Article last updated June 30, 2018
The first time I hopped out of the car, walked through a sand dune, and onto a beach on Anna Maria Island, I knew I had found something truly special. The small stretch of sand was dotted with a handful colorful beach umbrellas, the water was calm — a bright, clear shade of turquoise reminiscent of the Caribbean — and a gentle breeze was coming off the gulf water.
Since that first visit several years ago, I’ve visited numerous Florida beaches, but none quite match the charm or magic of Anna Maria Island.
While I’d love to keep my paradise a secret, that’s just not my style. I love this beach and want to share it! Here are 11 reasons I fell in love with Anna Maria Island, and why you most certainly will too.
The sunrises and sunsets are incredibly beautiful.
The sunsets at Anna Maria Island are some of the best I’ve seen in Florida. Even cloudy sunsets are prettier than most! But the great thing about Anna Maria Island is that it’s an island, which means you can catch both the sunrise AND the sunset if you’d like. The Rod n’ Reel Pier located at the north end of the island is a great spot to catch the sunrise, and The Kokonut Hut is perfect for catching the sunset while you sip on a beachy cocktail.
The beach is hardly ever crowded.
With the exception of late January – early March (and holidays), Anna Maria Island remains a relatively sleepy island.
Coquina Beach, Manatee Beach, and Holmes Beach have more foot traffic due to the sizable public parking areas. However, there’s decent street parking in the area around the Cortez bridge so the crowds in that area are lighter.
I love parking just past Joe’s Eats and Sweets for two reasons: less people on the beach, and closer proximity to ice cream when a craving strikes.
Joe’s Eats and Sweets ice cream (and other various sweet treats).
You’ll know you’ve found Joe’s Eats and Sweets when you spot the unmistakeable rainbow-striped building adorned with ice cream cone decorations.
Once inside, you’ll be instantly won over by the homemade flavors: key lime cheesecake, carrot cake, and pistachio among my favorites. The retro ice cream printed carpet inside only adds to the quirky ambiance.
A visit to Anna Maria Island just doesn’t feel right without indulging in a scoop (or three) of ice cream from Joe’s.
“Secret” beaches are yours to discover if you’re willing to put in a little work.
Although I’ve been visiting Anna Maria Island for years, it took me awhile to venture to the North and South ends. But this is where the magic is!
The most northern point of the island is almost completely residential and much quieter. Venture to the northern most point, Bean Point, which is a favorite spot amongst locals.
To the south, you won’t want to miss Beer Can Island. Although this hideaway is technically on Longboat Key, it’s so close it counts! The water is clear, you have to walk through a little mangrove path to get there, and once there huge uprooted trees and driftwood make up tons of beach nooks. It’s the perfect place to pretend you’re on your own private island.
Beach cocktails and craft cocktails.
Picture this: you’re sitting underneath your own personal tiki hut table, staring out at white sands and calm, clear water, wondering how life can get any better. And then a key lime colada materializes on the table in front of you, the perfect cool treat to end a wonderful day. (There might even be some live beach tunes in the background.) This is life at The Kokonut Hut.
While the quintessential island tiki bar is a given at any beach destination, the craft cocktail bar, The Doctor’s Office, hidden on Anna Maria Island takes your island cocktail crawl to the next level. Cure what ails you with a blackberry Rumble, or enjoy the sinfully-sweet Bee’s Knees.
Tacos. Tacos everywhere!
Your Anna Maria Island beach diet should consist of the following: fish tacos, grouper sandwiches, other tacos, donuts, and ice cream. My favorite place for tacos on the island is definitely Wicked Cantina, an inviting and beachy Tex-Mex joint serving up a mean mango margarita (cannot have any less than 3) alongside delicious tacos. Speaking of delicious tacos, the shrimp tacos and carnitas street tacos are personal recommendations. And FYI, the charro beans have bacon in them. The service is always on point and the outdoor patio offers a view of the beach. Can’t go wrong.
Another favorite taco spot is Tide Tables. This local dive makes mean fish tacos with Asian-fusion flavor. (They’ve also got a killer slice of key lime pie.) You’ll find this local favorite across the Cortez bridge to your right as you make your way off the island. I recommend arriving at sunset for prime views.
Made to order donuts. Need I say more?
I owe the discovery of The Donut Experiment to my grandpa, who’s insatiable sweet tooth led him to this donut shop multiple times several winters ago. Instead of walking in and picking pre-made donuts, you fill out an order card to choose your custom toppings. Then your order is made fresh right before your eyes (via a magical donut machine) and delivered shortly thereafter. Bonus: the coffee is equally delicious.
The secret is definitely out about this place, so arrive early or expect to wait in a bit of a line. Either way, it’s totally worth it.
Recommended flavor creations: vanilla glaze with Oreos, chocolate glaze with rainbow sprinkles, chocolate glaze with peanut butter, and sea salt caramel.
The free trolley offers the perfect way to get around.
It took me awhile to ride the trolley because for the longest time, I didn’t know it was free! To catch the trolley, just look for a trolley stop sign on the main roads (Gulf Drive in most areas) and you won’t have to wait more than 20 minutes or so for a trolley to come through.
Catch a ride all the way from Coquina Beach (South) to the City Pier (North) and hop on and off at any designated stop. The trolley is a great way to get around instead of driving from place to place.
There are no high rise hotels or tacky tourist shops.
What you won’t find on Anna Maria Island: kitschy shops selling a bunch of tourist junk, high-rise hotels, enormous condo complexes, and overcrowded beaches.
What you will find: cute and colorful bungalows, locally owned eateries, small boutique hotels, beach rentals, and oodles of small beach town charm. While tourism has made an impact on the island, and fewer locals live there each year, the island does keep its authenticity fully intact.
If you’re looking to take home a few souvenirs, ride your bike or catch a ride on the trolley to Pine Avenue on the north end of the island. Here you’ll find cute shops and eateries. You can even paint your own sand dollar at Shiny Fish Emporium for $15.
The food scene has more to offer than beach dives and casual eateries.
Good food is a requirement in my travels, but beach towns aren’t always hot spots for foodies. However that’s not the case on Anna Maria Island. Apart from typical tiki bars and beachy dives, the island has much to offer.
Dine with your toes in the sand at Sandbar Restaurant as you indulge in the freshest seafood in a classy beach setting. Waterfront Restaurant serves creative, approachable, and fresh dishes in an upscale setting without managing to be stuffy OR overpriced. (Try the edamame salad at lunch!)
And if you’re going for ambiance and top-notch eats, pop on over to Longboat Key to Mar Vista Restaurant. They’ve got an incredible outdoor seating area on the bay with twinkling outdoor lights and waterfront tables. I recommend the Caribbean grouper or poke bowl!
Check out my Foodie Guide to Anna Maria Island for tons of dining recommendations.
Sea creatures are easy to spot.
May is my favorite month of the year to visit Anna Maria Island because I almost always see something really neat in the water. From manatees, sting rays, mysterious fish and dolphins to the occasional seagulls mating (I’ve seen it all) there’s an abundance of wild life at the beach.
The waters are calmer and clearer than usual in May, so maybe that’s why sea friends are easier to spot. The weather is also stellar this time of year.
Want to know more about Anna Maria Island?
Check out my foodie guide, enjoy this self-guided island cocktail crawl, read the Steph’s Taco Blog review of Wicked Cantina, and learn more about the north end of the island.
You’ll also love Local Baysic’s list of 22 Things to Do on Anna Maria Island, FL.
Best island ever! So glad we’ve been there multiple times! Can’t wait to try Waterfront and find Beer Can Island.
Yes!! You will love both. See you soon!
Is a taco joint allowed to love a person? Steph, you are the best. We heart you.
Wicked Cantina
I don’t see why not! 🙂 Much love back at you all. Love stopping in whenever I visit!!
Thank you! I’m heading here in April and will definitely be referencing your list!!
Amanda
http://girlaboutcolumbus.com
That’s great! And I’m so glad to hear you found this helpful. Enjoy your trip…April is an incredible time to visit.
Love this article! Let us know if you’ll be back we’d love to host you!
Thanks for the kind words! Anna Maria Island is one of my favorite destinations in Central Florida. I just can’t stay away.
It truly feels like I’m home when I finally arrive here. Though I only visit twice a year. I hope this island will always stay this way. I love the mom and pop stores and restaurants. The beach and gulf waters are the best in the u.s. I love meeting people from all over the world. It is my Happy Place and had been for 10 years!
June, I totally agree! Each time I visit, it feels like coming home. I hope it remains just as it is now for years to come. It’s so refreshing to visit a beach in Florida that still retains small town charm and isn’t full of hordes of people. I’m always torn between wanting to keep it a secret, and telling everyone I know about it because it is such a wonderful place. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! Enjoy your future visits to Anna Maria Island 🙂
Headed to treasure Island, staying on Gulf Blvd beginning of October, is Anna Maria Island far from gulf blvd??? Does anyone have any other beaches to see ?? I love st. Pete beach also caladesi island was beautiful! We stay in that area for 2 weeks . we are always looking for great beach suggestions.
Hey Tracie! If you don’t mind a 1-hour drive, that’s about how long it will take you to get to AMI from Treasure Island. It’s about 40 miles away but if you want a new place to explore, I definitely recommend a day trip! If you like Caladesi Island, I’m sure you’ll enjoy AMI. There’s plenty to do on the island and a lot of great places to eat. Have you ever been to Madeira Beach? That’s another great spot. If you like breweries, check out Mad Beach Brewing. Great food and beer! Enjoy your trip 🙂
The greatest spot in Florida!
Totally agree!
Are there any campgrounds at these beaches?
Hi Barbara! As far as I know, there is no direct beach camping on Anna Maria Island. I did some quick research and there don’t seem to be many, if any, campsites nearby, which is a bummer!
We stayed there years ago but have been going to Siesta key for over 15 years. Want to try AMI again but it is very hard to find a condo to rent that is affordable. Any insight????