Once on Anna Maria Island, a free trolley takes you to your desired destination. The trolley runs from one end of the island to the other, seven days a week, from 6 am to 10 pm. It makes stops every 2 – 4 blocks. The most requested stops are Anna Maria Island beaches or shopping.
Bicycles, walking, and golf carts are a favored mode of transportation when exploring the island. Several places on the island offer rentals for these and many of the other items you will need.
The trolley, bicycles, walking, and golf carts add to the calm, laid-back vibe of Anna Maria Island, allowing vacationers to park their cars and vacation without the hustle and bustle of fighting traffic.
Manatee County’s Gulf Island Ferry transports passengers between the day dock in downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island City Pier for a small fee. The ferry operates weather permitting from Friday through Sunday.
Best Places to Stay on Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is home to various vacation accommodations ranging from well-known hotels, landmark resorts, beachfront cottages, villas, and private homes. There are accommodations to fit just about anyone’s needs.
Most island rentals are small resorts, cottages, and vacation homes because no building over two stories is allowed on the island.
The Bridgewalk in Bradenton Beach’s historic district is a landmark resort located at the bridge’s edge. These apartment-style accommodations have an old Florida vibe.
The Bridgewalk in Bradenton Beach’s historic district is a landmark resort located at the bridge’s edge. These apartment-style accommodations have an old Florida vibe.
Tortuga Inn is the kind of place that sweeps you off your feet. It comes with its own private white sand beach across the street. Beach chairs and umbrellas await you.
There are three heated pools and a boat dock for guests to enjoy.
- Anna Maria Island Beach Resort
- Waterline Villas and Marina
- AMI Locals Luxury Vacation Rentals
We have stayed at all of these places and were pleased with the accommodations.
We have used several of the rental companies on Anna Maria Island. They always managed to find us the perfect vacation rental.
You can also book a vacation rental through Booking.com and Verbo.
If you are looking to save some money you might want to consider booking a hotel just off the island
Best Places to Eat on Anna Maria Island
Sandbar
At the recommendations of locals, we headed over to The Sandbar. We were delighted we did! We sat outside overlooking the ocean at sunset.
The food was good, but not exceptional. The view was spectacular, the mood was very romantic, and the conversation was perfect!
We visited the Tide Tables twice during our visit. This place is a favorite among the locals. It is the perfect place for fried shrimp and ice-cold beer while enjoying the view.
We loved Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe. It is casual beachfront dining at its best. Besides good food, they offer a tiki bar, cold beer, and island ice cream.
Burgers, fish tacos, ice cream, and even beer all taste better served on the beachfront.
The Waterfront Restaurant has some of the best food we’ve eaten on the island. I had never had pineapple coleslaw until I ate it at the Waterfront Restaurant. It is the perfect pairing with their grouper tacos. This is one place on the island you might want to see if they take reservations.
It wouldn’t be a visit to Anna Maria Island without visiting The Ugly Grouper. This easygoing eatery has a funky 3,000-pound metal fish sculpture you need to see. The Ugly Grouper has live music every night, and their fish tacos and sweet potato fries are so good.
Food on the island does not stop at seafood. It’s just the best place to get the freshest seafood. If you are looking for something different, explore a little and find other exceptional options.
To get your morning sweet fix, you need, I repeat, you NEED to stop and try out The Donut Experiment. The fresh donuts at The Donut Experiment are creative and they know what tastes great on a donut.
When you are in need of an afternoon sweet fix, stop at Two Scoops, located near the Anna Maria Island City Pier. It is unquestionably the spot to stop for the best ice cream, sundaes, shakes, floats, or even fresh brewed coffee.
Anna Maria Island Weather
We have visited Anna Maria Island at all times of the year. Weather does play a role in vacation fun. Whether cool or warm, there is no wrong time to visit Anna Maria Island.
The summers are long and warm, with unexpected brief rain showers. The winters are short, calm, and windy. Over the course of the year, the temperatures vary from 55 to 90 and are rarely below 45 or above 92.
Based on the tourist score, the best times of year to visit Anna Maria Island for warm-weather activities are from late February to early May and from late October to early December. Avoid spring break.
The History of Anna Maria Island
At the beginning of the twentieth century, Anna Maria Island was first settled by Tampa’s Mayor Madison Post, who named the island after his sister-in-law Anna and his wife, Maria. Before 1921, the only main inhabitants of the island were temporary fishermen.
The first permanent resident of Anna Maria Island was George Emerson Bean. Until 1921, the island was only accessible by boat. At that time, the first bridge connecting the fishing village of Cortez with Bradenton Beach was built.
Soon after the bridge was built, actor Paul Gilmore purchased 40 island acres to create a film colony. The only movie filmed on the island was “The Isle of Destiny.” The movie itself was unsuccessful.
Today, three small cities, Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach, make up Anna Maria Island.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Pets and Alcohol are not permitted on any of Anna Maria Islands’ Beaches
- Parking is limited on the island; if you are visiting for the day, you need to plan on arriving early.
- Pay close attention to all of the parking signs, you don’t want a ticket.
- If you are staying on the island, consider renting a golf cart or bicycle to get around. The free trolley is also available during daytime hours.
- May through October is turtle nesting season. Nests that have been located on the beaches are marked. The sea turtles are protected, and we all need to do our part to protect them. Leave the nests alone; any large holes you may have dug, making sand castles, must be filled in.
- Be aware the waters are home to jellyfish and sting rays. Keep your distance from the jellyfish. You may also want to practice your stingray shuffle before coming to the beach.