ANNA MARIA ISLAND FLORIDA!Definitely Considered One of the Best Beaches in Florida with a Magical, Tropical Island Feeling.Anna Maria Island Florida, like most barrier islands on the southwest coast of Florida is a natural, pristine treasure. Enjoy the sugary white beaches, yummy restaurants, great shopping and first class accommodations of all types. This island's beaches definitely rank up there with the best beaches in Florida!
Unfortunately, when we're at craft shows, we don't have an opportunity to take beach photos, so we've made a special trip to enjoy the beaches ourselves and take some photos. Hope you enjoy them and get a real feel for the island and it's beaches and attractions. Of course, the beaches are the main attraction on this tropical island. But there's more... For the angler, there are three fishing piers on the island.
Each fishing pier has a restaurant, so you won't even have to leave your fishing spot to go and eat. If you prefer to fish from a boat there are nearby boat rentals to choose from or you can charter a fishing trip for the ultimate experience.
And, there are many more activities to choose from for fun on land and in the water:
This wonderful island is bordered by Tampa Bay to the north, the Gulf of Mexico to the west, Anna Maria Sound and Palma Sola Bay to the east, and Longboat Pass to the south. There are 3 distinct cities on Anna Maria Island: Anna Maria on the northern end, which is primarily residential, Holmes Beach in the middle of the island, which is residential and business oriented, and Bradenton Beach at the southern end, which is residential and tourist oriented. Anna Maria Island is connected to Bradenton, on the Florida mainland, by the Manatee and Cortez bridges.
Traveling from the south into Anna Maria Island, you'll first come to Coquina Beach on the Gulf side just after crossing the Longboat Pass bridge.
There is a beach and boat launch on the Bay side. The Gulf side has lots of free parking, restroom facilities, a small restaurant and the whitest, cleanest beaches you can find anywhere. Bordering the beach is an area shaded by Australian Pines. There are picnic tables with parking just beyond. Driving north through Bradenton Beach, you'll pass some cute shops, and small homes. When you start into the round-a-bout, take Bridge Ave. on the right. There, you'll find more shops, galleries, restaurants and, at the end, the Bridge Street Pier. At the restaurant on the Pier, Rotten Ralph's, my husband and I had the best fish and chips we've ever had! The prices were great too!
At the northern tip is Bean Point. Swimming is not advised here because of the very strong currents. On the bay side are the Rod and Reel Pier and the Anna Maria City Pier, both with restaurants. Bayfront Park is situated between them.
Where To Stay?HotelsThere are several great hotels to choose from on Anna Maria Island Florida. Those rated the three best by reviewers at TripAdvisor are:TripAdvisor is the most trusted site for reviews with huge numbers of reviewers. In my opinion they rock!
Bed & BreakfastsMaybe you'd prefer the cozy experience of a quaint, wonderful Bed and Breakfast. If so, you'll need to see what others at TripAdvisor have to say about the best Bed & Breakfasts on Anna Maria Island.The Bed & Breakfasts rated the best of the best are:
Vacation RentalsMaybe you'd prefer a little more space than you'll get in a hotel room or bed and breakfast. If so, then check out the beachfront, bayfront, or canal front homes, condos and beach cottages for rent directly from the owners or managers at TripAdvisor.Where To Eat?Anna Maria Island has fabulous restaurants in each of the three main areas of the island: Anna Maria to the north, Holmes Beach in the middle, and Bradenton Beach to the south.Of all the great Anna Maria Island restaurants, I'd like to mention a few of my favorites. For a special occasion, or as a treat while on the island, the Beach Bistro in Holmes Beach, is rated by Zagats as one of the top restaurants in America and describes the food as the best on the Gulf coast. They are pricey, but worth it. The sunset views over the Gulf are spectacular and their Bouillabaisse is to die for. Next, on my list of favorites is the Island Creperie located in Bradenton Beach near the Bradenton Beach Pier. They are a little expensive, but they serve a fabulous brunch with delicious crepes, fabulous French toast and wonderful salads.
They are open for lunch and dinner. Also, while you're exploring the island, you'll notice the 3 piers with seafood restaurants on them. Fun Things To Do!There are lots of fun things to do while on Anna Maria Island. Of course, there's swimming in the crystal clear, turquoise water of the Gulf of Mexico, shelling, hunting for shark's teeth. There are many local companies offering tours and rentals. Some of them are:4 Fun & More Rentals866-931-9840 Rodbender Fishing Charter941-320-8171 A.M. Island Adventure877-FLY-YOLO Adventure Kayak Outfitters941-779-7426 Beach Bums941-778-3316 Bradenton Beach Marina941-778-2288 Coastal Watersports941-778-4969 Cortez Kat Party Boat Fishing Charters941-795-6969 Fun and Sun Parasail888-778-8322 Segs By The Sea, Inc.941-209-5970 The Fish Hole941-778-3400 Zegway By The Bay941-565-2082
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Do You Have a Story About The Best Florida Beaches On Anna Maria Island?Take a look at what others have to say about Anna Maria Island. Please share your own story about your trip to Anna Maria Island Florida. Your comments will add a tremendous amount to the website.Anna Maria Island Florida Real EstateIf, after seeing all the beautiful photos of Anna Maria Island, you'd like to experience the special lifestyle available here for a great vacation rental or to purchase Anna Maria Island real estate I'll be happy to help by connecting you with a wonderful Realtor who specializes in Anna Maria Island Florida.
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And, because I'm such a beach lover, my final restaurant in my Top 3 is the Sandbar Restaurant on the beach in Anna Maria. They have a great deck menu featuring wonderful Blue Crab Cakes, and a wonderful Grouper Sandwich. 
