New to Anna Maria Island? How the island fits together, which beach to pick, how to get around, and a simple plan for your first day.
First time on the island? Here's how it fits together, and a simple, relaxed plan for day one.
1. Get your bearings. Anna Maria Island is about seven miles long and has three towns: Anna Maria at the quiet north end, Holmes Beach in the middle and Bradenton Beach in the south. Two bridges connect it to the mainland. See the island map.
2. Pick your first beach. Choose by mood: the quieter north end, family-friendly Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach, or the wide sands of Coquina Beach in the south. Beach guide.
3. Park once, then ride the free trolley. Find a lot, then let the free Route 5 trolley do the driving between the City Pier and Coquina Beach. Parking guide.
4. Learn the beach rules. Fill in holes, take everything home at night, and give nesting turtles and shorebirds plenty of room. Wildlife guide.
5. Have lunch with a view. Eat & Drink guide.
6. Spend the afternoon exploring. Stroll Pine Avenue's shops, or Bridge Street's restaurants and historic pier.
7. End with the sunset. It's the island's daily ritual. Best sunset spots.
8. Check what's on this week. Markets, live music and festivals are on our events calendar.
