Anna Maria Island is a dazzling and relaxing island escape. It’s much quieter than other top Florida vacation destinations, such as Orlando and Miami. If you want to spend more time lounging out by the water and less time running through traffic to the biggest and loudest attractions in the state, this is the place for you.
So what can you get into with the whole family? We have some spectacular Anna Maria Island waterfront rentals and fortunately, you are never far from the excitement.
The Parks
Manatee County has plenty of places to play the day away. That’s a mouthful! Bayfront Park is one of the most exceptional parks on the island. It is at the northeastern tip and has spacious fields, a playground, and a forested picnic area. It is also very close to Anna Maria’s downtown area, with an assortment of shops and cafes.
Dining
Speaking of cafes, there are many restaurants for you and the family. There are some casual restaurants, such as the Rod and Reel Pier. You have the backdrop of the city pier and, of course, the splendid coastal waters.
There’s also the Sandbar Restaurant. While it isn’t fine dining, there are still some astonishing seafood dishes. The restaurant patio sits right on the sand, so you can playfully glide your toes in the white sands while enjoying some quality food.
Boat Dolphin Cruise
Anna Maria Island may be the dolphin capital of the world. If it isn’t official, it should be. Take a boat cruise into the water and spy for some local marine life. Anna Maria Island Boat Tours offers specific dolphin cruises. The small crew takes you to some top dolphin locales and even sparkling manatee coves.
The kids will love soaring through the waters on the lookout for some spectacular Florida marine life. They may even learn something!
Seasonal Events
You always have one seasonal event or another to enjoy. The island loves to celebrate the big holidays, like Easter and Halloween, with festively fun events.
Parasailing
For the adventurous family, there’s parasailing. Parasailing is actually rather easy. You don’t have to do much of anything as you glide in the sky while being towed by a boat. Parasail providers typically take up to three at a time in the air, with a maximum weight limit. You are strapped in while holding onto a large bar. You can see the brilliant island from the sky. You may even spot your selected Anna Maria rental home.
Ice Cream
Top off all the different Anna Maria Island things to do with a big bowl of ice cream. No island adventure is complete without a dash of cookie dough, cookies and cream, or old-fashioned vanilla. The kids can go crazy scanning the menu of Dips Ice Cream or enjoying the rustic ambiance of Small Town Creamery.
Plan Your Visit
We are a small team family-friendly vacation rental management company. Our vacation rentals and wonderful accommodations will ease you into the Anna Maria Island speed- slow, quiet, and soaked in gorgeous Gulf water views.
Everyone can get onboard with a bowl or cone of ice cream. There are about three different dedicated ice cream spots on the northern part of the island and another in the Holmes Beach area.