Love it or hate it, social media, when used with intention, can be a powerful travel tool. It’s how I first stumbled across Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, Florida, places I’d never even heard of until it popped up on my feed. The laid-back vibe, Caribbean-esque waters, and the fact that it is less than a two-hour flight from Houston instantly caught my attention. Plus, I’m always down to explore destinations that fly below the radar, so when the opportunity to partner with Visit Bradenton came up, it was an easy yes!
We spent two glorious days exploring Anna Maria Island. Here’s everything we did, including where to eat, play, and stay!
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How to Get to Anna Maria Island, Florida
Getting to Anna Maria Island is easier than you might think. If you’re flying in, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is the closest airport, with direct flights from major hubs like Houston, Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, and Washington D.C.
From the airport, getting to Anna Maria Island is a quick 35-minute drive west.
If you’re already in Florida, Anna Maria Island makes for the perfect road trip. It’s just 45 minutes from Tampa, about 2 hours from Orlando, and 3.5 hours from Miami, ideal for adding a coastal escape to your Florida itinerary.
Where to Stay on Anna Maria Island
There’s just something about staying at a vacation rental during a beach getaway that makes the experience feel more homey and laid-back. Villa #7 AMI Lime Fish in Holmes Beach is the perfect Anna Maria Island vacation rental, offering two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a full kitchen for that “home away from home” feel. This vacation rental is part of Island West Resort and just a two-minute walk from the beach. It is complete with a shared pool, tropical landscaping, and plenty of charm.
I will note, we did have to call maintenance to request that the air conditioning be adjusted at night (we run hot when we sleep). Even then, it couldn’t be lowered to our ideal temperature, but we like to sleep in an icebox, so take that with a grain of salt.
How to get around Anna Maria Island
Do you need a rental car when visiting Anna Maria Island? Not necessarily. Anna Maria Island is pretty easy to navigate and has lots of ways of getting around and is best explored at a slower pace (hello, island time!).
Nothing beats cruising in style with a ZoomAround golf cart. Having a cart delivered right to the villa made it so easy to zip to the beach, grab coffee, or head out for dinner at sunset. And the customer service is absolutely fantastic! If you’re looking for an Anna Maria Island golf cart rental, ZoomAround is convenient, reliable, and great for exploring.
Note: you’ll want to arrange a ride share or call the Monkey Bus ($5/person) if you’re heading over the bridge to places like Longboat Key, since golf carts aren’t permitted there.
Other ways to get around include hopping on the free Anna Maria Island trolley, which runs daily, or renting a bicycle for a slower, scenic ride through the neighborhoods. But if you want flexibility with a little fun factor, a golf cart rental is hands down the best way to experience Anna Maria Island.
Things to do on Anna Maria Island
Day 1
Breakfast at Cheesecake Cutie & Cafe
We arrived late in the evening, so we kicked off our first full day with breakfast at Cheesecake Cutie & Cafe. It was a two-minute walk from the vacation rental, which was perfect! Fuel your day with an iced coffee (or strawberry matcha — my preference), a breakfast sandwich, and the most delicious cheesecakes — because who doesn’t want cheesecake for breakfast?! I love that they have vegan and gluten-free options. I tried both — love them both!
Hit the beach with Beach Suites
Once you’ve experienced showing up at the beach with nothing but yourself, you’ll never want to beach day any other way, I promise! This is exactly our experience with Beach Suites AMI, a luxury beach concierge service that provides beach chairs, umbrellas, and/or cabanas. All we had to do was show up, and everything was already set up. They had a cooler stocked with cold water, sunscreen, a portable charger, a first-aid kit, and even games you could play! It was the perfect beach day on Anna Maria Island!
To top off your beach day, order refreshing coconut drinks from AM I COCONUTS! These hand-crafted, fresh, and delicious coconut drinks can be delivered anywhere, even to your beach chair!
Lunch Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe
After you’ve worked up an appetite from basking on the beach, head over to Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe for lunch. They have tons of menu options (the grilled fish and sweet potato fries were incredible), and it’s right on the beach, so you can enjoy your lunch with a view.
Cocktail Class with Gulf Coast Bartender Co.
If you’re looking for fun activities to do on Anna Maria Island, definitely shake things up with Florida’s first mixology social — Gulf Coast Bartender Co. We had so much fun mixing up mocktails and cocktails! They were simple and delish! Whether you’re feeling margaritas and mojitos or bourbon and bitters, there’s a mixology class that will suit your tastes. On top of everything, the owner, Desiree is absolutely incredible! Tell her Colby, the creator from Houston, sent you 😊.
Dinner at The Chateau Anna Maria
Wrap up the evening with dinner at The Chateau Anna Maria. The restaurant is located inside Waterline Villas & Marina property and gives upscale, rustic vibes. We started with the seafood tower (because, why not?), and for the entree, I had shrimp and scallops on a bed of creamy risotto. Both were thoroughly enjoyed!
Day 2
Breakfast at Back Alley Treasures
Back Alley Treasures is a cozy little Anna Maria Island coffee shop tucked away on Bridge St. It’s perfect for a quick bite. I tried the everything bagel, and it did not disappoint — crispy, chewy, and loaded with all the right toppings. Grab one to-go or linger inside surrounded by the shop’s eclectic charm.
Take a Tiki Boat tour with Shore thing tiki cruises
We booked a private Sandbar Tour with Shore Thing Tiki Cruises, and it was amazing getting to plan our own adventure. We stopped at a stunning sandbar where we could hop out and hang, soak up the sun, and enjoy the water. We were able to see some dolphins and our guide even showed us some other wild marine life! Definitely check out my Instagram story highlights to see the coolest finds!
Lunch at Anna Maria Oyster Bar
I have tried oysters many a time, many a place. They just aren’t my thing. However, when you’re on the coast, at an oyster bar, it’s almost a rite of passage to give them another go. And let me tell you, Grandma Georgie’s chipotle roasted oysters are some of the best I’ve ever had!
Lunch at Anna Maria Oyster Bar is a must when visiting Bradenton Beach. Located right on the historic Bridge Street Pier, this spot pairs fresh seafood with breezy waterfront views. Whether you’re craving oysters, fish tacos, or a cold drink by the water, you’ll definitely want to keep lingering long after your plate is cleared.
Explore Bridge Street
If you’re like me and you like to wander, Bridge Street is the perfect place for this. It’s one of the top things to do on Anna Maria Island, especially if you love a mix of shopping, dining, and local charm. Stroll along the historic street and you’ll find everything from quirky boutiques and art studios to sweet shops and beachy cafés. It’s also home to the Bridge Street Pier, where you can soak up gorgeous water views or grab fresh seafood (like Anna Maria’s Oyster Bar).
Dinner at SHORE Longboat Key
Dinner at Shore Longboat Key is the perfect way to end a day on Anna Maria Island. Just a short drive over the bridge, this stunning waterfront restaurant offers a modern coastal menu with dishes that highlight fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is chic yet relaxed, with open-air seating that lets you enjoy sunset views over the water. From seafood and steaks to creative cocktails, Shore is an absolute must-visit dining experience!
Note: if you’re getting around by golf cart, like we were, you’ll have to take a rideshare or the Monkey bus to Shore since golf carts aren’t allowed over the bridge.
Spending 48 hours on Anna Maria Island reminded me that some of the best getaways are the simplest ones. From cruising around in a golf cart and wandering Bridge Street to beach days, sandbar adventures, and incredible meals, this stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast has a way of slowing you down in the best way.
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Planning a Trip?
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