Keep Up with Your Active Lifestyle on Anna Maria Island! The island may be small, but it is jam-packed with great places to see and things to do! It’s popular for the “Old Florida” charm that seems harder and harder to find. But the main attraction are the famous beaches of course! Get active outside at one of the beach parks where you can enjoy a picnic, play a game of basketball or tennis and even use their boat docks for a paddle around the bay. There are plenty of beach access points and other beachfront vacation rentals to book.
Finding Wildlife
What is a trip to the beach if you don’t spot a marine animal at least once? Dive into the ocean for great snorkeling with the chance to see a dolphin while you’re in there. Turtles are another great animal to be on the lookout for. Every year from May – June mother sea turtles come to lay their eggs on the beaches of Anna Maria Island. In late summer, those hatchlings crawl from their nest into the ocean. It is truly a spectacular sight that draws thousands of visitors to see Mother Nature in action. Come visit during nesting season, but be aware that there are some dos and don’ts to being around these protected turtles.
Eco Tours and Fishing Charters
Or see wildlife while staying dry! Book a dolphin tour or a fishing charter to enjoy the wind in your hair as you speed past the coast in search of sea creatures. We have great fishing opportunities year-round, and plenty of local fishing guides you can hire to show you around the best fishing holes. Or there are some easy spots that you can spend an hour at. As you explore the island, bring your fishing pole and spend some time fishing off the Anna Maria Island piers.
Kayaking is another very popular activity for visitors. Rent a kayak just for you or book a tour. Either way, there are many places to go check out like Myakka River, South Lido Mangrove Tunnels, and Robinson Preserve. Enjoy the adventure and serenity of paddling around the calm waters with your eyes peeled for manatees. There’s nothing like a great day out kayaking!
Kid-Friendly Activities
There are plenty of options for families with both young and older kids. Anna Maria is a family-friendly vacation destination where you can feel safe letting your kids explore. It is a bike-friendly island and you will spot more than one golf cart cruising down the road. If you are interested in alternative modes of transportation while on vacation, we offer bike rentals and GEM car rentals. Find more information about our concierge services or call us at 941-782-8152 and book your bikes and carts ahead of time.
City Excursions
Not feeling a trek through the park or a kayaking trip? Stay and relax in town where you can do everything from book a spa day or stroll the beautiful streets in search of the perfect sweet treat! Go golfing at one of the many courses near Anna Maria Island. There are 6 golf courses to choose from! Or spend the afternoon roaming wherever your heart takes you without a plan or schedule.
Bridge Street is among the most popular place to investigate boutique shops and grab something to eat. On Sundays, you can grab fresh food to cook in your vacation rental home for family dinner at the Bridge Street Farmers Market.
Pine Avenue is another great place to see. With renovated old buildings into a “Green” community. There are shops and cafes to discover, while also learning something about Anna Maria history and conservation.
