The 17 Best Things to Do in Anna Maria Island
If you’re dreaming of Caribbean vibes without the long flight, Anna Maria Island is the perfect spot for you. Whether it’s kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing on the beach, you can do it all on Anna Maria Island, and I guarantee you’ll love it.
We’ve spent quite a few summers here, and honestly, we keep coming back for the stunning beaches, the relaxed island vibe, and, of course, the amazing food. There’s so much to do on Anna Maria Island, and I’m here to share some of our absolute favorite activities. Some are classic touristy fun, while others are more local gems—so I’m pretty sure there’s something here for everyone.
Let’s get started with my guide to the 17 best things to do in Anna Maria Island.
When Should I Visit Anna Maria Island?
Whenever we plan a trip to Anna Maria Island—or Florida in general—we always try to go between November and May. Florida in the summer can be super busy, and honestly, it’s just a bit too hot and humid for me. But hey, if you’re all about a busier vibe and love the heat, the summer months can definitely be great.
Personally, I like visiting during the winter. The weather is still warm enough to enjoy the beach, but without that overwhelming humidity. It’s perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun without melting! Just a heads-up though—make sure to avoid hurricane season when planning your trip.
What Are the Best Anna Maria Island Hotels?
💡Do you want more options and information on the best areas and hotels? Click here for our ultimate guide on where to stay in Anna Maria Island!
Anna Maria Island Beach Resort – Best Couples Resort
One of our favorite places to stay on Anna Maria Island for a weekend getaway is the Anna Maria Island Beach Resort. It has everything you could want from a great beach resort—beautiful outdoor pool areas, spacious rooms with views of either the pool or the ocean, and private access to the beach, which we always love.
► Click here for more information & bookings
Mello on the Beach – Best Boutique Hotel
In my opinion, the coolest hotel on Anna Maria Island is Mello on the Beach. If you check it out online, you’ll see they rent out separate rooms under different names, but they’re essentially all part of the same boutique hotel/apartment complex. It’s super stylish, the pool area is amazing, and the little apartments are designed with such attention to detail (I especially love the orange beach chairs hanging on the wall).
► Click here for more information & bookings
Batemans Holiday Home – Best Holiday Home
When we visited with the whole family, six people in total, we stayed at Batemans Holiday Home. This house was perfect for us, with three bedrooms and plenty of space to spread out. The best part was the fully equipped kitchen, where we were able to cook our own meals and save some money on dining out. Plus, the location was amazing – just a short walk from the beach and all the local shops and restaurants.
► Click here for more information & bookings
How to Get to Anna Maria Island, Florida
Anna Maria Island is a beautiful destination on Florida’s Gulf Coast near Tampa Bay. Getting there is simple! Most visitors fly in and can choose between two main airport options:
- Tampa International Airport (about 1 hour away)
- Sarasota Airport (only 30 minutes away, but typically more expensive).
From either airport, you can take a shuttle, book an Uber, or rent a car to make your way to the the gulf coast and Anna Maria Island.
Best Things to Do in Anna Maria Island for Families
1. Explore Pine Avenue for Shopping & Lunch
At the northern tip of the island, you’ll find the charming community of Anna Maria, my favorite spot on the island. This area is full of cute little alleys and streets, and it’s super walkable too.
The best part up there is Pine Avenue! It’s packed with locally owned shops and restaurants, making it the perfect place to grab lunch and check out unique boutiques, art galleries, and beach stores.
💡I recommend stopping by at Olive Oil Outpost! its a cute little gourmet delicatess store. perfect for buying some ingredients for your next meal or buying some gifts for friends at home.
2.Explore the Island with Bike Rentals
A great way to explore Anna Maria Island is by bike. It’s a perfect compromise between renting a car and walking everywhere.
Depending on where you’re staying, you can rent bikes and easily get around the island. I recommend heading to Bean Point Beach for sunset, Manatee Beach, or even all the way down to Cortez Beach if you’re up for it.
🚴♀️Tip: Check out Beach Bums on Pine Avenue for a variety of individual and family bike rentals. They even have those super cool beach cruiser bikes, which I absolutely love!
3.Rent a Golf Cart for the Day
If you’ve never tried renting a golf cart while on vacation, let me tell you—you’re missing out! For me, it’s more than just a way to get around, it’s an activity all on its own. I don’t play golf or live in Florida, so driving a golf cart feels like a rare treat. Anytime I’m on Anna Maria Island, renting one is a must for at least a day.
It’s such a fun way to explore the island, especially if you’re with family. No stress about parking, and you can cruise around together since most carts fit up to six people.
💡You can rent golf carts from places like Robin Hood Rentals or Anna Maria Island Golf Cart Rentals.
4. Enjoy Watersports Adventure Tour at Cortez Beach
Cortez Beach is the perfect spot to try out water sports, with plenty of rental shops nearby. You can choose from activities like stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking, and jet skiing.
However, the coolest thing we tried was parasailing. You can easily book it online, show up, and then get pulled behind a boat while soaring on a parachute—it was an incredible experience!
►Click here to reserve a spot for your next parasailing adventure.
5.Discover the Manatees of Anna Maria Island
One thing Carae and I did the very first time we were on Anna Maria Island was kayak out to a sandbar at the north end of the island.
These gentle giants are very friendly and curious creatures, often swimming right up to kayakers for a closer look. It’s such a cool experience because you’re definitely not interrupting the manatees in their environment, but you can still get super close to them.
So make sure you add “kayaking with manatees” to your list of things to do while on the island.
►Click here to secure a spot for kayaking with manatees.
Best Things to Do in Anna Maria Island for Couples
6.Watch Sunset at Bean Point Beach (Best Free Activity)
If you’re looking for something amazing to do without spending a dime, watching the sunset at Bean Point Beach is the way to go.
Located at the very northern tip of Anna Maria Island, this spot feels like Florida’s best-kept secret. It’s romantic, secluded, and honestly one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever been to.
What Carae and I usually do is grab a blanket, pack some snacks (bonus points for a little picnic setup), and head over to the beach. Watching the sun melt into the horizon at Bean Point is pure magic—it’s the kind of moment you’ll remember forever.
7. Join a Sunset Dolphin Tour
One of the coolest things we’ve done recently was a kayak dolphin tour, and it was incredible! We went with Florida Blue Adventures, and their guides were super knowledgeable (and also really friendly!). The kayaks were great quality too!
Paddling out on the water as the sun set was absolutely magical. The colors in the sky were stunning, and we spotted so many dolphins—it felt like they were putting on a show just for us!
► Click here to join the Sunset Dolphin Tour
8.Romantic Dinner at The Porch
One spot we never skip when we’re on Anna Maria Island is The Porch. It’s our go-to for a dinner date at least once every trip—it’s basically tradition now.
The restaurant is seriously adorable, set in a cozy old Florida-style beach house. They’ve got a super cool porch and a bar area that’s perfect for relaxing.
Their steaks are great, but my top pick is the maple-glazed salmon. Big-time recommendation from me!
Best Things to Do in Anna Maria Island for Food & Drinks
9.Coffee & Brunch at North Shore Cafe
Our favorite coffee and brunch spot on Anna Maria Island is North Shore Cafe. It’s located near Pine Ave, and it’s such a cute spot. They make amazing coffee, but they also serve delicious breakfast and acai bowls.
The best part is their outdoor seating area right by the canals—it’s such a hidden gem.
► Click here for more information
10.Best Donuts on the Island at Donut Experiment
Me and carae are all over deserts and we did have some really good donuts in our lives but up there on top of the list of the best donuts we’ve ever had are definitely the ones from Donut Experiment.
You can customize your own donuts with different toppings and fillings, which makes it such a fun activity.
The chocolate candy bar donut is my personal favorite!
💡 Want to know more about Restaurants in Anna Maria Island? Check out our Full Guide for the Best Eateries, Restaurants and Bars
11.Head to Poppo’s Taqueria for a Quick Bite
After a fun morning or fun afternoon at the beach, my go-to spot is Poppo’s Taqueria for the best tacos and burritos on the island—and I’m not exaggerating. This little spot is super cute, and their burritos remind me a bit of Chipotle, to be honest. They’re huge, and you can fill them with all kinds of delicious toppings.
Definitely my top recommendation if you’re looking for a great restaurant that’s affordable and tasty!
Best Things to Do in Anna Maria Island on the Beach
12.Relax at Bayfront Park
I know that Anna Maria Island is a small island with plenty of amazing things to do, but sometimes you just want to be lazy and relax on the beach.
One of our favorite beaches, especially for families, is Bayfront Park. The parking here is always free, and there are plenty of picnic benches, shady trees, and even BBQ stations. That’s why this is usually the beach we visit when the family is around, especially when they bring kids. It’s so much better than the white sand beaches on the Gulf Coast.
13.Rent Paddle Boards at Bradenton Beach
Being in Bradenton Beach might put you a little further away from all the hustle and bustle, but it also means you get to enjoy some of the best beaches. Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach are among the prettiest on Anna Maria Island, with calm waters perfect for renting paddleboards and having some fun in the sun.
If you’re not an experienced paddleboarder, no worries! There are plenty of rental shops on the island that offer lessons too.
💡New to Anna Maria Island? Check out our Guide on the Best Beaches in Anna Maria Island
Best Things to Do in Anna Maria Island for Nightlife
14.The Ugly Grouper such a Fun Spot!
One great spot, and a favorite of mine for a good time, is The Ugly Grouper. It’s a seafood restaurant with an outdoor patio for more room and live music almost every night. They also have cornhole, fire pits, and a giant Jenga game if you’re thinking of bringing your kids or having some fun yourself.
They have the best burger in town, and they’re also pet-friendly, which is always a huge plus.
15.Best Cocktails at the Doctor’s Office
We’ve been to the doctor’s office so many times, and I think all the locals agree that it’s the best cocktail bar on the island.
The front door doesn’t look like much, so it might not seem like a great place at first, but once you step inside, you’ll be greeted by some of the best bartenders around. They can make you any cocktail you want and truly know their craft.
The bar also has a charming little back porch area, perfect for warm summer nights.
Best Things to do in Bradenton Beach
16.Visit Coquina Beach Market (Flea Market)
Be sure to check out the Coquina Beach Market (also called the Bradenton Beach Flea Market)!
One of my favorite things to do is get there early, grab a coffee from a local shop, and then hit the beach.
They’re open Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM during the summer. I think their last day for the 2025 season is June 29th!
► Click here for more informations
17.Enjoy Drinks & Live Music at Island Time Bar & Grill
Island Time Bar & Grill is a favorite hangout for both locals and tourists. Right on the main street, its bright colors and lively vibe make it impossible to miss.
With a great selection of drinks, tasty food, and live music every night, it’s the perfect spot to kick back. Whether you’re in the mood for cheap late-night drinks or a laid-back afternoon, this place has you covered.
►Click here for more information
Get Ready for Your Trip to USA
Book Your Accommodation
For the best deals and discounts, I recommend using Booking.com to book your hotel, villa, or hostel. It’s super reliable and budget-friendly!
Book Your Flight & Car
Looking for cheap flights or rental cars? Skyscanner.com is the way to go. I’ve been using it for years and have saved so much money along the way.
Book Tours & Activities
Planning tours and activities is a breeze with GetYourGuide.com. They offer amazing deals and only work with trusted tour operators, so you can book with confidence.
Get Travel Insurance
SafetyWing has been my go-to travel insurance for the past two years, and I couldn’t be happier. Highly recommend them for peace of mind on your trip.
Get Your Travel Credit Card
When it comes to travel credit or debit cards, Wise is a fantastic option. They offer great perks for withdrawing or sending money overseas, making travel finances hassle-free.
Related Articles
My Ultimate 3 Day New York City Itinerary: How I Spent a Weekend in NYC as the Tourist I Am
I went to New York twice last year for long weekends—once in late summer and again in winter. And, of course, I loved it. But here’s the thing: I’ve been to New York quite a few times now, and every time I try to plan a trip, I end up scrolling through blog posts titled…
Where to Stay in Clearwater Beach Florida: A Local’s Guide on the 11 Best Hotels & Areas
Clearwater Beach—if you’ve been here, you know exactly what I mean when I say it’s one of the best beach spots in Florida. The sugar-white sand, the clear turquoise water, and a vibe that’s equal parts relaxed and lively. All that is good reason to give you our guide on where to stay in Clearwater…
Where to Stay in Panama City Beach Florida: The Perfect Spring Break on a Budget 2025
Florida is one of the best destinations for spring break this year. With white sand beaches, sunny weather, and plenty of cold drinks, you really can’t go wrong anywhere in the state. That said, Panama City Beach is one of our favorite spots—and one of the most affordable, too. Between beachfront resorts, budget-friendly vacation rentals,…
