What to Do on Anna Maria

BRADENTON – Anna Maria Island is a quiet island north of Longboat Key and just south of the entrance to Tampa Bay, known for its laid-back residents and unchanged atmosphere. A few things to do on Anna Maria.

Beaches

From the north tip of Anna Maria to Coquina Beach, Anna Maria is a continuous strip of about seven miles of beachfront following Gulf Drive. While the beaches connect, they have different amenities and identities:

Bayfront Park: A beachfront park at the north end of the island in the city of Anna Maria, with playground, fishing and restrooms. 310 North Bay Boulevard

Holmes Beach: A wide beach between around 27th St., off Gulf Drive

Manatee Public Beach: In Holmes Beach, a fishing pier, lifeguards and rentals on this main beach situated at the end of S.R. 64, also known as Manatee Avenue West. At 4000 Gulf Dr.

Bradenton Beach: On Gulf Blvd. between 5th Street and 13th Street in Bradenton Beach

Coquina Beach: At the south end of Anna Maria closest to Longboat Pass and Longboat Key, Coquina is run by the city of Bradenton Beach

Coquina Bayside Park: Also at the south end of the island, a county run beach on the bay side of the island

Other sites, attractions

Anna Maria Island Art League: Founded in 1989 and sponsors festivals, exhibits, workshops and classes. 5312 Holmes Blvd., Holmes Beach, Florida, 941-778-2099

Anna Maria Island Historical Museum: The former Belle Haven Cottage is now a museum that depicts island life 100 years ago, as well as local history through the years. 402 Pine Avenue, 941-778-0492

Anna Maria City Pier: This pier, with restaurant, dates from 1910, and is one of two in the city of Anna Maria. 100 S. Bay Blvd.

Bradenton Beach City Pier: This pier at the south end of the island in Bradenton Beach was an old bridge. Recently reopened, it is the home to a pavilion, fishing and the restaurant Rotten Ralphs. Look for the clock, a local landmark.

Bridge Street: At the south end of the island in Bradenton Beach, an island “Main Street” with shops and history.

DeSoto National Memorial: Today, the site is the De Soto National Memorial, a national landmark run by the U.S. Department of the Interior. (941) 792-0458.

Island Players: A local theater company housed in the 1912 Community House at Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue. Season subscriptions, 10009 Gulf Drive, 941-778-5755

Leffis Key Park: At the south end of the island is this park in Bradenton Beach is made of fill. It has been restored and officials have added native plants, a nature walk and a hill.

Palma Sola Causeway Park: As you cross to Anna Maria Island, this park along S.R. 64 stretches along the causeway with parking, dog-friendly beaches (the only island beach where they are allowed) and picnic pavilions along Palma Sola Bay and Anna Maria Sound.

Rod & Reel Pier: This pier at the north end of the island in Anna Maria, built in 1947, provides views of Egmont Key and the Sunshine Skyway. The restaurant (a TripAdvisor favorite) is not only loved for the view, but the prices and the seafood. 875 N Shore Drive, (941) 778-1885

Tingley Memorial Library: A local library, staffed by volunteers and just behind Bradenton Beach City Hall. Join for just $1 if you are a visitor or resident. 111 2nd St. North, Bradenton Beach, (941)779-1208