Looking for the ultimate Anna Maria Island travel guide? Look no further. Although it’s becoming very popular, I believe Anna Maria Island (AMI) is still a perfect destination to get away from the every day without leaving the United States. You’ll find yourself adjusting to “island time” quickly while enjoying some of the best beaches the U.S. has to offer.
I’ve been fortunate to visit Anna Maria Island quite a few times thanks to my amazing in-law’s. So, instead of writing a super lengthy in-depth blog, I wanted to list my favorites. My favorite places to stay at, eat at, and of course my favorite ways to spend my time there. p.s. some links are affiliate links, which means when you purchase using the link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
WHERE TO STAY IN ANNA MARIA ISLAND
One of the best parts of visiting Anna Maria Island is the small town feel it brings. That’s why you won’t find huge hotel franchises on the beaches of AMI nor recommended in this Anna Maria Island travel guide. In fact, you’ll need just drive a few minutes past Anna Maria Island before you run into a hotel. But on the island, they are nearly non-existent. Most people rent a house while down there and enjoy the luxury of more room, a pool in the back and multiple balconies to enjoy your morning coffee from.
If you are looking to buy a hotel room, you will most likely find yourself closer to Bradenton Beach, which is closer to the hustle and bustle. Anna Maria Island is more known for being on “island time” so it’s definitely a different vibe. You can find some great houses for rent on AirBnB or VRBO.
WHERE TO EAT IN ANNA MARIA ISLAND
Since we’ve stayed in a house in the past, we typically make our own breakfast. On the way into town, you’ll pass a Publix so can stock up on groceries for the week. On mornings you want to experience the town as it slowly awakes, I’ve listed my favorite places to grab a great breakfast.
+ DONUT EXPERIMENT
The Donut Experiment in Anna Maria Island is what donut dreams are made of. They have every kind of donut condiment you can think of. Like all great places, it’s not a well kept secret so the wait time is lengthy. To skip the lines, I recommend getting there early. But, if you’re forced to wait just know the line moves fairly quickly. Once in the shop, yes the line will be out the door, grab a menu and fill out the amount of donuts you want, the type and any add-on’s your heart desires.
+ GINNY & JANE’S BAKERY
Another one of my favorite breakfast’s in Anna Maria Island is at G&J’s. A great thing about AMI is that no one is in a rush to get anywhere so you get to take your time and enjoy the moment. A bad thing about AMI is that no one is in a rush to get anywhere and you may be impatient like I am. This local breakfast joint is half restaurant half store, though. So, while you’re waiting for your food you can look around the shop and enjoy a delicious omelet after.
+ WATERFRONT
One of the best restaurants in Anna Maria Island and the best place for a spicy margarita is Waterfront. Seriously, I come for the food and stay for the spicy marg’s. After two, it’s bedtime for me. They make them strong. 🙂
+ MR. BONES BBQ
Located in Holmes Beach, this BBQ joint has some of the best wings on the island. Their menu is a bit different than your typical BBQ as it has Greek and Indian cuisine, too. Great for a quick lunch or dinner.
+ BLUE MARLIN
Not exactly Anna Maria Island as it’s located on the Bradenton side, Blue Marlin is such a cute date night restaurant. They also serve locally caught fish so you know you’re getting some fresh dining.
+ UGLY GROUPER
or a lunch on a patio with some live music, head to the Ugly Grouper. While the name depicts a hideous fish, their food is anything but ugly.
+ SANDBAR
I. love. this. spot. No Anna Maria Island travel guide is complete without mentioning the Sandbar. You not only get some of the best food in town, you get a great view of the ocean while you eat right on the beach. Come around sunset for some dreamy dinner vibes. Fun fact, B had my engagement ring in his pocket in this picture and I didn’t even know it!
+ THE FEAST
This is another little hidden gem that is well worth your money. You won’t get a great view like some of the other restaurants, but the food is to die for. Don’t miss out on the Red Snapper.
+ MAR VISTA
Not technically in Anna Maria Island, but it’s one of the best spots for some fresh Florida fish. It even has its own beachfront. At Mar Vista, you can eat outside and enjoy some of the best seafood in the area. The restaurant tout’s itself on their farm to table atmosphere and it doesn’t disappoint. You may even spot a manatee while there.
+ POPPO’S TAQUERIA
While Poppo’s doesn’t beat Tortilla Bay when it comes to tacos, I love heading here after a day at the beach or shopping.
+ TWO SCOOPS
It just wouldn’t be me if I traveled and didn’t fill you in on my favorite ice cream shop. Hand dipped lovers behold, the best place for an ice cream cone in Anna Maria Island is at Two Scoops. They have great flavors and I would be lying if I said we didn’t get it every single day.
WHAT TO DO IN ANNA MARIA ISLAND
+ THE BEACH
I mean, the beach is why you came to AMI right? Some of the cleanest and prettiest beaches are found on Anna Maria Island. Plus, the water is pretty calm on the gulf side which makes it great for swimming in. There are a couple of options for you to hang your towel when you want to relax beach side — bay side or gulf side. I personally love the gulf side but both have their pro’s and con’s.
+ POOLSIDE
If you rent a home, you’ll want to get one with a pool! It’s perfect on days when you want to take it slow. We find ourselves hanging by the pool on those slower days especially after dinner.
+ BEAN POINT
The most well-known beach spot on Anna Maria Island is Bean Point. It’s where Tampa Bay meets the Gulf. It also happens to be my favorite place to catch some rays on the island.
+ RENTALS
We love to rent bikes whenever we are in Anna Maria. For just $14/day you can rent a bike through Beach Bums. They also offer golf cart rentals and other water sports such as paddle boards.
+ KAYAK
One of the best ways to experience more of the area is to do a water activity. We typically like to kayak while there and we always book through Happy Paddler. You’ll get a great guide to Anna Maria Island while you paddle on the water. We have done both their sunset paddle and day paddle. Both are great, but pack a jacket for the sunset paddle. It gets chilly on the water.
+ SHOPPING
What is a vacation without shopping? While this isn’t an Anna Maria Island guide to shopping, I can’t pass up writing about my love of the love all the boutiques lining Pine Ave. However, a must visit, is the West Coast Surf Shop. It’s not like a typical tourist surf shop that you expect from a beach destination. There aren’t any trinkets or shirts that say I heart AMI there. It’s a true surf shop that locals shop at. It’s a bit of a drive, but they have the best swim wear!
+ CATCH THE SUNSET
You can’t leave Anna Maria Island without seeing one of their gorgeous sunset views. Fun fact, I got proposed to at Bean Point during an Anna Maria Island sunset, which is why I may be pretty biased when it comes to AMI.
As you can see, we LOVE Anna Maria Island. It can be as relaxing or adventurous as you want. If you are looking for any other recommendations, drop me a note and I’d love to help make your time there memorable.
