A free island museum, a local theater, a long lunch and coloring books for the kids: easy ideas for a rainy day on Anna Maria Island.
Florida rain often comes in short, heavy afternoon bursts, then clears. A rainy spell is a good excuse to see a different side of the island. Here are our favorite indoor and sheltered ideas.
Safety first: if you hear thunder, leave the beach and the pool and go indoors. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last rumble before heading back out, as the National Weather Service advises.
1. Step back in time at the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum. Free to visit, with the old island jail and the little Belle Haven cottage. It's open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm from January to April and 10am to 1pm from May to December, and it's a quick, charming stop for all ages. More details.
2. Catch a show at the Island Players. The island's community theater is on Gulf Drive in Anna Maria. See what's playing during your stay.
3. Settle in for a long lunch. Pick a restaurant with a view and watch the storm roll over the water. Eat & Drink guide.
4. Coloring time for the kids. Our printable Anna Maria Island coloring books feature the island's turtles, manatees, shorebirds and more. They're perfect for a rainy afternoon at your rental, and they help children learn about the wildlife they'll see when the sun comes back. See the coloring books.
5. Browse the island's shops. Pine Avenue and Bridge Street have small, independent shops that are easy to pop in and out of between showers.
6. Plan tomorrow. Check this week's markets, music and festivals on our events calendar, so you're ready when the sun returns.
