Do you want to go to a beach town in Florida with less crowds? If so, Anna Maria Island is a fantastic option. With soft sandy beaches, turquoise blue waters, gorgeous gardens, a wide range of activities, unique shopping opportunities, and delicious cuisine, this island is a paradise. If you’re looking for Anna Maria Island things to do, here are the top 12 picks:
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Best Things to Do in Anna Maria Island
1. Kayak with Beautiful Dolphins
The island is popular for kayaking. The top spots for kayaking include Bayfront Park, Key Royale Bridge, Robinson Preserve, and Leffis Key. The best thing about kayaking on Anna Maria Island is that the beautiful aquatic animals including dolphins, manatees, and oysters tag along your kayaks. It is funny to see the manatees poking their heads above water and the dolphins jumping out. Moreover, you can view birds like green herons, pelicans, ospreys, egrets, and others. There are several kayak tour operators to take you on a splendid kayak tour.
2. Hit the Beach
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With seven miles of powdery white sand and crystal clear water, Anna Marina is a haven for beach buffs. The top beaches are Manatee Public Beach, Holmes Beach, Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, and Bean Point. The beaches here are the best places to relax, go on long walks, and enjoy water activities. They are also great for picnicking, shelling, and swimming. The sunset views are breathtaking.
3. Have a Relaxing Walk at Coquina Baywalk
Located in Leffis Key Preserve, one of the protected areas of the island, Coquina Baywalk is a free attraction known for its nature walk. The incredible walk along the bay is a wonderful way to escape from the traffic and crowds. You can see a lot of seabirds flying and crabs running along the bay. Watch the boats sailing and the fishermen waiting for their catch. The scenery is magical. Capture the magic in your camera. It is a great place to spend some peaceful time.
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4. Learn About the Island at Anna Marina Historical Museum
Constructed in 1920, this building was an automotive garage, a public administration building, and a sea turtle hatchery. It became a museum in 1992. It has several exhibits that tell you the story of the first settlers of the island. You can also learn about the history of fishing and baseball in the region. Visit the old city jail and the park with native plants that are drought and disease-resistant. It is a small but exciting museum with informative and interesting exhibits.
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Read More: Things to Do in Catalina Island
5. Explore Anna Maria Historic Green Village
Located on Pine Avenue, this is a charming place to relax and shop. The best way to go to the spot is by hopping into a trolley. Trolley ride can be fun. The atmosphere is quaint and is perfect for a peaceful walk. The place is full of cute shops selling dresses, jewelry, fishing equipment, trinkets, gifts, and more. The restaurants serve delicious food. The village is quiet and taking a sunset walk can be a stress buster.
6. Visit Anna Maria City Pier
This picturesque site has an interesting history. Earlier it was used as a pier to drop the people coming by steamboat. The visitors get down here and stroll down the avenue. Today the pier stands there reminding you of the past. It is a representation of the old Florida. Just take a walk along the pier to enjoy the scenery and the weather. Grab an ice cream and cast a rod to try your fishing luck. It is a great spot for anglers where you can catch redfish, sharks, mackerel, etc.
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7. Go on a Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
The night kayak tour lit with LED lights is an exciting experience that you will never forget. Have a view of the ocean from your boat to search for beautiful marine life including starfish, dolphins, sharks, manatees, sea shells, crabs, shrimps, etc. It is not only a fun-filled trip but also an educational one as you can learn a lot about the marine life of the region.
8. Enjoy Aquatic Horseback Riding
A beach horseback ride on the white sand wading into the clear water is an unbeatable experience. You will enjoy it if you are on a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo travel. There are several options to choose from. You can go for long rides lasting for one and a half hours. In one of the options, the horse will take you into the sea for a swim. It is an exhilarating experience.
9. Fly Like a Bird With Parasailing
Flying over the sea is an exciting water sport. It is a thrilling adventure to be lifted high into the air and feel the joy of soaring high in the air. This will give you a sense of freedom and appreciate nature and the surroundings from the top. If parasailing is on your bucket list, Anna Maria is the right destination to tick off from your list. You are assured of an amazing experience.
10. Watch the Sunrise and Sunset at Bean Point
Bean Point is a clean and beautiful beach with amazing views of sunset and sunrise. It is very peaceful. You can listen to the rhythmic sound of waves and take a leisurely walk. The beach is full of colourful shells and is the perfect spot for shelling. The water is crystal clear and warm making it ideal for taking a swim. Watch the gorgeous sunset and a wide variety of birds flying. It is a wonderful place to relax and admire nature.
Read More: Romantic Beach Getaways Florida
11. Witness Manatees in Their Habitats
Manatees, also known as sea cows, are huge herbivorous sea mammals. They are very slow and defenceless. However, they are intelligent enough to survive in the sea. They are interesting to watch because their behaviour resembles humans in many ways. Their moods keep on changing like humans. Go on a manatee discovery tour in Anna Maria to watch them in their natural habitat.
12. Enjoy Fresh Seafood
You can do your fishing, cook your catch, and enjoy the taste of fresh seafood. If you don’t like fishing you can buy fresh fish from the market and cook them. If you don’t want to cook, don’t worry. There are plenty of restaurants including the Waterfront, The Sandbar, Blue Marlin, Oyster Bar, and many more.
Summary
Anna Maria is a gem of a destination with plenty of activities to choose from. A visit to this beautiful island will create memories to cherish for a lifetime. Get ready to have fun at Anna Maria Island, a gift of nature.
