While checking out Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, you’ve probably wondered what the island looks like. Before you come to visit, having an idea of the geographic layout, as well as the island’s history, will help you get a feel for Anna Maria Island and its rich history and geographical features.
History
Today, Anna Maria Island is a laid-back tourist destination packed with shops and restaurants and lined with gorgeous rental properties. Of course, it hasn’t always been this way.
This island can be found just off Florida’s coast with the Gulf of Mexico lapping upon the western shore.
Anna Maria Island was once a fishing and hunting ground for local Indian tribes. It was originally discovered by Caloocan and Timucan Indian tribes and was later claimed by Spanish explorers in the name of the Crown. A few hundred years later, Madison Post came to the island and named it Anna (for his sister-in-law) and Maria (his wife). But it wasn’t until 1892 when George Emerson Bean became AMI’s first permanent resident. He began to develop it, and John Roser soon built the island’s first church. The island’s first school, Magnolia Avenue School, soon followed by the Anna Maria City Pier in 1911. Ten years later, the first bridge to the mainland was built.
Since then, the island has continuously grown. AMI has been used as a backdrop for films, which started in the late 1940s. In 1948, On an Island with You was filmed here by MGM. More recently, it was the setting for Bradenton native Thomas John Nudi’s 2016 Monty Comes Back.
Three Main Parts
There are three main parts of AMI. To the north is Anna Maria City. To the south is Bradenton Beach. Plopped in the center of the island is Holmes Beach. Each has something unique and special about it, including its own distinct atmosphere.
Bradenton Beach
You’ll find plenty of stunning Anna Maria Island waterfront properties in Bradenton Beach. Bradenton Beach is a small town with crisp white sands and a long strip of artsy shops along Pine Avenue, as well as the Anna Maria Historical Museum.
Bradenton Beach is easily explored by foot or bicycle. You can rent those, as well as paddleboards and kayaks, from Beach Bums, which is also on Pine Avenue.
Holmes Beach
Named for John E. Holmes, Sr. who developed the area after World War II, Holmes Beach is an entertainment hub. Charter a boat to take you fishing either inshore or nearshore. You can also book an Eco Tour with RippinLips Fishing Charters or go get a Swedish massage at Island Therapeutics.
Take a Segway tour throughout the city, then head on over to Manatee Beach. This public beach has soft, warm, white sand and amenities ranging from showers to volleyball courts. Head on over to one of the many local restaurants to end your day of fun.
Anna Maria City
At the northern end is Anna Maria City. It’s the most laid-back part of the island. The city is only 1 square mile in size, and about 21% of it is water. Beautiful Bean Point is the perfect place to relax after a walk along Anna Maria City Pier.
Hop on the free trolley then take a leisurely stroll through Historic Green Village. There are a bunch of quaint shops with cute and unique souvenirs.
Beaches
Manatee Public Beach is a family-friendly spot with plenty of sandy space. There are cafés and concessions near the beach, and the shops on Holmes Beach are close by.
Bean Point in Anna Maria is soothing and quiet, as it is a private beach. Visitors love taking picnics and watching the sunset over the Gulf.
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 Anna Maria Island pet-friendly rentals today!
Coquina Beach, situated along the southern tip of the island, is steeped in stunning Australian pine trees. There are a lot of shorebirds who nest here, and dolphins can sometimes be seen swimming just off the coast.
While booking your Anna Maria Island waterfront rentals, take a gander at some of the beautiful photos others have taken. This is what awaits you during your stay on historic Anna Maria Island. Contact us today for more information on our Anna Maria Island rentals!