Best Places To Dine And Watch The Sunset On Anna Maria Island

Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two, a family outing, or a night on the town with the girls, an evening out during your stay in an Anna Maria Island vacation rental is bound to include two things: great seafood and even better sunsets.

Anna Maria Island is one of the best places to catch an incredible sunset while you enjoy the catch of the day. The island’s chefs strive to use fresh, local ingredients, focusing on traditional Floridian seafood with an occasional modern twist.

Here’s a short guide on where to watch the sunset at Anna Maria Island restaurants – be sure to grab a seat on the patio or deck.

Rod & Reel Pier and Restaurant

There’s no better place to get a panoramic sunset view of Anna Maria Island sunsets than at the Rod & Reel Pier.

This Old Florida-style seafood shack will take you back a few decades to a simpler time. The restaurant is located at the end of a long stretch of the pier jutting out from the northern tip of Anna Maria Island.

Watch the sun go down over the Gulf of Mexico to the west and a glorious view of Tampa Bay’s famous Skyway Bridge.

The Rod & Reel serves up pub-style grub from the sea and other American classics. The restaurant is located at 875 N. Shore Dr., Anna Maria.

Sandbar Restaurant

If you’re wondering where to watch the sunset at the beach, we have the answer. The Sandbar Restaurant is located on the north end of Anna Maria Island, and is one of the island’s top-rated restaurants.

It’s located right on the beach, making it one of the best places to watch the sun go down. Dig your toes in the sand and enjoy some of the island’s finest seafood. Watch the sky burst with orange, pink, and red, as the palm trees become silhouettes against the dusky sky.

The Sandbar is located at 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria

Beach Bistro

Date night is Beach Bistro’s specialty – what better than floor-to-ceiling windows, a large patio, and a sunset to complement a fine dining atmosphere?

Beach Bistro is located in bustling Holmes Beach, midway down the island. The food here is as much a treat for the palate as the view is for the eyes. This restaurant does local seafood very well, and focuses on bringing fresh and, when possible, local and organic ingredients to the table.

Visit Beach Bistro at 6600 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach. The dress code is smart casual to formal.

Gulf Drive Cafe

Located just north of the Cortez Bridge to the mainland, Gulf Drive Café is a casual restaurant and tiki bar located right on the beach.

It has a long line of chairs along the bar, high-top tables, and picnic tables with thatched tiki umbrellas, you’ll be in the mood for a piña colada in no time. Watch the sun dip down over the horizon while you enjoy happy hour drinks paired with pub food.

The café is located at 900 Gulf Dr., Bradenton Beach.

Beach House Restaurant

Beach House Restaurant’s elegant, raised deck with dark stained wood tables and railing offers a rustic-elegant place to dine and watch Anna Maria Island sunset. This spot is less formal than the fine dining upscale atmosphere of the Beach Bistro but offers moderate prices and a lovely modern interior.

This restaurant sits right on the beach, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Unsurprisingly, its menu consists largely of seafood, though it does have a large selection of sandwiches, too. Chow down on some of Florida’s best fresh catches at one of the island’s waterfront mainstays.

The Beach House Restaurant is located 200 Gulf Dr., Bradenton Beach, just opposed the Cortez Bridge.

Plan Your Visit

Catching the incredible AMI sunset is a must during your beach vacation to our charming beach community. Book your stay today!

Beach sunset viewing doesn’t have to start and end with the restaurants – also make it a part of your daily routine while staying in an Anna Maria Island beachfront rental.

For more information on sunset dining on the island, give us a call today. We can offer invaluable information about some of the best Anna Maria Island vacation rentals close to some of the best Gulf sunset views in the world.