Best Area Attractions within a 30 Minute Drive of Anna Maria Island

Florida vacationers looking for incredible hiking trails, glorious views of the Gulf of Mexico, and sandy-white beaches could do no better than staying in a rental on Anna Maria Island.

But what helps make the island so special is all the things to do within a 30-minute drive. You can stay at any of the beachside vacation rentals on Anna Maria Island while taking a cozy afternoon or day trip to some of the area’s top attractions.

Below are four of the top attractions in the area, including some nearby in Bradenton, further south towards Longboat Key, or in Sarasota.

South Florida Museum

South Florida Museum

Location: 201 10th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205

Covering the prehistoric to the present, the South Florida Museum in Bradenton is a celebration of everything that has made the gulf coast of Florida so rich and rewarding to so many people. The museum covers the Native Americans of the area and the enthralling stories of European expansion.

The museum is also home to the Bishop Planetarium as well as the Parker Manatee Aquarium. See manatees close up, soak in the stars, and educate the whole family at this versatile top attraction.

The South Florida Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The museum is closed on Mondays. Contact (941) 746-4131 for specific details.

It’s just about a 20-minute drive east of our Anna Maria Island rentals.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens

Location: 3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234

In North Sarasota, about 20 miles from Anna Maria Island, you can find one of the area’s top attractions. The Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a treat for everyone.

This family-friendly adventure will take you through rich tropical settings, featuring glowing pink flamingos in authentic marshlands and Reptile World, an unnerving exhibit filled with snakes, turtles, and frogs of all kinds.

Take a stop at the Butterfly Gardens for a nice complement to the reptile room, and don’t forget to spend an hour (or a few minutes) at the Alligator and Crocodile Exhibits.

The gardens are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Contact them at (941) 355-5305 for special arrangements, holiday hours, entry costs, and other information.

Manatee Village Historical Park

Manatee Village Historical Park

Location: 1404 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208

Take a trip back in time to some of the oldest classrooms in the country. The Manatee Village Historical Park takes eager adventurers back to the arrival of the European settlers in Sarasota in this rich and educational local institution.

Learn about clothing creation, how the settlers made weapons, what they ate and how the food was prepared, and all the other fascinating details that add context to your own life.

This landmark site is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day. It is about a 20-minute drive from the island straight east on FL-64 E.

Anna Maria Island may seem isolated from the world in its own quiet little universe, but it is located alongside near incredible attractions in Bradenton, Sarasota, and Longboat Key.

The above attractions are also near some highly sought-after Anna Maria Island homes for sale, within acclaimed and popular local neighborhoods.

So, stay at any of our top beachside vacation rentals on Anna Maria Island and explore every little aspect of this wonderful laid-back region that has become increasingly popular in recent years, for relocation, home buying and vacation of course.

Plan Your Stay

Contact us at (941)-778-6696 for more on vacation rentals or the latest news on Anna Maria Island real estate.