Discover Anna Maria Island, Florida!

Just about to discover Anna Maria Island, Florida for the first time?  Well, if so—you are in for a real treat!  And of course, if you’re already an islander yourself, you already know how pristinely wonderful the Anna Maria Island area is.

A Little Bit About Anna Maria Island

For newbies just exploring the area online for the first time, Anna Maria can be a little confusing at first.  But rest assured it’s actually quite simple…basically, Anna Maria Island is a Gulf Coast island that includes the towns of Anna Maria, FL, Holmes Beach, FL, and Bradenton Beach, FL.  One town runs right into the next, and the whole area is definitely all worth exploring.

About an hour’s drive from Tampa International Airport (TPA), or about 35 minutes from Sarasota Bradenton International (SRQ), the Island—with its soothing Gulf Sea breezes, turquoise waters, and powder-soft white quartz sand beaches—truly is like something right out of a favorite novel.

What Makes Anna Maria Island Florida Unique?

Well, it would be easy enough to go on and on about what makes Anna Maria such a treasured hideaway destination to folks all over the world.  For starters, besides one regional grocery store and a pair of nationally branded drug stores, there really are no chain stores, chain restaurants, or even chain franchise hotels on the entire island.  In fact, the local islanders have banded together and worked hard to keep the entire island uniquely different from all of the modern tourist traps out there.

Anna Maria Equals A Taste Of “Old Florida”

You’ll hear the phrase “Old Florida” quite a bit as you explore and become intimately familiar with Anna Maria and the surrounding Island communities.  The notion of old Florida will mean something slightly different to each visitor and resident of the area, but to me, the spirit of the term means that the area is incredibly laid back and relaxing.  I think you’ll wholeheartedly agree when you discover Anna Maria Island Florida for yourself!

The focus isn’t on having thousands of tourist trap gift shops around every corner or having all of the hustle and bustle of big, expensive hotels and round-the-clock nightlife.  Instead, visitors and locals alike would much rather spend their leisure time taking in the unbelievable beauty and tranquility of the long expanses of free-access beach (and by the way, the beaches, either Gulf side or bay side are no more than a block or two away no matter where you are on the Island).

That Brings Us To Another Great Thing About Anna Maria Beaches

No need to worry about exclusive resorts placing claim on precious spans of beach.  Discover Anna Maria Island Florida, and you’ll find that the entire stretch of beach all the way around the island is free to access.  You can walk miles from the top of the island to the bottom with your toes in the sand and gentle Gulf surf.  And if you’re passionate about fishing—are you ever going to be excited when you discover all of the quiet places to cast a line.

Discover Anna Maria Island Florida Restaurants

It’s not easy these days to find quaint cafes, great little places to grab a delicious burger and afternoon beverage, along with plenty of tasty dining options right on the beach.  It’s true, several excellent Anna Maria Island restaurants have dining set up right in the soft sand of the beach—the ideal atmosphere for truly enjoying fresh-caught seafood and watching the sunset!

Again, no chain restaurants, but please take our promise that you’ll probably find your new favorite restaurant ever right here on the island!  Lots and lots of quick and easy going to award-winning gourmet picks to choose from too!

Are you ready to discover Anna Maria Island, Florida for yourself very soon?