Anna Maria Island, Florida

Get Ready for Some Serious Island Therapy at Anna Maria Island

Distance from Orlando to Anna Maria Island: 107 miles
Drive Time Direct Route: 1 Hour 50 Minutes – Google Map Directions
Drive Time Scenic Route: 3.5 hours / 145 miles

I have so many wonderful memories, photos and stories of the State of Florida, it would take a full length novel to do justice to them all. But, if I had to make a choice of my favorite places in Florida, I think it would have to be Anna Maria Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The beautiful sandy beaches and laid back charm take Old Florida Island Time it to whole new level.

City Pier Anna Maria

The City Pier at Anna Maria Island – Currently being rebuilt!

Driving down Manatee Avenue from Bradenton raises my expectations the closer I get to the Island and I have never been disappointed yet.

The drive is a little over 100 miles if you’re staying in one of our Orlando Vacation Homes. It can take less than 2 hours if you take the direct route. Or as long as you like depending on your stops along the way. The scenic coastal route is around three and a half hours.

The Coastal Scenic Route will take you from Clearwater through Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Redington Shores, Madeira Beach, Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach before crossing over Pinellas Bayway and heading South for Anna Maria Island.

Beautiful coastline and picture perfect beach towns all the way.

Anna Maria Island is about 7 miles long and narrow. There’s one main road connecting Anna Maria City in the north to Bradenton Beach in the south with Holmes Beach sandwiched in between.

Make sure you hang around until the end of the day. The sunsets over the ocean are a sight to behold.

Sunset Anna Maria Island

Don’t miss the Sunsets at Anna Maria Island

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Beaches at Anna Maria Island

The beaches of Anna Maria Island are soft sand and perfect for youngsters to build sandcastles or run into the calm, shallow azure water.

There are 3 main public beaches:
Manatee Beach, Bay Front Beach and Coquina Beach. All 3 offer free parking, picnic tables and grills, children’s play areas and public restrooms.

Check out the Best Beaches Guide written by our great friend Nancy McAleer – her Beach Guide is packed with information and the perfect way to make the most of your trip.

Anna Maria Island beaches

Our Princess Cora takes it easy Anna Maria Island style

Foodies Will Love Anna Maria Island

As the sun sets and the Island lights up, Anna Maria Island has a magical atmosphere that dictates relaxation.

There are plenty of dining options and hardly a chain in sight.

With over 50 places to tempt your taste buds, there is something for everyone from fine dining to burgers and ice cream.

In fact, one of our favorite haunts is Two Scoops ice cream parlor at the north’s Anna Maria Pier which does awesome ice cream and hot dogs.

Not together of course…..but who says it doesn’t work?

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Two Scoops Anna Maria Island

Delicious Ice Cream from Two Scoops at Anna Maria Island

Talking of sweet treats, is there anything that doesn’t go great on a donut? Create your very own at The Donut Experience.

Currently being rebuilt At the end of Anna Maria Pier is the City Pier Restaurant. Don’t let its’ rustic exterior deter you. That’s half the charm. The food is delicious and the atmosphere friendly and laid back. There’s often live music by the bar outside and plenty of fishing from the pier.

Back on dry land, but still with gorgeous ocean views, is The Waterfront Restaurant.

Another favorite is Rod Reel Pier on the north tip of the island.

Towards the center of the Island at Holmes Beach are another couple of restaurants we’ve tried and thoroughly enjoyed, Lobstahs and Hurricane Hank’s.

Don't ask for salt at Mr Bones Restaurant!

Don’t ask for salt at Mr Bones Restaurant!

A little further south at Bridge Street we were royally fed at Mr. Bones, Island Time and Beachhouse Restaurant.

Nothing beats sitting on the beach to eat and Bridge Tender Inn offers just that. Tables inside the restaurant, or across the street on the beach. Perfect.

For more beachside dining, Sandbar at the North of the island is a local haunt that visitors love too. Fresh seafood served surfside. Dreamy.

Wildlife at Anna Maria Island

Sharing the Island with wildlife is fun and educational for kids

From the start of May till the end of October, sea turtles nest on the beaches. There are 5 species of turtle that make Anna Maria home, the most common being loggerhead. Check out Island Turtle Watch for full details.

Bottlenose dolphins, the most common and well-known of the species, can also be seen in the Gulf cavorting around and generally enjoying themselves as all wannabee Flippers do.

Manatees and Rays also make regular appearances.

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Cycle Around Anna Maria Island

Take Time Out to Explore at Island Speed

As the Island is small and flat, it can be explored in no time in a vehicle. But, you can also rent a cycle to see Anna Maria at a much slower pace. Beach Bums and Just4Fun are a couple of options.

If you have an overnight stay on the Island or still feel alert enough for some more driving, then head south onto Longboat Key, take a left onto the John Ringling Boulevard towards Sarasota and set your GPS for St. Armand’s Circle. A delightful and elegant mini outdoor shopping mall with side-walk restaurants and unique boutique stores. A visit here is well worth the effort and doesn’t add too much to your driving time, perhaps another hour.

Anna Maria Island Photo Gallery:

Rest assured, you will return home tired but exhilarated after your road trip to Anna Maria Island.

How About a Two Center Vacation? Orlando – Anna Maria Island?

You could spend some time with us here in Orlando exploring all the theme parks, then catch your breath and relax at Anna Maria Island. We can highly recommend Nancy McAleer, owner of luxurious  vacation homes in the heart of Anna Maria Island.


If you’re looking for Orlando accommodation, we’d love to welcome you!