When you’re planning your trip to Anna Maria Island, Florida, there are so many things you’ll want to add to your itinerary besides just beach days. While the white sand beaches and turquoise water are what you might have initially fallen in love with, the real charm of the island comes from experiencing it like a local.
From local coffee spots and hidden gem breakfast places to live music, fresh seafood, and fun ways to explore the island, there’s so much more to discover during your stay. Whether it’s your first trip to Anna Maria Island or you’re coming back for another visit, here are some of our favorite local spots to eat, shop, explore, and enjoy while living like a true island local.
And honestly, there’s no better place to start than breakfast:
Start Your Morning Like a Local in Anna Maria Island
1. Grab Coffee from The Jo
Before you head to the beach, stop by The Jo Coffee Truck. It’s a cute mobile coffee trailer located at the Smoqehouse in Bradenton Beach. Grab a signature latte, a quick bite, or both before you start your day. Be sure to stop by early. They’re open from 7:45-10:45 am or until they sell out!
2. Breakfast at Ginny & Jane E’s Bakery
Ginny & Jane E’s is a unique, quirky, and delicious breakfast spot. They’re known for fresh-baked pastries (must try their cinnamon buns!), breakfast, and a funky collection of handmade bracelets and necklaces, custom t-shirts, and other items in their store. Wander through after you eat or while you wait!
Can’t make it for breakfast? Check out their lunch menu!
3. All-You-Can-Eat Pancakes at Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe
Yes, the pancakes are really all-you-can-eat. Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe is right on the beach, so you can have breakfast with a Gulf view and your toes in the sand.
When you arrive, order at the main windows and grab your token. This token gives you an initial plate with three pancakes and two sausage patties, and you can return for as many pancake refills as you can eat!
Unique Experiences on Anna Maria Island You’ll Talk About After Your Trip
4. Take a Clear Glass Kayak Tour at Night
For something different, book a clear kayak tour or an LED night glass-bottom tour. You’ll paddle through the water and may see different marine life like manatees, dolphins, conch, and more, depending on the tour!
If you’re going on a tour during the day, don’t forget your sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The Florida sun can be strong, especially out on the water. And if you book a nighttime tour, definitely bring bug spray and wear quick-drying clothing since many of the tours paddle through mangroves and shallow coastal areas.
5. Visit the Anna Maria Island Jail
The old Anna Maria City Jail is one of those quick, quirky stops that’s perfect for a photo. It’s located right in the middle of Pine Ave, surrounded by shops and restaurants. Originally built in 1927, you can walk through the jail, the Belle Haven Historic Cottage, and the museum, which was constructed in 1920 as an icehouse!
It’s an easy little stop to add into your day while exploring Pine Ave. Whether you’re walking around shopping, grabbing lunch nearby, or just taking your time exploring the north end of Anna Maria Island, it’s one of those fun local spots that helps you experience a little piece of old island history along the way.
6. Paint Sand Dollars at Shiny Fish Emporium
If you have kids, a rainy day, or just want a cute souvenir, stop by Shiny Fish Emporium. It’s a fun little shop on Pine Avenue with coastal gifts, toys, island finds, and painted sand dollars.
Anna Maria Island Local Shopping
7. Visit Island Fresh Market AMI Instead of Publix (or both!)
If you’re staying in a vacation rental, Island Fresh Market is such a good local stop for fresh seafood, local produce, and locally sourced products. and easy stop-and-go vacation meals.
If you’re staying longer and need a full grocery haul, Publix is the only major chain grocery store directly on Anna Maria Island and a great option for stocking up your vacation home for the week.
Helpful vacation tip: order groceries to your rental before you arrive. That way, you can check in, unpack, and head straight to the beach instead of spending your first day grocery shopping. Need recommendations for local grocery delivery services? Give us a call, we have a few trusted local companies we love recommending to our guests!
8. Stop by West Coast Surf Shop Before the Beach
Forgot sunscreen, sandals, a swimsuit, or beach gear? Stop by West Coast Surf Shop, located just steps from the beach, is family-owned and operated since 1964, and is a classic AMI stop for all things surf and swim.
The Best Ways to Get Around Anna Maria Island, Florida
9. Rent a Golf Cart or Moke from Beach Bums
A golf cart just makes everything more fun, and honestly, easier too. Beach Bums offers golf carts, bikes, beach supplies, and more for exploring Anna Maria Island.
Looking to upgrade your ride a little? Check out their Mokes, a small, open-air vehicle that resembles a jeep, or one of their themed golf carts to ride in island style.
It’s one of the easiest ways to explore the island without feeling stuck in a car, especially during the busy season when parking can get tight near the beaches, shops, and restaurants. Golf carts make hopping around AMI way more convenient (and way more fun).
10. Take the Free Anna Maria Island Trolley
Yes, you read that right, FREE! The Anna Maria Island Trolley is completely free and has 9 stops from Coquina Beach to the Anna Maria Island City Pier.
The trolley runs from 6:00 am to 10:30 pm seven days a week, 365 days a year! It’s a great option if you don’t want to deal with parking or want to enjoy a few drinks without worrying about driving or finding a ride-share (very limited on the island!).
11. Ride the Monkey Bus
The Monkey Bus is one of those only-on-AMI experiences. It’s a fun, casual way to hop around the island, Cortez, or Palma Sola Causeway, and yes, the ride is part of the experience.
For $5 per person (and kids 10 and under are free!), they’ll pick you up and bring you right where you want to go. It’s a little more convenient than the trolley since there’s less walking involved and you’re not limited to trolley stops or set routes.
Hidden Gems in Anna Maria Island Most Visitors Miss
12. Watch Live Music at The Trap Yard Bar
If you’re looking for a fun spot to end your beach day, head over to The Trap Yard Bar for live music, hand-crafted cottage cocktails, beer, and wine.
Located right outside Blue Marlin Seafood, this outdoor shell yard feels like a hidden little oasis tucked right off busy Bridge Street. With a stage for live bands and first-come, first-served seating, you’ll definitely want to stay awhile. And if you’re planning dinner too, you can make a reservation on the patio to enjoy some of the freshest seafood on the island while listening to the music outside.
13. Catch the Sunset at Bean Point
There’s really no bad spot to catch the sunset, but we always recommend this spot to our guests. Bean Point is on the north end of Anna Maria Island and is one of the best sunset spots on the island. It’s private and unobstructed, so you can grab some chairs or a towel and watch the sun slowly disappear into the Gulf.
Parking can be limited, so go early or walk/bike if you’re staying nearby.
14. Explore Historic Cortez Fishing Village
If you want to step back in time, take a short drive over to Cortez Historic Fishing Village, one of the last remaining active commercial fishing villages in the state of Florida. Grab some lunch at Star Fish Company, Swordfish Grill, or Tide Tables for fresh, local seafood on the water.
Other places to enjoy in Cortez are the Fox Mercantile, a newer shop that serves coffee and sells a curated collection of island goods, or stop by Tyler’s Homemade Ice Cream for ice cream before heading back to the island.
If you love local history, the Florida Maritime Museum is also worth visiting and gives a glimpse into Cortez’s deep fishing heritage and old Florida roots.
And if you happen to be visiting in February, the Cortez Seafood Festival is a must. People come from all over the country to experience this longtime local tradition filled with fresh seafood, live music, and local vendors.
Where to Stay in Anna Maria Island, Florida
If you want the full AMI experience, staying in a vacation rental is the way to go. You’ll have more space, a kitchen for easy beach-day meals, room for the whole family (bring your pets!), and a more local feel than a hotel.
Mike Norman Realty offers Anna Maria Island vacation rentals across the island, from walkable beach cottages to larger family homes and waterfront stays. Book direct for a more local experience from start to finish.
Plan Your Visit
Escape to paradise with our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals and experience the charm of this beautiful Gulf Coast destination. Browse our selection and book with Mike Norman Realty today for your perfect island getaway.