Explore the Area
Whether you're after a quiet beach morning, a day on the water, or a night out in the city, everything is close. Here's what's worth knowing about each area.
Nearby Areas
Seven miles of Gulf-front beach, no traffic lights, and a pace that hasn't changed much in decades.
Anna Maria Island is a narrow barrier island at the northern tip of Sarasota Bay. The three cities on the island (Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach) each have their own character, but all share the same white sand and calm Gulf water. Pine Avenue in Anna Maria City is worth a walk for the local shops and cafes. The Rod & Reel Pier is a good spot for fishing or just watching the pelicans.
The Sunshine Skyway, the Riverwalk, Ybor City, and the Florida Aquarium: all in one metro area.
Tampa is about an hour from the island and worth the drive. The 2.6-mile Riverwalk connects the best of downtown along the Hillsborough River, with the Florida Aquarium, Armature Works, and the Tampa Bay History Center all within walking distance. Ybor City, the historic Cuban quarter, is the place to go for dinner and live music. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge fishing pier is one of the longest in the world and open to the public.
A working river city with a strong arts scene, good food, and easy access to the bay.
Bradenton sits on the south bank of the Manatee River, about 15 minutes from the island. The Riverwalk runs along the waterfront and connects to the Village of the Arts, a walkable neighborhood of galleries, studios, and restaurants. The South Florida Museum and Bishop Planetarium are worth an afternoon. Jiggs Landing, a county park on the Braden River, is a local favorite for kayaking and watching the sunset.
The southernmost city on Anna Maria Island, with a historic bridge street and calm bay-side waters.
Bradenton Beach is the most walkable part of the island. Historic Bridge Street runs from the Gulf to the bay and is lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. The city pier on the bay side is a good spot for fishing and watching boats. The Gulf beach here is wide and uncrowded, and the water is shallow enough for young kids. The Bridge Street Pier Farmers Market runs on Thursdays.
A low-key Pinellas County beach town with a fishing pier, local restaurants, and calm Gulf water.
Indian Rocks Beach is a small barrier island community about 30 minutes north of the island. The town has a relaxed, residential feel with a good mix of local restaurants and beach bars along Gulf Boulevard. The Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve is a quiet spot for birding and walking. The public fishing pier at the center of town is free and open all day.