Plan a trip to Anna Maria Island and experience the quiet delights of this pristine Florida beach.
This island’s quiet delights attract new visitors while locals cherish its pristine scenery.
Fly into nearby Tampa or Sarasota-Bradenton airports, or take I-75 from Atlanta.
Head for sand and sun at Beach Point Beach in Anna Maria.Credit: Jessica Sample
Here are the best things to do during your visit.
A cottage-lined main street led to a long pier, welcoming steamship-borne travelers.
Each requires slow driving (25 mph in most cases) and displays its wares with ready ease.
Head for sand and sun at Beach Point Beach in Anna Maria.Credit: Jessica Sample
You won’t find chain stores,fast-food restaurants, or high-rise hotels.
Some featured donuts include Key Lime and Sriracha made with peanut butter, peanuts, and a sriracha drizzle.
The food, cooked from scratch, is outmatched only by the legendary oversized cinnamon rolls.
Credit: Jessica Sample
Dinner at the Sandbar restaurant is a revelation.
It’s a toes-in-the-sand spot with a stunningsunset view of the Gulfand locally sourced seafood.
(Its sister location, Beach House Restaurant in Bradenton Beach, offers similar delights.)
Try the treats at The Donut Experiment.Credit: Jessica Sample
Stop into the Anna Maria General Store for sandwiches and grocery items.
Look for Spartina 449 tunics at The Egret’s Nest and Lilly Pulitzer resort wear at The Island Cabana.
Pop into artists' studios like Emerson Quillin’s shop, whose whimsical brand of humor hits the mark.
Try the Tampa Bay Clams and Head-On shrimp at Sandbar.Credit: Jessica Sample
Sample flavored oils and freshly baked bread at Anna Maria Olive Oil Outpost.
You may just spot dolphins and egrets along the way.
Be sure to see the collection of rare and exotic fruit trees.
Sandbar is a popular spot for seafood, cocktails, and sunsets.Credit: Jessica Sample
Bring a picnic to enjoy while you take in the views.
“My grandmother had one phone for the whole place,” Sutton says.
They usually didn’t!"
Rent toys from Beach Bums.Credit: Jessica Sample
It’s anOld Floridatreasure done up with vintage-style rattan and wicker, making all five units delights.
The original 1916 duplex cottage lined in heart pine (including the ceiling and floors) is nostalgic perfection.
Haley’s at Anna Maria Island Inn has been part of the island’s landscape since the 1950s.
Credit:Cedar Cove Resort & Cottages
Updated rooms feature modern amenities and guests have a two-minute walk to the beach.
marriott.com, 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
