Welcome to Anna Maria Island
Highly regarded as one of the cleanest and most breathtaking networks of island beaches amongst even native Floridians, Anna Maria Island is a true beachside treasure. The barrier island buffers the idyllic Palma Sola Bay and Sarasota Bay marine protected area — and due to Anna Maria's more isolated location, its beaches are largely wild and untouched. At the same time, it hosts an impressive range of dining amenities, and its neighborhood networks of canal cul de sacs provide boating enthusiasts with their very own back-door boating docks.
What to Love
- Immaculate wild beaches virtually everywhere you go
- Near-endless chain of wildlife preserves and natural refuges
- Incredibly easy-going beach lifestyle with enough amenities to keep it self-functioning
- Casual golf-kart and beach-buggy transportation throughout the island
Local Lifestyle
For those who've fallen in love with a beach and never wanted to leave, living on Anna Maria Island means you won't have to. The pristine island community brings luxury beach living to a whole new level, and outdoor enthusiasts have some of Florida's most remarkable island wilderness to enjoy as well. Anna Maria is large and economically active enough that locals won't need to continually travel outside to nearby Palma Soa or the rest of the mainland except as desired — but it's also exclusive enough to remain truly wild at heart.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
With well-stocked shopping amenities like Anna Maria General Store, locals have all the household goods necessary to avoid frequent off-island travel. The beloved General Store is equally well-equipped to sate islanders' wants, featuring gourmet meals, soft-serve ice cream, and a well-stocked liquor store. To find just the right gift for your loved ones, stop by Island Bazaar — their whimsical souvenirs and exuberant beach apparel is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
Anna Maria Island also features a great range of local dining options.
City Pier Grill and Bait treats patrons to live music and fresh-caught comfort seafood from its patio seating area — nearly 360° views of the ocean. For an upscale evening out, you won't be disappointed at
Blue Marlin Seafood Restaurant. Their menu features a unique range of flavorful wild-caught delicacies, served attentively in a beautiful, upscale setting with live music and an excellent drink menu.
When you need the freshest seafood for dinner plans back at your new Anna Maria home, stop by
Island Fresh Market Ami. They carry the freshest catches and create the tastiest sauces and dips to match, along with other lovingly hand-made delicacies (especially their mouthwatering desserts).
Things to Do
Almost every beach on Anna Maria Island is stunning and unique. Notable mentions include the easily accessible
Bayfront Park at the north end, which provides well-maintained showers and bathrooms for even greater convenience. It also features a sizable pavilion and picnic area, lending an incredibly welcoming atmosphere.
Bean Point Fishing & Recreation Site is somewhat harder to get to, but it's a favorite locale for local fishing enthusiasts, with absolutely spectacular views that include the
Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge just across the inlet.
For the truly adventurous, even further off the island is
Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge, accessible by ferry. The island refuge features endlessly varied wildlife, and the beaches are probably some of the wildest available in all of Anna Maria. You can also make your way even further to
Fort De Soto Park, an expansive network of island refuges with interconnected hiking and camping areas.
You can also visit the
Anna Maria Island Historical Society, which features an impressive exposition on Anna Maria's surprisingly dynamic history, going as far back as the prehistoric era. Golfers will want to look into joining
Key Royale Club, Inc., a tightly-knit island community in an already deeply bonded luxury island culture.
