reading a book.
source:
https://www.treksplorer.com/best-beaches-anna-maria-island-fl-usa/
Great place to rent bikes, kayaks, golf carts, & pretty much any beach gear you can think of including fishing gear. Rentals are either by hour or by day.
Lazy Turtle Beach Rentals
314 Pine AveGreat place to rent bikes, kayaks, golf carts, & pretty much any beach gear you can think of including fishing gear. Rentals are either by hour or by day.
Great place to rent fishing gear, located right near the pier in Bradenton beach!
Bridge Street Bait Shop
200 Bridge StreetGreat place to rent fishing gear, located right near the pier in Bradenton beach!
Great place to fish- $2 per person. Rental fishing poles are $2 per hour and $3.50 for bag of shrimp bait. Great budget friendly place to family outing and fun under the sun!
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Rod and Reel Pier
875 N Shore DrGreat place to fish- $2 per person. Rental fishing poles are $2 per hour and $3.50 for bag of shrimp bait. Great budget friendly place to family outing and fun under the sun!
Local Attractions ~ < 5 min away!
This family friendly gem is 1 mile from the house! This is a great place for picnics, kayak/canoe tours, and bird watching. Depending on staff availability and weather, onsite park rangers offer a 45 minute guided nature trail walk that winds along the shoreline through several Florida ecosystems.
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DeSoto National Memorial Park
8300 Desoto Memorial HwyThis family friendly gem is 1 mile from the house! This is a great place for picnics, kayak/canoe tours, and bird watching. Depending on staff availability and weather, onsite park rangers offer a 45 minute guided nature trail walk that winds along the shoreline through several Florida ecosystems.
Just 2 miles from the house, spend an afternoon at Robinson Preserve kayaking, fishing, or strolling along the 2.5 Kilometer pedestrian only trail. The preserve consists of 682 acres of preserved mangroves and tidal marshes.
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Robinson varðeldur
1704 99th St NWJust 2 miles from the house, spend an afternoon at Robinson Preserve kayaking, fishing, or strolling along the 2.5 Kilometer pedestrian only trail. The preserve consists of 682 acres of preserved mangroves and tidal marshes.
Bishop Point
2020 72nd Street NorthwestThis is a great place to watch the sunset and fish.
Wonderful place to take kids for a treetop climbing experience to remember!
The NEST at Robinson Preserve
840 99th St NWWonderful place to take kids for a treetop climbing experience to remember!
Food scene
New Tiger Woods family mini golf recreation and restaurant opening in Sarasota spring 2022. Stay tuned!
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Popstroke
195 University Town Center DriveNew Tiger Woods family mini golf recreation and restaurant opening in Sarasota spring 2022. Stay tuned!
Lucky Frog Restaurant
4625 Cortez Rd WGreat German cuisine. My kids love the schnitzels!
Anna Maria Island Creamery and Bakery
9801 Gulf DrGreat place to get ice cream and snacks on Anna Maria!
If you want a donut here, better get there early. Best ice coffee in my opinion- and I’m a coffee snob!
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The Donut Experiment
210 Pine AveIf you want a donut here, better get there early. Best ice coffee in my opinion- and I’m a coffee snob!
Beautiful place to get your seafood fix and enjoy Bradenton beach.
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Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier
200 Bridge StBeautiful place to get your seafood fix and enjoy Bradenton beach.
My family’s favorite place for gourmet Italian. Voted #1 on TripAdvisor!
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Tiramisu Ristorante Italiano
5215 14th St WMy family’s favorite place for gourmet Italian. Voted #1 on TripAdvisor!
Feeling adventurous?! Try Peruvian! We love ceviches and lomo saltados. There is quite a bit of Chinese influence in Peruvian food!
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El Warike
4226 26th St WFeeling adventurous?! Try Peruvian! We love ceviches and lomo saltados. There is quite a bit of Chinese influence in Peruvian food!
You can’t miss this place if you cruise around the island near Holmes Beach. It’s almost always crowded. Go during “tea time” like 3pm to get a seat!
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The Ugly Grouper
5704 Marina DrYou can’t miss this place if you cruise around the island near Holmes Beach. It’s almost always crowded. Go during “tea time” like 3pm to get a seat!
Voted one of the best coffee shops in Manatee County! Cremesh Coffee & Bakery is an extension of the Cremesh European Restaurant. In addition to great coffee, try their European Style muffins, cakes, and pastries all made from non-GMO ingredients.
Cremesh Coffee and Bakery
1822 59th Street WestVoted one of the best coffee shops in Manatee County! Cremesh Coffee & Bakery is an extension of the Cremesh European Restaurant. In addition to great coffee, try their European Style muffins, cakes, and pastries all made from non-GMO ingredients.
Kefi Streetside Cafe owned by Eleni Sokos and Jason Simpson offers Mediterranean-influenced coffee and cuisine. Spanakopita, honey-pistachio scone and a cherry cheese danish complement the coffee menu with espresso and hand-crafted drinks.
Kefi Streetside Cafe
1201 6th Avenue WestKefi Streetside Cafe owned by Eleni Sokos and Jason Simpson offers Mediterranean-influenced coffee and cuisine. Spanakopita, honey-pistachio scone and a cherry cheese danish complement the coffee menu with espresso and hand-crafted drinks.
The food here is amazing. Everything on the menu is delicious!
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The Waterfront Restaurant
111 S Bay BlvdThe food here is amazing. Everything on the menu is delicious!
Maria's Pupuseria & Taqueria Inc
Awesome papusas and very authentic!
The Donut Experiment
210 Pine AveReally awesome donuts and ice coffee! It’s an island favorite
Aroy D Thai and Sushi
My favorite place to get duck noodle soup!
Ding Tea Bradenton (Mochinut Bradenton)
If you are looking for boba tea, this is the place to go
Sightseeing
Great place to take kids to learn all about the ocean and the ecosystem. I love the sea turtle exhibit!
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Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson PkwyGreat place to take kids to learn all about the ocean and the ecosystem. I love the sea turtle exhibit!
Sports training
IMG Academy
5650 Bollettieri BoulevardGreat place to tennis, golf, baseball, soccer, basketball training!
Golf
Manatee golf course is 9-10 minutes from our property. Pack your clubs and book a tee time!
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Manatee County Golf Course
6415 53rd Ave WManatee golf course is 9-10 minutes from our property. Pack your clubs and book a tee time!
Nearest amenities
Closest stores to the house
You can order groceries in advance and have it delivered to the house!
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Publix Super Market at Beachway Plaza
7310 Manatee Ave WYou can order groceries in advance and have it delivered to the house!
Walmart Supercenter
5315 Cortez Rd WGreat place for beach toys and any items you need
Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware-West Bradenton
5409 Manatee Ave WGreat for firewood, propane, beach essentials
Pinch A Penny Pool Patio Spa
Pool toys- especially for babies and toddlers
Pet Supermarket
Anything you need for Fido!