Visit the Anna Maria Island Piers

As far as Anna Maria Island attractions go, piers are pretty high up in the list of things to do. The area has plenty of outdoor activities for you and your family to enjoy. Take a swim on Anna Maria Island’s white-sand beaches, watch for wildlife, go fishing, and enjoy the saturated splash of color that warms the sky every night.

The best place to enjoy all of these activities is on one of the three Anna Maria Island piers. The island has three main piers, two in the north and one in the south, each one is a little different and conveniently located near our vacation rentals on Anna Maria Island.

pier at sunset
Photo from Pixabay

Anna Maria City Pier

The 700-foot Anna Maria City Pier was built in 1911 and has been an island landmark since then. It has survived a number of hurricanes, most recently Irma in September 2017. Reconstruction of the Pier is expected to take place this year and continue into 2019 and be completed by the December 2019.

The reconstruction project will include $1.5 million of county resort tax funds and $1.7 million from FEMA for a total of $3.2 million to fully reconstruct the pier. Another $1.3 million will be dedicated to the reconstruction of a brand-new bait shop and restaurant.

Once completed, it will be the highlight of the northern end of Anna Maria Island as it once was, but with new amenities.

Its convenient location near the attractions of Pine Avenue and trolley stop nearby make it a top destination.

When the pier is up and running, it’s a social hub for locals and visitors to Anna Maria Island alike. It has a restaurant and bait shop right on it, making it the perfect place to grab an ice cream, spend a few hours fishing, or watch pelicans dive for their catch.

The pier is nearby Anna Maria Island attractions, including historic sites, beach rentals, and the lovely Bayfront Park. Located at 100 S. Bay Blvd., the pier is surrounded by water on all sides with incredible views of the surrounding ocean.

Bridge Street Pier

This quaint pier at the end of historic Bridge Street will remind you of simpler times. In fact, this pier was once a bridge, and the only way to get onto Anna Maria Island.

Located just beyond the southern access road from Cortez Village on the mainland, the Bridge Street Pier is now at the heart of a historic district. Shops, restaurants, historic buildings, and many other Anna Maria Island activities line the streets of this area.

Take a walk down this white-painted bridge, observe the historic clock tower, and wait for the sun to go down. Kids will love dangling a rod over the side of the bridge into the water below. Keep your eyes peeled for manatees paddling around the end of the pier.

The Bridge Street Pier is located at 200 Bridge St. in Bradenton Beach.

Rod and Reel Pier Anna Maria Island

The Rod & Reel Pier

The Rod & Reel Pier is 350 feet long and remains open today on Anna Maria Island, stretching out over the Gulf waters at the north end of the island.

It plays host to an excellent restaurant that serves up delicious seafood-oriented pub grub right over the ocean. They are well known for their crab cakes, grouper fish, and seafood omelet for breakfast – but don’t fill up too much on the main course. They make a heavenly Key Lime Pie, a Florida staple.

If you’re not on this pier for the Anna Maria Island seafood, you’re here for the great pier fishing it offers. Of all Anna Maria Island piers, this might be the best for reeling in a good catch. Catch snook, catfish, crab, and much more while dangling your legs over the clear blue waters. Don’t be surprised to see a pod of dolphins swimming by.

Pier fishing here costs about $2 per person; pole rentals and bait are also available at an additional cost.

The Rod & Reel Pier and Restaurant are located at the top of the island at 875 N. Shore Dr. in the city of Anna Maria.

Plan Your Visit

Enjoy island living for a week, two, or more. Call us today at (941) 778-6696 for information about our vacation rentals, amenities, and how close they are to these Anna Maria Island piers.

When you stay at Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy colorful sunsets, pier fishing, wildlife viewing, and everything else that Anna Maria Island piers have to offer.