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Anna Maria Island Travel Guide for Condé Nast Traveler

There’s nothing better than going island hopping along Florida’s Gulf Coast. So when one of my all time favorite magazines asked me to visit Anna Maria Island and create a travel guide for cntraveler.com, I couldn’t wait to get started!

Kara Franker in Bradenton, Florida

Anna Maria Island is one of my favorite places in the Sunshine State and soon you’ll find out why.

Bird at Sunset on Anna Maria Island by Kara Franker

The team members at the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau were great to work with as they were able to point me in the right direction for a bunch of fun things to see and do.

White Bird Anna Maria Island by Kara Franker

I’ve put together some of my favorite highlights below, but make sure you check out the full guide here: This Beach Destination Should Be Your Next Getaway.

Kara Franker reading Conde Nast Traveler in Anna Maria Island

Plan The Ultimate Beach Getaway to Anna Maria Island

Beach Chairs on Anna Maria Island by Kara Franker
Not all beaches are created equal. Go off the beaten path on Florida’s west coast to discover a stretch of uncrowded white sand and a charming island community offering lots to do. (Check out the full travel guide on cntraveler.com).
Sunset Colors Anna Maria Island by Kara Franker

Where to Play

Beaches in the Bradenton Area are second to none and undoubtedly provide the main attraction.

Perfect Beach Day on Anna Maria Island by Kara Franker

Popular beaches stretch south from Anna Maria down to Manatee Beach, Coquina Beach, Cortez Beach, and Whitney Beach.

Palm Tree Paradise on Anna Mara Island by Kara Franker

With so many beaches to choose from, you’re sure to find a deserted patch of white sand all to yourself.

Beach Anna Maria Island

Or explore a remote island and set sail to beautiful Egmont Key, only accessible by boat.

Sunset Catamaran Sail Anna Maria Island by Kara Franker

Book a catamaran excursion with Kathleen D Sailing Catamarans-you can snorkel among schools of brightly colored fish, watch for dolphins playing in the surf, and enjoy a picnic with the whole family.

Jeremy Franker on a Catamaran at Sunset

Both day trips and nightly sunset cruises leave from Mainsail Marina on Anna Maria Island.

Kara Franker on a Catamaran at Sunset on Anna Maria Island

For more fun on the water go kayaking. Or take a SUP yoga class with Island Yoga Space. Paddle through mangroves on a guided tour to practice your downward-facing-dog pose-all while balancing above the calm waters of the bay. Then cool off your flow with a swim.

Kayakers on Anna Maria Island by Kara Franker

And if a little R&R is what you’re after, book the island’s only beachfront massage in a private tiki hut. The spa therapists at Sea-renity Beach Spa & Eco Boutique will soothe your senses with a stress-relieving treatment set to the sounds of lapping waves and gulf breezes.

Kara Franker on a Jetty in Anna Maria Island

Speaking of art and shopping, no trip to Anna Maria Island is complete without a visit to the whimsical Shiny Fish Emporium on hip Pine Avenue. You’ll find unique island-inspired specialty items curated by owners Rebecca and Dan.

Shiny Fish Emporium 1

Think coastal home décor, funky ukuleles, artisan popsicles, tropical beachwear, and the chance to make your own sand dollar art. Pick up a paintbrush and choose from dozens of bright colors to craft your own design.

Shiny Fish Emporium 2

Then Rebecca and Dan will blast it with glitter and thread the sand dollar with a vibrant ribbon to hang in your home. Talk about a perfect keepsake!

Shiny Fish Emporium 3

Did you know that Bradenton is home to the oldest living manatee in the world, according to the Guinness World Records? The Parker Aquarium at the South Florida Museum is not only home to Snooty, but it’s also a second stage rehabilitation center for injured manatees.

Manatees in Bradenton, Florida

The museum is the largest natural and cultural history institution on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Giant Shark Mouth in Bradenton

Visit the Anna Maria City Pier and go fishing, dolphin watching or just enjoy the panoramic water views.

Fishing on the Anna Maria City Pier by Kara Franker

I had a blast checking out the pier with my friend, Lindsay Dufresne. :)

Kara Franker and Lindsay Dufresne in Anna Maria Island

Where to Dine

The Bradenton Area is every island foodie’s dream and offers a variety of local restaurants from an eclectic donut shop to delectable seafood joints. Opt for creative made-to-order donuts at the Donut Experiment, Anna Maria Island’s only donut shop.

Donut Experiment Anna Maria Island by Kara Franker

That’s right: You can build your own. Start with a vanilla cake donut, then pick your icing and topping. From maple glaze and bacon to strawberry fruity pebbles, the possibilities at this Pine Avenue hotspot are endless.

2 Donuts Anna Maria Island

An island mainstay known for their relaxed and funky island vibe, Ginny’s and Jane E’s has been serving breakfast and lunch since 1946.

Ginny and Jane Es in Anna Maria Island by Kara Franker

Start with a glass of fresh Florida orange juice and a house bakery item like a decadent cinnamon roll or sticky bun, delicious apricot cream cheese scone, or the all-time crowd favorite: crème brûlée French toast drenched in pure maple syrup.

Ginny and Jane Es in Anna Maria Island by Kara Franker

Likely the most famous watering hole on the island, the Sandbar Restaurant is the ultimate beach bar and it’s an Anna Maria Island icon. Sip on a tropical rum cocktail with your toes in the sand and nosh on locally caught seafood featuring side dishes from nearby Gamble Creek Farm.

Sandbar in Anna Maria Island by Kara Franker

For more fresh local seafood and hearty dishes, reserve a table at Blue Marlin Grill, located in an original 1920s cottage on historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. The intimate eatery features nautical inspired décor, live music on weekends, and a menu sporting favorites like Cortez cracker shrimp dusted with cajun cornmeal and served with chipotle mayo, as well as locally caught fish of the day blackened over classic linguini alfredo with pesto.

Blue Marlin Grill in Anna Maria Island by Kara Franker

Heading onto the mainland along the Manatee River, stop by at Pier 22, named after the “22” channel marker leading into Twin Dolphin Marina. Dine alfresco on the waterfront terrace and choose from items like a classic grouper sandwich, jambalaya, shrimp scampi, or the prime rib dinner.

Marina in Bradenton by Kara Franker

Cure your sweet tooth with a visit to Cupcakes Delight AMI. This family-owned bakery crafts moist and delicious cupcakes daily and are famous for their signature butter cream and cream cheese frostings made from scratch.

Anna Maria Cupcake by Kara Franker

Exuding a sense of Old Florida, this charming coastal town isn’t overdeveloped with expansive resort towers and name brand hotels. It’s quite the opposite actually. Which makes the Bradenton Area the perfect place to book a family-friendly beach condo or private home for the week.

Anna Maria Island Rooftop Sunset by Kara Franker

From luxurious three-story private estates to quaint and cozy beach cottages, Anna Maria Island Vacation Rentals offers a variety of places to stay on and around the island. Choose from more than 200 homes and condos available for weekly rentals. All come equipped with full-size kitchens and dining areas, so you can cook up your own island-inspired meals.

Beach Room on Anna Maria Island

Or choose a play palace with a private pool complete with a waterslide in the backyard, to keep the family entertained between treks to the beach.

Kara and Jeremy Water Slide Anna Maria Island

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway for two, or a large family reunion style get-together, you’ll find a vacation rental for almost any budget. Some even welcome your four-legged furry family members, too.

Vacation Home on Anna Maria Island

How to Get Around

Anna Maria Island is golf-cart-friendly, so head over to Beach Bums rental store on Pine Avenue to score your own set of open-air wheels for a week full of island exploration. They also offer bicycles, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, beach gear, and more, so it’s the ideal place to get outfitted for everything you’ll need during your vacation. However, it would always be a good option to learn more about how to be safe from any kind of mishap that might happen and thus, getting in touch with a Personal Injury Attorney in Bradenton could prove useful.

Kara Franker on a Golf Cart in Anna Maria Island

There’s also a free trolley service that runs along the entire island from Coquina Beach all the way to the Public Pier on the north side of Anna Maria. Look for the green trolley signs situated about two to four blocks apart along the main drag. The trolley stops every 15 to 20 minutes and runs daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Pier at Anna Maria Island

Just when you thought the Bradenton area has something to fulfill every one of your passions, there’s even more excitement to be found. Here are a few of the most popular events to brighten your calendar.

  1. A free three-day event in April celebrating the area’s vibrant culture, DeSoto Heritage Seafood Fest features local restaurants, live entertainment, and works of art.
  2. Nosh on local eats and browse works by artisans each May, when Anna Maria Island hosts Food and Wine on Pine.
  3. Nothing goes together quite like great food and music, and every November the Symphony on the Sand event delivers those things beautifully with an orchestra and sunset dinner served right on the beach.
  4. Music lovers flock to the Bradenton Blues Festival each December along the Riverwalk on the Manatee River.
  5. For family fun, don’t miss Snooty’s Birthday Bash & Wildlife Festival at the South Florida Museum to celebrate Snooty-the oldest manatee in the world-who turns 69 this year!

Plan your Bradenton getaway here.

Bird Sunset on Anna Maria Island by Kara Franker

Follow both Condé Nast Traveler and Visit Bradenton’s social media channels for more travel tips:

Palm Tree on Anna Maria Island

Parts of this post originally appeared on cntraveler.com.

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2 Comments

  1. Looks like there’s really a lot of fun things to do on Ana Maria Island but above all, I like the most is the beach. Thanks for the tips.

  2. Love your photos and highlights from Anna Maria Island. This is one of my favorite Florida destinations. Your blog is awesome!

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