Anna Maria Island, Florida - BEACH TRAVELER INFORMATION
The moment you enter Anna Maria Island the white powdered sand and shimmering emerald water beckon you. An island made of 3 cities; it has everything that vacation goers can ever wish for. Miles of serene tranquil beaches, innumerable recreational facilities and activities, a multitude of restaurants and a rich cultural heritage coupled with a laid back and fun loving community make Anna Maria the unequivocal spot for the perfect Florida Beach vacation. From the long expanse of beaches to the brightly colored commercial complexes everything about this island puts a smile on your face. With the Gulf of Mexico to the west and Sarasota Bay to the east the Island is separated from Longboat Key by the longboat pass which lies to its south while Tampa Bay lies to the north. The Island today has three cities Anna Maria to the north, Bradenton beach to the south and Holmes Beach in the center.
The Island is no longer than 7 miles but it has plenty of action. Whatever your idea of a perfect vacation; Anna Maria Island will live up to it. While you are here don't forget to pick up beach wear, jewelry and linen all crafted by local artisans. There are various ways to explore the island, you can rent a bike, take the trolley service, you could go parasailing, rent a canoe or take the healthiest and the best option-walk your way. Then of course there is nothing as spectacular as sitting on the Anna Maria Pier waiting for your first catch as the setting sun behind the Tampa bay is a vision to behold. You could also make your own postcards by taking pictures of yourself or your loved ones against the backdrop of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Ever so often onlookers are enthralled by the sight of dolphins performing away in their natural glory. The island plays host to various birds like pelicans, cranes, herons, wild parrots, sand pipers and seagulls. You can get to the heart of the commercial fishing scene by taking an inshore or offshore fishing tour. There are so many things to do that this will be one Florida beach vacation where the difficult part will be choosing from the host of recreational activities available.
Anna Maria Island is a food lover's paradise with each one of the three cities packed with restaurants serving lip smacking delicacies from around the world. If you like sea food you wont have to look beyond Anna Maria Island, the waters are brimming with red snapper, mullet and blue crab and you have restaurants that have laid out tables right on the beach to serve you the freshest catch of the day. Imagine enjoying a sumptuous meal under a clear star filled sky with the cool ocean breeze for company while the soft sand caresses your feet. The restaurants on the island are second to none when it comes to culinary expertise and stellar service. From the Beach House Restaurant at Bradenton with its live music to the Bach Bistro at Holmes Beach you have it all at your island in the sun. The City Pier Restaurant serves food on the waterfront and also sells jewelry or you could catch breakfast at the Cafe on the Beach. For Italian and continental fare you can go to Da Giorgio Ristorante or head to Duffy's Tavern to take swig of a cold beer or munch on their juicy burgers. There are so many award winning restaurants in Anna Maria Island that even if you go to a new joint every day it will be days before your run out of restaurants to visit.
For accommodation you can choose from the Pirates Den which has two bedroom apartments or cottages at $100 per weeknight, a beach villa for $385 per weeknight or the easy on your wallet "Coquina" for $775 per week. You could also go for the luxurious island house for $125 per week night, the Dolphin's Run for $250 per week night or the relatively cost effective Coconut Cottage at $100 per weeknight.
The local moniker for Anna Maria Island is your island in the sun we say its your island in the sun that will make the sun shine on you.
