Anna Maria Vacation Rentals

Discover Anna Maria Island and explore a laid-back natural island between the turquoise Gulf of Mexico and peninsular Florida. From surfing to relaxing in serenity, this family-friendly destination has it all. Enjoy a weekend getaway at an island vacation rental as you marvel at the breathtaking views of unspoiled coastline with golden sands. Step out of your island rental and make lasting memories at this locale with thrilling activities.

Top Dining Spots on Barrier Island Near Sarasota and Bradenton

Anna Maria’s culinary scene has something to satisfy everyone. Delight yourself with a wide range of delicacies on this beautiful island’s many restaurants. If you want to enjoy burgers and seafood in a casual setting, then head to the AMOB on the Pier.

For classic entrees such as jumbo shrimp, shellfish and calamari, visit Beach Bistro, one of the most popular eateries on Anna Maria Island. This place is known for its courteous staff and the friendly locals that frequent it. The restored Beach House Restaurant at Bradenton Beach has a spacious, relaxing complex ideal for hosting parties.

Duffy’s Tavern along Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, is known for its outstanding burgers and "the coldest beer in town". Stop at this family-owned hotel restaurant and grab a frosty mug of Budweiser at a pocket-friendly price. Do not leave the island before tasting the delicious fried green tomatoes at The Feast Restaurant.

Cultural Connections and Theatrical Shows of Anna Maria Island

A holiday in the Florida Gulf Coast extends beyond the restaurants, beaches, and watersports. Try out something new by visiting a thriving community of artists and performers that showcase fascinating spectacles at the Island Players Community Theater. Be entertained by eclectic performances at the oldest community centre on this island.

Take your family to the Manatee Performing Arts Center for a budget-friendly performance. This theatre strives to promote the community's culture, education and art through performance and exhibition. Besides its main complex, the troupe also stages musicals and plays at other locations.

A vacation on this island won’t be complete without stopping at the art facility, The Studio at Gulf and Pine to browse its wide range of exhibits. It also offers cooking classes and lectures, instructional classes and a salon where artists gather to share ideas and concepts.

What to See and Do on Your Anna Maria Island Holiday

A highly-recommended activity for exploring Anna Maria on vacation is horseback riding on the beach. Visit Palma Sola Bay Club on Manatee Avenue and enjoy a ride on the back of a horse as it swims through the bay's calm waters and flat sandy bottom. If you’re lucky, you’ll see dolphins swimming by as well.

Watersports are the main thrilling activities at this epic destination. However, you don't necessarily have to get yourself wet to enjoy the marine landscape. Visit the Mote Marine Aquarium and get an up-close view of exotic species like stingrays and sea turtles. If you visit during feeding hours, you might get a chance to feed the sharks.

If you’re a lover of nature, then make a trip to Palma Sola Botanical Garden and learn about the native tropical plants on a stroll through the beautiful grounds. It has a section dedicated to exotic fruit trees, as well as a lotus pond and a succulent garden. The enclosed pavilion is a lovely place for gathering and relaxing after the excursion.

Annual Events in Anna Maria

The Gulf island has numerous festivals that you can’t afford to miss if you’re here on holiday. If you’re planning to celebrate the Independence Day away from your homestead, then be on here on the Fourth of July and experience the Privateer’s Parade. The procession starts at Coquina Beach through Bradenton Beach and ends at the City Pier Park.

In November, the island hosts Cortez Stone Crab & Music Festival in the historic fishing village of Cortez. Attend this event in the parking lot of the Swordfish Grill and Tiki Bar and delight your taste buds with fresh stone crabs as you listen to scintillating live music performances. This unique festival brings together artists, musicians, anglers and vendors.

Also taking place in November is the SandBlast Sand Sculpture Festival held at the Manatee Beach Lifeguard Tower. It’s a free family-friendly event where professionals showcase their tricks and techniques of sand-sculpture making. Funds collected at this event go to Keep Manatee Beautiful, a non-profit organization that provides grassroots solutions to beautification and solid waste management.

Frequently Asked Questions