Anna Maria Island might be Florida’s best kept secret. This barrier island is the northern most island, of the southern islands, going into Tampa Bay. I have an idea. Take your left pinkie and stick it up. That, my friends, is Anna Maria! The area to the right, is Tampa Bay. The tip, is Bean Point. The left side is the Gulf of Mexico.
Known for its white sand beaches, friendly locals, fresh seafood, brightly colored houses, and bicycle friendly streets, Anna Maria is the perfect destination for humans looking to escape back to a 1950s beach town. The water has seasons, like everything else. In May, it is the brightest blue. In October, it is a bluish green. It’s quite clear, clean, and except for the occasional Red Tide event, it is wonderful for snorkeling, swimming, paddle boarding, and shell seeking.
Ready to book your trip? I feel you. Having been to the island many times over the last 8 years, I’ve compiled a list of the 8 Things You Need To Know about Anna Maria Island. And then, start packing!
1.) Choose your location wisely! While it is small, Anna Maria Island - and Holmes Beach - offer different neighborhoods that cater to several types of travelers. We love the serenity and quiet of the northern part of the island, Bean Point, but the waters are not for the faint of heart. The current is swift and there are many sharks and manatees near the drop-off. If you’re traveling with small kiddos, I would stick to the area near your pinkie knuckle (remember the pinkie visualization from above?), down the gulf a bit. The waters are calmer and you’re closer to the ice cream shops and trinket-filled tourist traps - think floaties! Bean Point: Great for adults and large groups traveling together, wanting to rent houses with the best sunset view on the island. Bay side: Quiet, calm, less beach, more seaweed but far more ocean life. You wake up to dolphins, manta rays, and seagulls and fall asleep to the gentle sound of the shore. Gulf side: The best beaches, restaurants, and softest sand. The rentals on the Gulf side are mostly condos, or houses with obstructed views but they are worth the investment. If you’re up for it, Lime Fish by Pineapple Fish is our absolute favorite rental to stay at. Gulf front, with a private pool. That is almost unheard of on Anna Maria.
2.) To rent a car or not rent a car, that is the question. Getting to Anna Maria is super easy. With three major airports within an hour, you can easily rent a car or grab a local car service to the island. Once there, Beach Bums offers golf car rentals for up to 8 passengers. The carts have seat belts, so they are street legal for street speeds up to 25 mph. That will get you all around the island and to the Publix grocery store. There are also bike rentals for those who want to work for it. How we get there: Living in Iowa, we hop the Allegiant direct flight from CID to Punta Gorda, then drive up the coast, with a pit stop in Sarasota at Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods to stock up on food and beverages for the week. We rent a car because we love taking a day or two to explore areas off the island…
3.) Off the island fun is worth a quick drive…and maybe that car rental! We have regular places we visit each trip, including Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Mixon Fruit Farms, and Casperson beach, the BEST place to find shark teeth. Mixon has a fantastic tour of the fruit orchards, and their wildlife rehab area. It is small, but the store alone is worth the drive. Try some fresh juice, delicious orange creamsicle ice cream, and ship fruit back home.
4.) The best time of day on Anna Maria is sunset. If you’re lucky enough to nab a table at The Beach House or The Sand Bar, you will be set. Linger after dinner for a cocktail, and then step out onto the beach for the most glorious sky. It’s like a Bob Ross painting comes to life.
5.) Eat your way around the island, the best places are often tucked away. We are huge fans of the simple, but delicious, menu at Blue Marlin. Seriously, the freshest seafood and always excellent service. The fish offered each night is fresh caught just across the bay. You can see the fisherman retiring for the night as you walk - with a full belly - down the street after dinner. I recommend sitting outside, under the soft lights and enjoying the ambiance filled with salty air and the occasional visit from a fat cat. On the exact opposite side of the island, is Island Ocean Star. A fabulous sushi restaurant adjacent to a marina filled with beautiful boats, and a second level dock, perfect for sunset viewing. There is also an incredible brunch offered at Eliza Ann’s Coastal kitchen, located in the Waterline Resort & Beach Club. For a quick lunch, try Poppo’s Taqueria. Incredibly fresh Mexican bowls that are filled with gorgeous vegetable options and they are super food allergy friendly.
6.) Beach gear at the shops on Pine Street, are the same price points as they shops located off the island. Support the local vendors! They offer floats, goggles, sunscreen, hats, shirts, beach chair rentals, kayaks, boogie boards, coolers, umbrellas, and everything else you might need for a day at the beach. And wagons, so you can pull all your gear and enjoy a beverage in the other! If you rent ahead of time, you can have your goodies delivered to your rental property so you can change into your suit and hit the beach without delay. Beach Bums + The Anna Maria General Store are our favorites.
7.) Egmont Key is worth the trip. I highly, highly recommend that you book an excursion out to the island for snorkeling, swimming among the manatees, collecting the best shells in the area, and basking in the beauty of the crystal blue waters. Pro tip: Pack extra bottled water and lots of sunscreen.
8.) May and October are the best months to visit. The waters are warm, the crowds are few, and there are plenty of rentals available for non-peak season rates. The day temps are 80ish and the water temperature is still in the 70s off the shore.
Ready to book your trip? If you have questions or want to share your own Anna Maria favorites, drop me a line. Enjoy!
