Located close to the coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico, Anna Maria Island is a renowned tourist destination. It is a hotspot for vacationers due to its natural beauty, picturesque beaches, and spacious rentals. If you plan a vacation in this location, we at Anchor Down Vacation Rentals can provide you with top-quality accommodation.
Once you come here, you can visit many places as the island has many natural, cultural and historical destinations. Here are some of the top sightseeing spots to visit on Anna Maria Island:
Rod and Reel Pier
The Rod and Reel Pier is an excellent sightseeing spot on Anna Maria Island. Since the island is known for its “Old Florida” feel, Rod and Reel Pier can amplify that feeling. The pier is one of the island’s prime fishing spots, providing visitors with a stunning view of the Gulf of Mexico.
The pier extends into the Gulf of Mexico on the island’s northern tip. As it is popular as a fishing spot, anglers try to catch different types of fish, including snook, redfish, and grouper. The pier is also home to the Rod and Reel Restaurant, which serves fresh seafood and American favorites.
It’s a popular spot for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.
The Rod and Reel Pier has a rich history on Anna Maria Island, dating back to the 1940s when the 678-foot-long pier was constructed. Since then, people have rebuilt it several times due to hurricanes and storms, but it remains a renowned destination for locals and visitors alike.
The pier is also a great place to spot wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and various types of birds. Overall, the Rod and Reel Pier is a unique and charming destination on Anna Maria Island, with something to offer everyone.
Bean Point Beach
Bean Point is a famous beach on the island that many tourists love. Its splendid flora and fauna can be a treat for your eyes. You can also see native birds and animals, like manatees, dolphins, cranes, and pelicans. It is a great place to watch the sunset or simply relax on the beach.
It is renowned for its white sand and crystal-clear water. The secluded feel it provides can add to the beauty of your vacation. You can get plenty of opportunities for sunbathing, kayaking and fishing. It’s also the perfect spot to watch the sunset and enjoy spectacular views.
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
This museum is near Sarasota, about half an hour from Anna Maria Island. The lab and aquarium are great spots for animal lovers, situated only a bit away from the island. You can visit the aquarium if you do not want to spend time in the research lab’s areas.
You can view hundreds of marine animal species as they have a shark habitat, sea turtles, coral reefs, diverse fish, and sea jellies. You can also learn more about the ocean and see the interactive exhibits launched here.
Coquina Baywalk
Coquina Baywalk is situated at Leffis Key and is one of the significant attractions of the southern region of Anna Maria Island. The nature walk or trail is a protected area with a scenic boardwalk that winds through mangroves and offers views of Sarasota Bay.
It’s a great place to spot wildlife, including birds and marine animals. This 3-mile-long path can also take you through mangroves, salt marshes, and coastal habitats. It offers visitors a view of 30 acres of restored habitat at Leffis Key.
It is also part of a restoration project to bring back native Floridian species. Since Leffis Key is an essential marine life habitat on the island, the Coquina Baywalk maintains equal importance and provides a unique experience to its visitors. Coquina Baywalk is a great place to take in the views and explore the island’s natural beauty and is a must-have place on your sightseeing itinerary.
Bayfront Park
Bayfront Park is one of the many parks on Anna Maria Island, providing impressive views of Tampa Bay. It is popular among tourists and locals due to its proximity to the Beach Point, historical sites, restaurants, and shopping areas.
It has lush greenery at the north end of Anna Maria Island. If you travel with kids, you can visit this park, enjoy the sun and ocean, and spend quality time with your family. You can also conduct activities in the park, like a picnic or a game of beach volleyball.
Anna Maria Island Historical Museum
The Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions. If you are interested in history, the museum can be a treat for you and experience the rich history of Anna Maria Island.
It features exhibits on the island’s and Florida’s history and offers insight into the region’s function as a Naïve American fishing camp and Spanish colony. The museum is atop a historic structure – an old ice house built in the 1920s. The museum also contains artifacts from the early 1900s and the history of early settlers.
The museum’s location is similar to the former Anna Maria City Jail. One of the most amazing spots on the island, many tourists use this opportunity to click pictures of themselves in the old jail cells.
The museum has strict opening and closing timing, so you must enquire about its opening hours before your visit. You can enhance your vacation experience by witnessing interactive exhibits, visiting the gift shop, or embarking on a nature trail.
Robinson Preserve
We have already established the scenic beauty of Anna Maria Island and its rich historical and natural diversity. The next place that can take you a little more into Florida’s nature is the Robinson Preserve.
It is known for its delicate landscape, quiet ambiance, and splendid nature. The preserve spreads across 487 acres of swamps, mangroves, and beaches you can explore at your convenience. It offers plenty of opportunities for bird watching if you are an avid birdwatcher. It is filled to the brim with native plants and animals. It is situated only 15 minutes away from Anna Maria Island.
City Pier
Hailed by many tourists as one of the best places to visit on Anna Maria Island, the Anna Maria City Pier offers a great view of the ocean. The area surrounding it is well-maintained and has many shops, bars, and restaurants where you can spend the day.
You can visit the pier for its picturesque backdrop and, at the same time, try to catch a glimpse of the island’s wildlife. There is also a playground near the pier where your kids can have fun while you take a leisurely stroll.
You can also find many locals in this area at the pier, as it is considered a prime spot for fishing. Popular fishes spotted here are redfish, snook, Spanish mackerel, pompano, sharks, and more. Even though getting here is easy, it can be time-consuming to reach this destination due to the increasing traffic and influx of tourists in the area.
Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge
The Egmont Key State Park, or the national wildlife refuge, is another popular destination tourists visit on their trip to Anna Maria Island. It is known as a relaxing place with pristine and secluded beaches.
Egmont Key is accessible only by boat and has a rich history that you can learn about. It served as a camp during the 19th century and later got occupied by the Navy during the Civil War. Fort Dade was built on the island in 1898 and remained functional till 1923. It also consists of a historic lighthouse that is popular among people.
Along with its historical significance, the refuge also has rich flora and fauna. You can enjoy various activities like swimming, finishing, or wildlife viewing. However, no stores operate there since the island is uninhabited and remote. You can bring food, water, and other essentials while visiting this area.
Anna Maria Island Beaches
Lastly, every visitor to the island wants to visit its beaches primarily. Anna Maria Island has the most beautiful beaches with Australian pine trees, walkways, waterfront restaurants and shopping stores.
The seven-mile-long beaches of Anna Maria Island are popular spots for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like snorkeling, diving, surfing and boating. They are also most famous for their white sand, crystal clear waters, picturesque sunsets and relaxing vibes.
If you are a beach lover, this island will give you what you need. You can visit Coquina Beach, Cortez Beach, Manatee Public Beach, Bean Point, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and many more.
Visit Anna Maria Island
If you’re searching for a unique and exciting vacation destination, visit Anna Maria Island! With its stunning beaches, lush green spaces, and exciting attractions, you’ll indeed have a vacation you won’t forget.
You can enhance your vacation fun by covering most sightseeing spots and booking a good rental from a trusted company on Anna Maria Island. We at Anchor Down Vacation Rentals can provide you with spacious accommodation according to your requirement.
For more information on sightseeing on Anna Maria Island, visit our website now!