With it’s Old Florida feel, rustic charm, and gorgeous scenery, there’s no better place to spend a relaxing vacation than on Anna Maria Island. There’s plenty to do for everyone – from shopping to water sports and wildlife viewing to afternoons in ice cream parlors.
Whether it’s one week or two or even several months, you’ll never run out of things to do on and around the island. If you’ve already settled on an Anna Maria Island vacation, you may be wondering the best way to get to the island. Here are the most common routes.
Closest Airports
The Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport is a 20-minute drive from Anna Maria Island. Many vacationers opt to take a taxi, but you can also rent a car. Should you choose to drive yourself, take the University Parkway west to SR-41 North to SR-70 West. Follow this route for 15 minutes. Then, turn left onto Cortez Road before turning right on Gulf of Mexico Drive. Finally, turn right onto 6th Street North, and you will have arrived in paradise! Though Sarasota airport is certainly not a large one, numerous airlines operate out of it, and round-trip tickets can be purchased from most major American cities for less than $300.
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is the second closest airport, approximately an hour away, based outside of St. Petersburg. Follow the I-275 to Bradenton and from there, Manatee Avenue to Anna Maria Island. Tampa Bay International Airport is also a viable option, a little over an hour’s drive to the island. From both airports, you will find numerous transportation options to get you to the island, including Uber, car rentals, and shuttle services.
Driving from Tampa Bay
If you’re arriving from the Tampa Bay International Airport, take I-275 South to SR. 19 South, which you should follow to Bradenton. From there, turn West onto SR. 64 (Manatee Avenue) and follow it to the Gulf of Mexico. Then, turn left onto East Bay Drive, which turns into Gulf of Mexico Boulevard. Continue along this road for two miles and turn left at 6th Street North to arrive on the island.
Plan Your Visit
Anna Maria Island is an amazing vacation destination that is sure to fit all your needs. Look into booking one of our beautiful rental homes today!
Driving From Orlando
From Orlando, follow the I-4 East until you reach the outskirts of Tampa Bay. Get on I-75 N and proceed South. Turn right onto 97th Street E and take a left onto US-41. Pass through Palmetto into Bradenton and follow Manatee Avenue to the island. The trip should take about two hours, but you may decide to break it up with some fun stops along the way, such as Busch Gardens, a theme park in Tampa Bay.
Driving from Sarasota
From the center of Sarasota, there are two routes to get to Anna Maria Island, both about 40 minutes. You may follow US-301 into Bradenton or take the scenic route along the Gulf, across John Ringling Causeway to St. Armand’s Circle. Then, head North, past Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, through Lido Key to your destination.
Once You’re Here: How to Get Around
Anna Maria Island is only 7 miles long, so once you’re on the island, it’s not difficult to get around! The island is bike-friendly, providing many trails and bike rental opportunities. Best of all, a free trolley takes you from one end of the island to the other. The service runs daily every 20 minutes from 6 am to 10:30 pm. The trolley stops every two to four blocks, and stops are impossible to miss, each marked by a green sign with a picture of a trolley. Alternatively, you may choose to rent a Segway and tour the island alone or in a group. Whatever you decide, just know you’d need to have a car to sightsee!
Just as it’s easy to get around, it’s just as easy to find a great place to stay with our full range of Anna Maria Island rentals, including luxury, condo, waterfront, and pet-friendly rentals. By plane or car, Anna Maria Island is in a convenient location, and the memories you make will last a lifetime!