Some of our Favorite Island Destinations:
Things to Do on Anna Maria Island
Discover the beaches, adventures, hidden gems, and local experiences that make Anna Maria Island unforgettable.
Anna Maria Island is so much more than a beautiful beach destination. From dolphin-watching cruises and waterfront dining to charming local shops, fishing excursions, and unforgettable sunsets, there's something here for everyone.
Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or simply a week of relaxation, here are some of our favorite ways to experience island life.
🏖️ Beaches & Beautiful Sunsets
Enjoy a Beach Day Just Steps from Runaway Bay
Sometimes the best vacation days require absolutely no planning!
Grab the beach chairs, umbrella, and cooler we provide, pack your favorite drinks and snacks, and take a short walk across Gulf Drive to the beautiful Gulf beaches.
Spend your morning collecting seashells, swimming in the turquoise water, or relaxing with a good book. Stay until sunset to watch the sky turn brilliant shades of orange, pink, and purple.
Our tip: Take an evening beach walk at least once during your stay. The sunsets are one of the best parts of visiting Anna Maria Island.
Explore Coquina Beach
Located toward the southern end of Anna Maria Island, Coquina Beach is a wonderful destination for spending an entire day outdoors.
This beautiful public beach features broad stretches of sand, picnic areas, walking paths, restrooms, outdoor showers, and lifeguarded swimming areas.
Bring your beach supplies, enjoy a picnic beneath the trees, or simply relax and listen to the waves.
It's also easily accessible using the free island trolley.
Great for: Families, beach picnics, long walks, and spending an afternoon in the sunshine.
Discover Bean Point
At the northern tip of Anna Maria Island, Bean Point offers one of the island's most picturesque natural settings.
This beautiful, less-developed stretch of shoreline is known for its expansive views, peaceful atmosphere, and stunning sunsets.
Bring your camera and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the sand while admiring the meeting of the Gulf and Tampa Bay.
Our tip: Bean Point is particularly beautiful near sunset. Strong and unpredictable currents can occur near the northern tip, so we recommend it primarily for sightseeing and photography rather than swimming.
Spend an Afternoon at Manatee Public Beach
Located in Holmes Beach, Manatee Public Beach is especially convenient for families who appreciate nearby amenities.
Visitors can enjoy lifeguarded swimming areas, restrooms, showers, picnic facilities, a playground, beach volleyball, and food concessions.
It's a great place to spend the day without having to pack absolutely everything.
Our tip: Take the free trolley and enjoy a beach day without worrying about finding a parking space.
🐬 Adventures on the Water
Take a Dolphin-Watching Cruise
One of the most memorable experiences on Anna Maria Island is seeing dolphins swimming and playing in their natural habitat.
Local boat tours explore the waterways surrounding Anna Maria Island, Tampa Bay, and Sarasota Bay.
Along the way, you may spot dolphins, manatees, pelicans, and other wildlife while learning about the area's coastal ecosystem.
Paradise Boat Tours, near Historic Bridge Street, and Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours in Holmes Beach are two options worth exploring.
Great for: Families, couples, wildlife lovers, and anyone who enjoys being out on the water.
Dolphin sightings are never guaranteed, but a scenic boat ride is an adventure in itself!
Explore the Mangroves by Kayak or Paddleboard
For a more adventurous experience, consider a guided kayaking or paddleboarding tour.
The protected waterways around Anna Maria Island offer opportunities to paddle through coastal environments, explore mangrove habitats, and observe Florida wildlife.
Guided outings are especially helpful for first-time paddlers because experienced local guides can explain the surrounding ecosystem and help select routes appropriate for the conditions.
Our tip: Morning excursions can be particularly enjoyable before the afternoon heat. Ask about guided tours, equipment rentals, and age requirements when booking.
Go Fishing in the Gulf or Bay
Fishing is a big part of Anna Maria Island's coastal heritage.
Depending on your interests, you can try fishing from a public pier, booking an inshore fishing charter, or heading farther offshore with an experienced captain.
Local waters offer opportunities to catch a variety of species depending on the season, conditions, and applicable fishing regulations.
The Historic Bridge Street Pier is a convenient place to enjoy the waterfront and watch anglers, even if you don't plan to cast a line yourself.
Our tip: If you're booking a fishing charter, ask whether fishing equipment, bait, and required licenses are included.
Enjoy a Sunset Boat Cruise
Watching the sunset from the beach is incredible, but seeing it from the water can be even more special!
Local operators offer sunset cruises where guests can relax while enjoying panoramic coastal views and the colors of the evening sky.
Some cruises focus on sightseeing, while others offer private outings for couples, families, or small groups.
Perfect for: Celebrations, anniversaries, romantic evenings, or simply ending a beautiful vacation day.
🛍️ Shopping, Dining & Family Fun
Explore Historic Bridge Street
Historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach is one of the island's most enjoyable destinations.
This lively, walkable area features local restaurants, boutiques, souvenir shops, sweet treats, and a relaxed waterfront atmosphere.
Start with an afternoon of shopping, enjoy an ice cream, and continue toward the Historic Bridge Street Pier for beautiful views across the bay.
Return in the evening for dinner and to experience the island after sunset.
Our tip: Bridge Street is a wonderful destination to visit using the free trolley. You can enjoy a meal and explore the shops without needing to drive.
Play Miniature Golf at The Fish Hole
Looking for something fun to do with the kids after a morning at the beach?
The Fish Hole Miniature Golf on Historic Bridge Street is a family-friendly, 18-hole miniature golf course surrounded by tropical landscaping.
The course also features a koi pond where visitors can watch and feed colorful fish.
It's an easy activity to combine with shopping, ice cream, or dinner on Bridge Street.
Great for: Kids, families, couples, and friendly competition!
Browse Pine Avenue in the City of Anna Maria
At the northern end of the island, Pine Avenue offers a charming collection of independent shops, galleries, boutiques, cafés, and local businesses.
Unlike a large shopping center, Pine Avenue feels like a relaxed coastal village where you can stroll between shops, stop for something sweet, and discover locally made gifts.
It's a wonderful area to explore on foot.
Our tip: Take the free trolley north, spend some time browsing the shops, and enjoy a relaxing lunch before heading back toward Runaway Bay.
Discover Anna Maria Island's History
If you enjoy local history, stop by the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum on Pine Avenue.
The museum introduces visitors to the island's early development, fishing heritage, historic buildings, and coastal way of life.
Nearby attractions include the old City Jail, the historic Belle Haven Cottage, and a short mangrove walk.
Admission is free, although donations are appreciated.
Great for: History lovers, curious kids, and anyone looking for a break from the beach.
🌴 Markets, Wildlife & Local Traditions
Browse the Coquina Beach Market
If you enjoy local artwork, handmade goods, souvenirs, and outdoor shopping, don't miss the Coquina Beach Market.
Located near the southern end of Anna Maria Island, the seasonal market brings together local vendors selling a variety of crafts, gifts, and specialty items.
For the 2026–2027 season, the market generally operates Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, weather permitting, with certain holiday and event closures.
Combine your shopping trip with a relaxing afternoon at Coquina Beach!
Our tip: Check the market's current schedule before visiting, as dates and vendor participation can change.
Watch for Dolphins, Manatees & Coastal Wildlife
You don't necessarily need a boat tour to appreciate Anna Maria Island's beautiful wildlife.
Keep an eye on the water while visiting bayside observation areas, waterfront parks, and public piers.
Dolphins occasionally appear in nearby waterways, while pelicans, herons, egrets, and other coastal birds are commonly seen throughout the island.
Runaway Bay's own bayfront observation deck offers a convenient place to sit quietly and enjoy the waterfront.
Our tip: Bring binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching, and always observe wildlife from a respectful distance.
Learn About Sea Turtle Nesting Season
Anna Maria Island is an important nesting area for sea turtles.
The local sea turtle nesting season generally runs from May 1 through October 31, making these months especially interesting for visitors who enjoy nature and conservation.
You may notice protected nesting areas marked along the beach during this time.
Please help protect the turtles by respecting marked nests, filling in holes in the sand, taking beach furniture home each evening, and avoiding bright lights on the beach at night.
Our tip: Look for educational information from Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch to learn more about protecting the island's coastal wildlife.
🚎 Make the Free Island Trolley Part of the Adventure
One of the easiest ways to explore Anna Maria Island is by hopping aboard the free island trolley.
The trolley travels between Coquina Beach at the southern end and the Anna Maria City Pier area at the northern end, making stops near beaches, restaurants, shopping districts, and other attractions.
Service generally operates daily between 6:00 AM and 10:30 PM.
With a convenient trolley stop just outside Runaway Bay, it's easy to plan a full day of sightseeing without renting a car.
Our tip: Pick one end of the island to explore in the morning, enjoy lunch along the way, and spend the afternoon discovering somewhere new!
Our Favorite Way to Spend an Island Day
Morning: Enjoy coffee at the condo, take a peaceful beach walk, and soak up some sunshine.
Late morning: Hop on the free trolley and explore Pine Avenue, local boutiques, and the northern end of Anna Maria Island.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch, head back for some pool time, or book an afternoon dolphin-watching cruise.
Evening: Visit Historic Bridge Street for dinner, then finish your day watching an unforgettable Gulf Coast sunset.
The beauty of Anna Maria Island is that you can fill every day with adventures—or do absolutely nothing at all.
However you choose to spend your vacation, we hope EMSU Homes at Runaway Bay becomes your favorite home base for making island memories!