Summer On Anna Maria Island

Get On The Water!

Bradenton Beach Marina is a full-service resort marina offering boat and jet ski rentals. These are great ways to explore the island's waterways, from the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the tranquil bays and canals. 

If you prefer someone else to captain the boat, the marina also offers a variety of boat tours. Bring your camera and make sure to book a Dolphin Tour! Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins live in our waters year-round, so you’ll be sure to see plenty of these beautiful creatures any time you visit. Wait until the evening and you can enjoy a stunning sunset and take in the views of the Gulf of Mexico on a Sunset Cruise.

Beach Hopping

Anna Maria Island boasts some of the best beaches in the country, with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. Beachcombers will love the island's six pristine beaches, each with its own unique charm and amenities.

• Holmes Beach, considered a gem of Anna Maria Island, offers lots of beachfront homes, restaurants, cafes, boutique shops, and water sports. It also has an ADA-accessible trolley for transportation around the city, free of charge. Visitors can spend their time relaxing on the beach, swimming, and shopping for antiques, jewelry, and souvenirs. Poseidon's Palace is a great place to stay if you want to be in the heart of this area.

• Coquina Beach is a public beach with 22 acres of diamond-white sand and sparkling water, surrounded by lush greenery. The beach offers free parking, beach wheelchairs, playgrounds for kids, and an onsite cafe serving a variety of food. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and playing beach volleyball with their companions. Nearby vacation rentals are Seagrape Cottage & Sideways.

• Bradenton Beach is a picturesque coastal city located in the southern area of Anna Maria Island. It offers beautiful parks, beaches, shopping districts, art galleries, and museums to explore. Visitors can spend their time indoors visiting historical sites and galleries or enjoy water sports, beach games, and guided excursions on the coastline. Search for nearby rentals in Bradenton Beach!

• Bean Point Beach is a serene beach located at the northernmost tip of the barrier island, offering excellent views of the Gulf of Mexico and a more intimate ambiance with fewer crowds. It is perfect for those looking for a peaceful and quiet getaway, with opportunities to work on their tan, read a good novel, watch a sunset, have a picnic, and enjoy water activities. Check out all nearby rentals!

• Manatee Public Beach is a stunning 7-acre coastline on Holmes Beach with powdery white sand, crystal clear turquoise water, and many amenities, making it an ideal destination for families with kids. The beach offers a perfect combination of sun, sand, and sea, with calm water that everyone can enjoy. Stay a block from this beautiful beach in Margarita-Ville.

• Palmetto Avenue Beach is a secluded beach with miles of soft, white sand and sparkling cerulean water. If you are on a budget, Palmetto Beach is free from temptation without any vendors trying to sell you items. For a stunning island retreat just a few blocks away, check out Yacht Sea.

Paddle Wheel Boats & Dolphin Tours

Gather your friends and family and take an adventure on the Anna Maria Princess paddle wheel boat! From sunset cruises to comedy cruises, they have a variety of fun for all ages. Looking for the opportunity to see manatees and dolphins? Check out Go 2 Dolphins at the Bradenton Beach Marina.

Fine Dining

Anna Maria Island has a range of excellent dining options, from casual seafood shacks to upscale restaurants. During the summer months, it's much easier to get reservations at classic dining places like Beach Bistro. View our guide to the best dining on Anna Maria Island here.

Shopping

Anna Maria Island has a variety of unique shops and boutiques to explore. Stroll down Pine Avenue and browse through the island's galleries, gift shops, and clothing stores. Don't forget to stop by the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum, where you can learn about the island's rich history and culture. Lavendar Lagoon and Beachcombers are located just a block off of this bustling area if you like to be near the action.

Island Trolley Tour

Take a trolley tour of the island and learn about its history and attractions. The free trolley runs from one end of the island to the other and stops at popular destinations like the City Pier, the Rod & Reel Pier, and the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum.

Anna Maria Island is a wonderful destination for a summer vacation. With fewer crowds, a slower pace, and plenty of activities to enjoy, it's the perfect place to unwind and relax. From boating and beach hopping to fine dining and shopping, there's something for everyone on Anna Maria Island. So pack your bags and come experience the magic of this hidden gem on the Gulf Coast.