Things to Do on Anna Maria Island

Beaches

Most people visit Anna Maria for the exquisite beaches. You can relax in the serenity that is Holmes Beach, capture the feel of old Florida on the remote stretch of Anna Maria Beach, or simply enjoy the warm seas of the Gulf and the amenities – playgrounds, picnic tables and showers – that the more popular beaches (Manatee, Holmes Beach, Coquina) have to offer.  Wherever you decide to laze, the beaches are true paradise and deliver the most magnificent sunsets to rival anywhere in the world.  Don’t forget to look for the famous Green Flash, a flash that appears just above the crest of the sun as it is about to disappear.  It only lasts for a few seconds and requires very pure atmosphere with abnormal atmospheric refraction including mirage effects, to be able to create this green flash, so you are very lucky indeed if you experience the green flash.

Piers

No Anna Maria Island Holiday is complete without a wander along one or both of the two piers that meander into the delicious waters of the Gulf; The Rod & Reel Pier and the Anna Maria City Pier.  Each of these is home to infamous restaurants; Rod & Reel and City Pier Restaurant where you can enjoy a cold beer and sample the delights of the catch of the day or even catch your own.  You may even be lucky and be able to see a shuttle launch some 150 miles away at Kennedy Space Centre when you are here!

Fishing

Florida’s west central gulf coast region gives anglers the opportunity to enjoy some of the most spectacular and exciting world class fishing of anywhere in the world.  Whether an avid angler or a beginner, there is plenty of fishing to be done, from the beach, on one of the piers or even on a deep sea fishing charter.  The Tampa bay area is the grouper fishing capital of the world.  Dependent on season the gulf waters are perfect for catching redfish, trout, snook, snapper and plenty of sharks, amongst others.  There is also inland saltwater fishing too.  The back bays and canals offer low key fishing spots, but can offer snook, trout and maybe even tarpon, which can shoal in large numbers of the coast. 

Licenses may be required.  For the most up to date advice, go to www.2fla.com.  However, licenses, insurances and equipment hire are usually included if you book a fishing trip with one of the many Captains across the island.  There are also many businesses which rent fishing boats, power boats, sailboats and wave-runners if you want to go it alone.

For more information on fishing opportunities and hire, visit Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce.

Wildlife

Watching a host of island birdlife, including pelicans, ibis, egret, heron, gull, sandpiper, skimmer and spoonbill is a rewarding way to spend a day.  You can see bottlenose dolphins both in the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf, easily spotted from the piers, bridges and boats.  You can also watch the manatees meander through the water.  An endangered species fully protected by Florida law, these enormous but beautiful creatures are a treat to watch.   Be sure to include a visit to the South Florida Museum in Bradenton, the home of Snooty, the oldest living manatee in captivity, definitely worth the trip.  The museum also houses a planetarium, aquarium complex and palaeontology exhibit. 

The Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch also run island Guided Nesting Beach Tours with lots of information on their website about these wonderful creatures, including etiquette and rescue information should you come across one of the different species that come ashore during May and October.

Bike riding

The best way to explore Anna Maria Island is by bike.  With delightful narrow winding roads, you can catch glimpses of the numerous wildlife on the island, meander down the network of canals on the bay-side, and sample some of the delightful cafes and bars along the way.  For hourly, daily or weekly bike rental, including equipment suitable for children and babies, visit Beach Bums where Lauren, Diane or Charley will be pleased to see you.

Scuba Diving

Located about 75 yards off shore of Bradenton Beach is the location of the vessel Regina (or Sugar Barge), a tanker built in Belfast, Ireland in 1904, that sunk in 1940 and was declared an Underwater Archaeological Preserve in 2004.  “Dive Wth Us Scuba Inc”, offer PADI Scuba instruction for ages 10 and up, for local shore dives, including the Sugar Barge and boat charter dives when available. 

Shopping

Shopping is a great way to explore the island, where you will discover everything from fine linens, clothing, antiques, and area artists’ treasures such as paintings jewellery and sculptures.  The City of Anna Maria has one of the finest full service marinas in the county and the Pine Avenue Restoration Project is due to bring exciting new shops and stores to this historic street in 2010.  will Holmes Beach shops stretch across a seven block section of the town and Bradenton Beach reflects is Bohemian roots, with it unusual blend of arts and crafts unique to the island.

Kayak Eco-Tour

Enjoy a Beach Bums kayaking adventure. Take a tour of the hidden creeks of Anna Maria, or the local wildlife-rich Robinson Preserve which was opened in July 2008 after the hard work of many volunteers and co-ordinated restoration from the state. Captain Scott will introduce you to kayaking the gentle waters in and around Anna Maria Island. A qualified sea captain, and retired marine biology teacher, Scott will point out unusual and rare wildlife; with 75 species of fish and marine animals and more than 100 species of birds and explain the complex ways in which the island creatures live together. You can also rent a kayak from an hour to a week or more, for you to enjoy your own personal adventure!

Sport

Neighbouring cities to Anna Maria Island play host to some exciting sport venues.  Visit St Petersburg or Tampa (approx 40 miles away) to find world class hockey, baseball and football.  Bradenton and Sarasota also host baseball spring training for teams such as the Pirates and Red Sox. 

If golf is more your game, Manatee/Sarasota bi-county area offer a choice of more than 45 courses, ranging from tight executive par threes to challenging championship 18 hole courses.  And, to help improve your game the internationally famous David Leadbetter Golf Academy is located in Bradenton. 

Sailing

It’s easy to enjoy sailing and boating on the sparkling waters of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico that surround the island.  Small dinghy sail boats are available to rent or you can charter for a half day or take a delightful sunset cruise from our many small marinas. Beach Bums can arrange small dinghy sailing with Spice Sailing Charters with Captain Ed Hartung and advise you on all other boating opportunities.

Island Arts and Culture

A rich variety of artistry can also be found across Anna Maria Island;

• The Island Gallery West in Holmes Beach displays the works of nearly 30 local artists, offering items such as paintings, photography, sculptures, jewellery, ceramics, furniture and basketwork. 
• The Artists Guild Gallery formed in 1989, brings together all artists, to develop and promote the artistic community on the Island.  Events, including art exhibitions, and theatrical presentations are free for all visitors.  
• The Island Art League opened the islands first art centre in Holmes Beach and now includes an exhibition classroom, where children and adults can attend a broad range of courses and day workshops.  The League also sponsors two fine arts and crafts festivals each year that provide funds for the centre and scholarship fund
• Anna Maria Island Community Chorus and Orchestra (AMICCA) was founded in 1992 and presents four concerts from November through to March at the Crosspointe Fellowship Church. Their rendition of Handel’s Messiah has become a beloved community tradition. 
• The famous Island Players base can be found at the historic Old Community House having lovingly repaired the property in the 1970’s.