fbpx

Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island is a barrier island located on the coast of Manatee County, about 20 minutes west of Bradenton. Extending approximately seven miles long from north to south, the island is known for its laid-back bohemian beach vibe, complemented by soft white sand coastlines, turquoise gulf waters, and quaint commercial districts free of high rises and highways.

Anna Maria Island is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a relaxing lifestyle by the beach, where every day feels like a vacation. While the island’s pristine beaches and tropical weather are its main highlights, it offers a high quality of life as well. In fact, the Bradenton-Sarasota-North Port area was recently named by National Geographic as one of America’s happiest cities.

SCHOOLS IN THE AREA

Elementary: Anna Maria Elementary School
Middle: Martha B. King Middle School
Inspiration Academy
High: Bayshore High School
IMG Academy

ENTERTAINMENT

Moose Lodge Anna Maria Island
Shore Longboat Key
Cortez Kitchen
Swordfish Grill

OUTDOOR SPACE

Ana Maria Island Beach Walk
Ana Maria Beach
Ana Maria Bayfront Park
Bean Point Beach

Anna Maria Island

History

Once part of the Native American Safety Harbor culture area for centuries, Anna Maria Island was first settled at the start of the 20th century by Tampa Mayor Madison Post, who named it after his wife, Maria, and sister-in-law, Anna. The island flourished after the construction of a bridge connecting Bradenton Beach to the fishing village of Cortez in 1922, attracting more visitors as well as investors to the island.

THINGS TO DO

Fine Dining

Anna Maria Island is home to many top-rated restaurants that offer a variety of mouthwatering cuisine. Be sure to check out The Sandbar (100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216 Tel: 941.778.0444), which features a nice waterfront deck where diners can indulge in delicious local seafood while digging their toes in the sand and soaking in panoramic views of the sunset. For fine dining, there’s Beach Bistro (6600 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217 Tel 941.778.6400) an award-winning intimate beachfront restaurant with an extensive menu filled with delectable classic Floridian fare.

Shopping & Entertainment

Pine Avenue is one of Anna Maria Island’s top shopping and leisure destinations, where visitors can find a wide array of boutiques, clothing stores, specialty shops, restaurants and cafes, and art galleries.

Island Events

Visitors and residents of Anna Maria Island can enjoy spectacular island events and celebrations every year such as BayFest, Symphony on the Sand, the Cortez Seafood Festival, Beach ‘n Food Truck & Music Festival, St. Patty’s Day Pancake Breakfast, and more.

john-brink

Things To Do In Sarasotaby John Brink

This guide has been carefully curated by our Broker Owner John Brink who is a long-time Sarasota resident and a passionate boater. Discover top restaurants, unique places, boating attractions and major cultural events in the area. Please enter your information below so we can send you this amazing guide!

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.