Are you debating taking a vacation to spectacularly scenic, laid back and charming Anna Maria Island? There are plenty of reasons why Anna Maria Island vacations are so popular these days and why an increasing number of people have visited the island in recent years.
If you’re still on the fence, consider these top 10 reasons to stop putting off your adventure to this unique and gorgeous barrier island and start planning your trip today. We have the perfect Anna Maria rental homes for you and your family!
Reason #1 – The incredible rejuvenating and healing beaches
Everyone needs a little revitalization from time to time with the stresses of everyday life. A vacation to Anna Maria Island’s rejuvenating beaches can provide you with an influx of energy and reset your body and mind so that you’re ready to face the world again head on.
Some of the most common beach activities that can heal you and help you reset include biking, swimming, yoga, jogging, and aerobics. Multiple spas can be found throughout the island, offering the latest in wellness treatments, massage, skincare and more.
There are also many public beaches and beach access points scattered throughout the island within walking distance to exercise and reconnect with nature no matter where you choose to stay.
Reason #2 – The freshest seafood for healthy eating
During your Anna Maria Island vacation, you’ll be able to purchase and cook the absolute freshest seafood that you can imagine for healthy eating, caught by local fishermen.
The seafood is available for purchase at several local grocery stores, piers and farmer’s markets, and you’ll be able to walk directly to them or take the island’s free trolley to pick up ingredients.
Some of the delicious locally caught seafood options include grouper, snapper, flounder, mackerel, Mahi, shrimp and tripletail, stone crab, shrimp, Florida lobsters, and many others.
Reason #3 – The ideal destination for bonding with family
If you haven’t been spending enough time with your family, a trip to Anna Maria Island can be the perfect way to bond and create some quality memorable moments together.
Many new and exciting activities to experience as a family awaits you here including kayaking, deep sea fishing, dolphin and whale watching, boating, snorkeling, parasailing, and hiking through awe-inspiring ocean habitats.
Explore fascinating and sprawling nature preserves where you can kayak alongside dolphins and manatees, hike and bike through trails alongside salt marshes and mangrove forests, and swim in warm, calm, clear shallow waters on beaches with dazzling white sand and chromatic shells.
Reason #4 – Start new healthy habits here
Many of those who vacation to Anna Maria Island are inspired to start anew and change their habits to be healthier and more active.
The picturesque ocean scenery, beaches, parks, and nature preserves have a mysterious way of inspiring you to do that, along with the adrenaline pumping outdoor activities that just about every visitor to the island wants to try.
Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, get more exercise, think more positively or do more of all three, you’ll feel the inspiration to kick start a new commitment to your health from the very first day you arrive on Anna Maria Island.
Reason #5 – Try a new and exciting beach or ocean experience
Don’t be fooled by Anna Maria’s easy going atmosphere, there’s plenty of exciting adventures to be had. Why not charter a fishing vessel and go deep sea fishing? Seek thrills with a parasailing or hang ten with horse surfing, the possibilities are endless with watersports!
Reason #6 – Easy to get to with plenty of low-cost flights year-round
Because of the high demand for tourism to the area, you’ll find excellent deals on flights from all over the country throughout the year, even during the busier summer season.
Several airports are within a 1 to 2-hour drive of Anna Maria Island including Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (30 Minutes), Tampa International Airport (1 Hour), St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (1 Hour), and Orlando International Airport (2 Hours)
Reason #7 – World famous beaches to explore
On the island’s 7 mile stretch you will find stunning, pristine beaches and endless activities that you and your family can partake in. Go shelling or rent a metal detector and search the shoreline for buried treasure. Take a swim in the crystal blue waters of the Gulf and keep an eye out for dolphins and manatees. There are even guided beach tours that will let you see the island’s famous sea turtle nesting sites.
Reason #8 – Small and easy to get around
Although Anna Maria is a small island it’s possible to travel around it in many ways. You can arrange tours of the island on bikes and Segways. Make sure that you walk the historic Bridge Street and treat yourself to crepes in the morning, visit the Rod and Reel Pier and show off your swing on the Island’s mini-golf course. But don’t stick to the land! Why not explore the island’s coast on a kayak or jet-ski and take in the beauty of the ocean.
Reason #9 – An amazing array of restaurants to experience
Anna Maria Island features some of the Bradenton region’s most highly acclaimed restaurants along with plenty of cuisine options inspired from all regions of the world. True foodies can delight at the impressive range of choices available to them right on the island.
Some of restaurants here that local culinary enthusiasts often recommend to visitors include eat here Anna Maria, The Sandbar Restaurant (a longtime local favorite with amazing sunset views), The City Pier Restaurant, Rod and Reel Pier Restaurant (both of which are on the water), and so many others in a small, highly accessible area.
Reason #10 – Many beautiful and reasonably priced rentals in top locations
We have several reasonably priced, spacious and creature comfort loaded Anna Maria Island vacation homes to choose from.
One of the biggest benefits of booking Anna Maria Island lodging here is the fact that you’ll always be within walking distance to the beach, as well as restaurants, boutiques, spas, and local markets.
Staying in Anna Maria Island rentals is the best way to enjoy everything mentioned above, as you’ll live on the island like a truly local and experience the same magic that lures people from all over the world to resettle here.
Convinced yet? We certainly hope so! You don’t need to spend much money to experience Anna Maria Island to the fullest, and just a week or two here can be life-changing as many can attest.
The free island trolley will take you everywhere you need to go on the island, so leave your vehicle and worries behind and start preparing your next vacation to Anna Maria Island now!
