Florida's Gorgeous Island Is A Popular Tourist Spot Full Of Outdoor Recreation

Florida is home to thousands of islands, from Sanibel Island, the "seashell capital of the world," to the underrated St. George Island offering a fun coastal getaway with panoramic views. Also located in the state along the gulf is Anna Maria Island, a white-sand barrier island full of shops, beaches, and outdoor recreation. Featured as a runner-up in USA Today's 2023 list of the best small towns in the South, this coastal treasure and its surroundings see nearly 4 million annual visitors, and it's known as an outdoor lover's haven where you can enjoy water activities, explore its historic piers and museums, or take in the island's stunning natural beauty.

Long before Anna Maria Island became a tourist destination, the Timucuan and Caloosan people lived in the area as early as 1000 A.D. Spanish explorers arrived much later in the 1500s, but the first permanent settler, George Emerson Bean, was said to have arrived in 1892. Named after Tampa Mayor Madison Post's sister-in-law Anna and wife Maria, this 7-mile island has fewer than 5,000 residents across its three small towns (Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach). Anna Maria is less than a 40-minute drive from Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, the primary gateway to Florida's Gulf Coast. Once you arrive, golf carts and bikes are readily available for rent and are the best way to explore this gorgeous island.

On any island getaway, the beach is usually the main attraction, and Anna Maria is no exception. Coquina Beach is loved by both visitors and locals for its wide shoreline, calm water, and easy access for beachcombing and snorkeling. On clear evenings, Anna Maria Beach becomes one of the best places to watch the sun settle into the water. Holmes Beach (also known as Manatee Public Beach), which is ADA accessible, is another favorite and a reliable spot for spotting marine wildlife.

Bean Point captures a different side of the island and shouldn't be missed. Named after the island's first permanent settler, it's Anna Maria's top-rated attraction on Tripadvisor with a 4.7-star rating from nearly 1,000 reviews. This beach stays surprisingly quiet despite its popularity, with soft white sand and sweeping views. One reviewer called it "one of the most beautiful beaches" they'd ever seen and added that "it's a small portion of the beach so there's not a lot of people."

The beaches also serve as the ultimate playground for water sports of all kinds. Kayaking and parasailing are particularly popular, and choosing a local rental company is all you need to do to get started. Those who prefer guided experiences can book tours such as the Manatee Discovery Tour and the Dolphin Sunset Boat Tour, both holding five-star ratings on Tripadvisor and priced under $60 per adult, as of this writing. Lifeguards are on duty at some of the beaches year-round, but checking online for daily beach condition updates is recommended before getting in the water. It also helps to arrive early to secure parking, especially in popular spots like Manatee Public Beach.

To experience the rich and authentic history of Anna Maria Island, the Historical Society Museum is where you should visit next. Founded in 1990 to preserve the island's history, the museum houses artifacts, photographs, and maps inside a 1920s building. The museum opens Tuesday through Saturday (closed in September) with free admission and offers a scavenger hunt for kids, making it a wholesome experience for everyone. Beyond the museum, history thrives everywhere on the island. Stroll along Bridge Street and you'll spot historic buildings from the 1800s which house local shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Meanwhile, Pine Avenue is lined with gift shops, making it the perfect place to pick up souvenirs before heading home.

For a more scenic walk, Robinson Preserve is worth exploring. Located under 20 minutes from Anna Maria Island, this 682-acre natural area features a diverse ecosystem of wetlands and mangroves with abundant wildlife such as birds and marine life. Visitors can kayak, cycle, hike, or relax at one of the picnic tables. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars and head to the five-story observation tower for sweeping views of Tampa Bay and Anna Maria Island.

There are a few more things to know about Anna Maria Island. First, the island experiences nearly 250 days of sunshine annually, with temperatures ranging from 50 degrees to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, so bring reef-safe sunscreen and weather-appropriate clothing. Second, like any Gulf Coast destination, the island has weathered its share of storms over the years and while the full impact is rarely felt on the island, it's important to check weather conditions before your trip to stay safe. After exploring Anna Maria Island, these other popular Florida tourist attractions are worth considering for your next trip in the Sunshine State.