Best of Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island has many things to offer from its sparkling water and fine sand beaches to great dining and entertainment. So much so, that fitting everything into one trip can be a tough task! To help, we have curated the must-do and must-see of Anna Maria Island to make sure you leave with amazing stories tell and a camera roll full of great memories.
Pine Avenue
Where: Pine Avenue, Anna Maria Island, FL 34216
You can consider this the epicenter of the island. Here, you will find one-of-a-kind shops where you can expect to find that perfect souvenir to take home. And, if you’re looking for a refreshment or a sweet treat, you won’t be disappointed with the variety of restaurants. With a location near the Anna Maria City Pier, Bayfront Park, and the Rod and Reel Pier, many tourists often walk over to Pine Avenue to experience some of the many attractions it has to offer.
Horseback Riding On The Causeway
Florida Beach Horse: 941.587.2553
C Ponies: 941.773.5196
Looking for an adventure? Just off of the Palma Sola Bay Causeway, you will find one of the only places in the U.S. where you can actually ride and even swim with your horse. As you ride, keep an eye out for wildlife, as it’s common to see manatees, stingrays, and dolphins swimming by.
Anna Maria Island Museum and Jail House
Where: 402 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216
Now that you have fallen in love with Anna Maria Island, come learn about its rich history. A visit to the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum is a trip back into old Florida. The museum displays artifacts, photographs, and maps that show the Island’s history dating back to Native American fishing camps. The historical complex features the original City Jail, the Belle Haven cottage that once sat on the City Pier, and a garden of plants native to Anna Maria Island.
Where: 5368 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
In April 1990, Island Gallery West was created by a small core group of local artists on Florida’s Anna Maria Island. Our gallery has evolved into a successful artists’ cooperative of nearly thirty members. You will have a pleasant, relaxing visit admiring the many fine works of art on display.
Where: 115 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL 34203
Anna Maria Island’s favorite family-focused, waterfront mini-golf spot with cooling mist devices, lush landscaping & a koi pond. Located on Historic Bridge Street in beautiful Anna Maria Island, The Fish Hole is convenient for food, drinks, and shopping.
Where: 4110 127th St W, Cortez FL 34215
If you’re seeking kid-oriented, family-friendly Bradenton area things to do, Pirate Adventures of Cortez is a unique pirate-themed cruise. Operating from the scenic Seafood Shack Marina, situated on the Intracoastal Waterway, you can make a reservation in the months of January to September.
Where: 6200 Flotilla Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
Explore multiple bodies of water Including the world-famous Bean Point. Also visit historical landmarks like the Anna Maria City Pier, Rod and Reel Pier, Gulf of Mexico, the Historical Museum, and Anna Maria Island City Jail along Pine Avenue. This is a fun and informative tour that will surely be a highlight of your stay.
Where: N Shore Rd, Longboat Key FL 34228
Also known as Greer Island, Beer Can Island is located on the northern part of Longboat Key. Today Beer Can Island is not actually an island, as shifting sand and beach erosion have connected it with the rest of Longboat Key. It is a local favorite due to the limited parking and facilities, which deter big crows. So, if you are looking for powdery white sand and quiet beaches, this is the place for you.
Where: 4415 119th St W Cortez
It is without a doubt that the fishing industry has made Florida what it is today. The Florida Maritime Museum shares a snapshot of old Florida through the lens of the Cortez Commercial Fishing Village. With buildings dating back to 1890, and fun educational programs, this is a great place to visit with the whole family.
Where: 9908 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216
Anna Maria Rocks has grown into the number one store on Anna Maria Island on TripAdvisor for the last two years. Here, you’ll find an amazing assortment of handmade wire-wrapped jewelry, shark teeth, fossils, rocks, meteorites, dinosaur teeth, minerals, and crystals from all over the world! Plus, if you find a beautiful shell on the beach, they can turn it into a piece of jewelry.
Where: 425 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria, FL 34216
With over 30 different vendors, there’s something for everyone at Pineapple Marketplace. It is a great one-stop-shop for grabbing memorabilia of your trip. Bring Florida home with you with their decor and funky finds.
Where: Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236
From humble beginnings in a tiny, one-room laboratory in a small Florida town, their efforts to preserve and protect Florida’s wildlife have grown to include more than 20 diverse marine research programs. Visit their 135,000-gallon shark habitat, meet our resident manatees and sea turtles, and explore coral reefs and other ecosystem displays teeming with diverse fishes, cool crustaceans and gracefully drifting sea jellies. Explore our wild watershed through habitats featuring energetic river otters and toothy crocodilians such as our alligator and caiman.
Mote Aquarium is proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and has met rigorous, professional standards for animal care, wildlife conservation and research, education, and more.
Start Planning Your Next Stay
This is just scratching the surface of all there is to do on and off the island. This is why we personally guarantee that each time you visit, there will be something new for you to do and discover. Click here to plan your vacation today! We are here to help you have the perfect vacation getaway, by offering a wide selection of luxurious accommodations and amenities that perfectly match your needs.
