Anna Maria Island is known for gorgeous beaches. My goal is to cover the entire coastline from south of the Skyway Bridge to Charlotte Harbor. What better place to start than the north end of Anna Maria Island. There are two main ways to get to Anna Maria Island from the highway. The first is State Road 64, which turns into Manatee Avenue, and ends into Holmes Beach. The second way is to take State Road 70 west, turn right on 75th Street, and left on Cortez Road which ends at Bradenton Beach.
Bay Front Park
Bay Front Park is at the northeast end of Anna Maria Island. The water is usually calm. Since the beach is on the bay side the waves don’t usually get too rough, so this is an ideal place to take younger kids. There are some large trees right next to the beach, so shade is plentiful.
There is a small playground with swings and a jungle gym. Restrooms are available. There is also an outdoor shower station to wash off the sand before getting in the car.
Several pavilions are available for to reserve with a grill and picnic tables.
Just down the street is the Anna Maria Island Pier and Pine Street. The Pine Street area has restaurants, bicycle rentals, ice cream, and shops.
Farmer's Market
The farmers market is located across the street from Anna Maria Island Pier at the cross streets of Pine Ave and Bay Blvd. The farmers market is every Tuesday from 8:30am to 2pm.
Next to the farmers market there is a playground for the kids. The ground is covered with a blue rubber material to keep the kids from hurting themselves if they fall down.
Anna Maria City Pier
Taking a stroll on the pier is relaxing. You may get to see someone catching a fresh fish, cast netting, or even someone kite surfing.
Pine Avenue
Pine Ave runs
Gulf Dr and Bay Blvd. There are several places to shop, eat, or even rent a bicycle or golf cart! You might even want to try a tandem bicycle.
The Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum is also on Pine Ave. There is a trolley stop at the end of Pine Ave at the Anna Maria City Pier.
Rod And Reel Pier
Rod and Reel Pier is just north of Bayfront Park on North Shore Drive. This pier really has that old Florida charm. There is a restaurant on the pier. For a small fee you can fish off their pier. Contact information is in the link below.
Could you see yourself living here?
The various areas of Florida offer a distinctly different lifestyle from each other. Anna Maria Island is no exception. This area has that old Florida charm that carries a relaxed vacation vibe. There are some great memories to be made here. This a great family destination.
If you are interested in finding a home in this area, please register on the home page. I would be glad to help you find the right place for your family.
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