Anna Maria Island is one of the most well-kept secrets of Florida. There’s truly something for everyone on this little slice of paradise, and all the best attractions are just minutes away from our Anna Maria Island rental homes. Here are 25 reasons why you should be planning your next vacation to Anna Maria Island.
1) Great Weather
Spring weather in Anna Maria Island can’t be beaten. For the spring months of March, April, and May, you’ll find high temperatures in the 70s and low temperatures in the mid-to-high 60s. You’ll still be able to experience all the outdoor activities you want, and all you’ll need is a light jacket for the cooler mornings and evenings.
2) Pier Fishing
There’s plenty of opportunity for pier fishing on Anna Maria Island, and you can even do it near some of the most popular restaurants in the area like Rod and Reel Pier! You’ll find incredible varieties like Spanish mackerel, Bluefish, trout, and more. Another popular spot for pier fishing is the Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach.
3) Shore Fishing
If you’d rather not fish on the pier, you’re more than welcome to fish on the shore. At any time of day, there are plenty of people fishing into the Gulf or Bayside from Longboat Pass or Coquina Beach. Just make sure you have a fishing license!
4) Gorgeous Gardens
Across the mainland in Sarasota, you’ll find Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. This 15-acre exhibit is perfect for visitors of all ages, offering incredible gardens and wildlife that the whole family will be amazed by.
5) Local Farmers Market
You also won’t want to miss the Coquina Beach Market, held weekly on Sundays and Wednesdays. You can easily get there on the free island trolley, and once you arrive, you’ll find handmade accessories, mouthwatering food, unique souvenirs, and tons of welcoming locals.
If you visit between November and April, you have to check out the Bridge Street Market. Held every Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., the Bridge Street Market features the freshest produce, best local food, incredible musicians, unique art and jewelry, and so much more.
6) MOTE Marine Lab and Aquarium
This is one of the best aquariums on the Gulf Coast of Florida. MOTE is a staple of the area and provides many useful services such as environmental conservation and animal rehabilitation. Be sure to check out the brand new facility once it is completed. There will be marine animals projected on the exterior of the building at night!
7) AMI Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Egg Roll
If you’re visiting on Easter, bring your kids out to the Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Egg Roll. These events are hosted by The Sandbar Restaurant and allow your kiddos to try their hand at grabbing that delicious candy! You can also get a picture with the Easter Bunny and participate in the bonnet contest.
8) Main Street Live
Main Street Live brings some of the most talented local musicians to the shores of Anna Maria Island. This weekly event brings out musicians that can appeal to the whole family, and you can stroll up and down Main Street to eat and check out the arts and crafts while you listen to the music.
9) Downtown Venice Art Classic
For even more culture in your vacation, check out the Downtown Venice Art Classic. This art lover’s paradise brings more than 200 of America’s top artists to display their ceramics, sculptures, paintings, and more. This weekend event is free and provides a unique way to keep your family entertained.
10) Spring Fest
Spring Fest is one of the most popular events near our Anna Maria Island rental homes. The arts and crafts festival is held over a weekend in March when you can come to talk to local artisans and participate in a raffle for donated artwork. Funds raised from the raffle benefit the Art League Scholarship fund.
11) Beach Bistro’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Visiting Anna Maria Island for St. Patrick’s Day? Don’t miss out on the Beach Bistro St. Patrick’s Day Parade! It’s one of the biggest events in Florida, bringing together local high school bands, mascots, floats, and more. This is a family-friendly way to kick-off St. Patty’s Day!
12) Beach’N Food Truck and Music Festival
On Coquina Beach in April, you’ll find the Beach’n Food Truck and Music Festival. The event brings live musicians, local vendors, and tons of interesting food trucks. You’ll also find the Bill Mergens Memorial Car show with more than 100 classic and custom cars featured.
13) Blue, Brews, & BBQs
Make your way to Bridge Street to experience Blue, Brews, & BBQs in late April. At just $5 a person and free admission for kids 12 and under, this event is a budget-friendly way to spend time with your family. Try some of the most delicious local cuisines, grab a cold beer to cool you down, and spend the day with the ones you love most.
14) Stunning Beaches
While Anna Maria Island might be small, there is no lack of incredible beaches. Anna Maria Public Beach and Manatee Public Beach are some of the more popular family-friendly destinations, while Bean Point Beach and Coquina Beach offer a bit more of a laid-back environment.
15) Exhilarating Outdoor Activities
If you’re an outdoor person, Anna Maria Island is the place for you. You can embark on a kayak tour or a nature hike, rent a boat to go fishing or book a parasailing adventure. The possibilities are truly endless!
16) Incredible Wildlife
AMI is home to tons of majestic creatures, from sea turtles and dolphins to crabs, manatees, birds, geckos, and more. You might even get lucky enough to see some of these animals from your rental!
17) Quick and Easy Transportation
One of the best ways to get around Anna Maria Island is with the free island trolley. There are plenty of stops all around the island, so you can hop on and off as you please and never have to worry about parking.
18) Close to Multiple Airports
If you fly into Anna Maria Island, it’s easy to find a nearby airport. The closest option is the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, but you can also easily reach the island from Tampa International Airport or Orlando International Airport.
19) Great Local Seafood
AMI offers some of the best seafood in Florida, always caught locally and served quickly. Stop into almost any of the local restaurants to experience the freshest fish, shrimp, lobster, crabs, and any other seafood you can think of. Island Grill, The Ugly Grouper, and The Oyster Bar are just a few options to start with.
20) Upscale Dining Experiences
If you’re visiting the island with your sweetheart, there are plenty of places to go for a romantic dinner. The Sandbar Restaurant and The Waterfront Restaurant are both popular spots for local Florida cuisine, or you might opt for Euphemia Haye Restaurant for a more global fare.
21) Best Bars in Florida
Want a more laid-back meal? There are plenty of great bars for you to choose from. Island Time Bar and Grill is an open-air bar that’s perfect for catching a cold one with your friends, or you can head to The Seafood Shack Marina, Bar, and Grill for fun events like murder mysteries, themed-parties, and grill-outs.
22) Delicious Desserts
If you have a sweet tooth, you won’t be disappointed here. Two Scoops offers some incredible ice cream, while Hometown Desserts has a bakery that will make your mouth water. Small Town Creamery, Anna Maria Island Creamery and Bakery, and the Holy Cow Ice Cream Shop are a few more suggestions.
23) Unique Boutiques
Anna Maria Island has some great local boutiques that will help you find something new for your wardrobe. Pink and Navy keeps up to date on the latest trends, and The Island Cabana offers resort wear that is perfect on vacation or back at home.
24) Shopping for Every Taste
There are countless places to shop on Anna Maria Island, so you’re sure to find whatever souvenir you’re looking for. Walk up and down Historic Bridge Street, visit Back Alley Treasures for a unique antique, or visit Pine Avenue to see the eclectic blend of shops.
25) Easy and Fun Day Trips
If you somehow run out of things to do on Anna Maria Island, you can easily reach some great day trips. Lido Key is just half an hour away, and Sarasota is not much farther. If you’re willing to drive a bit, you can reach Siesta Key and Tampa, each about an hour away. We’ve listed 25 reasons you may want to visit Anna Maria Island, but this is just the beginning!
All of this and more can be found near our rentals on Anna Maria Island. Contact us today to plan your dream vacation!
