The best time to visit Anna Maria Island is from March to May and September to November. During these periods, the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are thinner compared to the peak summer season.

In March, visitors can enjoy the Anna Maria Island Art League's Springfest, showcasing local artists and craftsmen. The Food and Wine on Pine Festival in May offers a delightful experience with local cuisine, wines, and music. November brings Bayfest, a lively street festival with classic cars, live music, and local vendors.

The winter months, especially December through February, offer a mild climate ideal for those escaping colder regions, along with events like the Anna Maria Island Christmas Parade and the Privateers' Christmas Festival.

Summer - June to August - is hot and humid, but still popular due to school vacations, offering activities such as the Fourth of July Parade and fireworks.

Anna Maria Island's food and drink scene offers a delightful mix of coastal charm and diverse culinary options. Waterfront dining at the Sandbar Restaurant and Beach Bistro pairs stunning ocean views with fresh seafood and gourmet dishes. Casual spots like Rod & Reel Pier and Ginny's & Jane E's Café provide relaxed atmospheres with local favourites such as fish and chips and hearty breakfasts.

For drinks, craft breweries like Motorworks Brewing and beach bars like The Daiquiri Deck offer a variety of local brews and tropical cocktails. Speciality food shops, including Starfish Company for fresh seafood and Joe's Eats and Sweets for homemade ice cream, round out the island's vibrant culinary scene.

Another big draw to Anna Maria Island are the many independent, family-run restaurants right on the beachside, where you can step straight from the sidewalk on to the beach and dine with your toes in the sand. Bliss!

Fishing boats in Cortez Harbour

Anna Maria Island offers a variety of activities to suit all interests. Enjoy the pristine beaches like Bean Point and Coquina Beach, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and shelling. Explore the island by bike or kayak, available for rent at several local shops.

Visit the historic Anna Maria City Pier for fishing and stunning views. Stroll along Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach for unique shops, dining, and the Bridge Street Market. Don’t miss the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum to learn about the island’s rich past.

For nature lovers, the Coquina Baywalk and Leffis Key Preserve offer scenic trails through lush landscapes. Anna Maria benefits from its west-facing position, meaning you can end your days with spectacular sunsets at one of the many beachside restaurants.

Anna Maria Island is home to several stunning beaches that offer a variety of experiences for visitors. Bradenton Beach, located near the historic Bridge Street, features a lively atmosphere with beachfront bars, restaurants, and plenty of water sports activities. Holmes Beach, stretching along the central part of the island, is known for its powdery white sand and clear waters, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. For those looking for a quieter experience, the beaches near Bayfront Park provide a tranquil setting with scenic views of Tampa Bay and the Anna Maria City Pier, ideal for fishing and relaxing walks along the shore. You won’t be left wanting for sandy stretches!

Anna Maria Island is served by Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), which is less than 30-minutes drive away. Just 60 miles up the coast, there is also Tampa International Airport (TPA).

To get there from the UK, either fly to Sarasota-Bradenton with a connecting flight in Atlanta, or fly direct to Tampa. British Airways offers direct flights, while other airlines like American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines offer flights with one stop.

Once you land, you'll be at the beach in no time at all!

By Car

From the mainland, you can access Anna Maria Island via three main bridges: the Anna Maria Island Bridge (Manatee Avenue), the Cortez Bridge (Cortez Road), and the Longboat Key Bridge (Gulf Drive/State Road 789). Parking can be limited, especially during peak tourist season, but there are public parking areas at popular beaches and attractions.

By Public Transport

The Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) offers a free trolley service on Anna Maria Island. The trolley runs daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., covering the entire island from Coquina Beach at the south end to the City Pier at the north end. Trolleys run approximately every 20 minutes and have numerous stops along Gulf Drive, making it easy to hop on and off.

By Walking

The island’s small size and flat terrain make it very walkable. Many attractions, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance from each other, especially in the main towns of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach.

The Anna Maria Island Historical Society offers walking tours that highlight the island’s history and points of interest.