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March 29, 2024

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5 Fun Things to Do in Anna Maria Island, Florida

When your friends hear about your vacation destination, they’ll envy all the fun things to do in Anna Maria Island, Florida. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, the island is about 21 miles north of Sarasota, nine miles west of Bradenton.

If you only want to visit Anna Maria Island attractions, you don’t need a rental car. You can use the free trolley or rent a golf cart or bike to cruise around the island. Plus, there are tons of hot spots for singles, couples, and families. We’re sharing our top five vacation ideas!

1. Beach Lovers Paradise

2. Coquina Baywalk

3. Island Piers

4. Sunsets, Snorkeling, and Dolphins

5. Private Accommodations

Top Pick of Things to Do in Anna Maria Island, Florida

When selecting vacation islands, the things to do in Anna Maria Island, Florida, make choosing easy. The best way to experience the flow of nature is by booking one or more Key Dolphin Tours.

Our 2020 Regal 26 OXB luxury bowrider with a shaded lounge, restroom, and swim platform makes every private excursion a lap of luxury. Check our
tour options and book your tours today!

Don’t get bogged down in a hotel when staying in Anna Maria Island. You can enjoy a beach watch condo that sleeps four and has large windows offering views from the living, dining, kitchen, porch, and private beach.

Step up to the two-bedroom, two-bath condos at Anna Maria Island Beach Sands, offering heated pools and private beaches.

The Anna Maria Island Beach Waves accommodates up to six people in a two-bedroom, two-bath condo with a private beach, access to Bradenton Beach, and two balconies overlooking the pool.

Enjoy nature in motion by booking at least one Passage Key Dolphin Tour. These private, maximum-six-person tours navigate to the best viewing spots for manatees, bald eagles, ospreys, and dolphins.

Splash down on a snorkeling tour with beginner-level low waters or advanced snorkeling at Egmont Key and Fort Dade’s historical ruins.

Sunset tours take your private group of six or less on a two-hour narrated excursion featuring a majestic Gulf of Mexico sunset.

Visit piers to reel in fish and enjoy spectacular views. The 350-foot-long Rod and Reel Pier offers excellent angling. Satisfy your appetite at the Rod and Reel Pier Restaurant, serving fresh seafood.

The 700-foot-long
Anna Maria City Pier, built in the early 1900s, is a landmark and popular viewing spot for the Sunshine Skyway Bridge at sunrise and sunset.

Built in the 1920s, Bridge Steet Pier is home to the Anna Maria Oyster Bar, an island hot spot.

This less-than-mile-long attraction is among the most popular Anna Maria Island spots for families. Stroll through mangroves on the wooden boardwalk in Leffis Key Preserve. Observation platforms overlook Sarasota Bay.

Every Florida vacation includes at least one trip to the beach. Why stop there when Anna Maria Island gives you one for each day of the week?


  • Bayfront Park Beach: views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and Egmont Key
  • Bean Point Beach: low crowds
  • Bradenton Beach: a popular spot for sea shell picking
  • Coquina Beach: low crowds, surf, and small shells
  • Cortez Beach: about 2,000 feet of white sand beach
  • Holmes Beach: three miles of white beach
  • Manatee Public Beach: cabanas, restrooms, and showers


If you can’t resist grabbing a few seashells, the best selection is at Bradenton Beach and Coquina Beach.

Our Blog

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Deciding between Anna Maria Island and Siesta Key? This guide compares beaches, activities, wildlife, and more to help you choose the perfect Florida destination for your next getaway.
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Discover the best times of the year to see dolphins near Passage Key. Plan your unforgettable wildlife experience with tips on the perfect seasons!
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Explore the beauty of Egmont Key near Anna Maria Island! Learn its history, ferry rides, and snorkelling spots. Plan your visit with essential tips today!
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Experience dolphins like never before with a private tour near Anna Maria Island! Enjoy exclusive access to hidden wildlife hotspots, personalized itineraries, and unforgettable memories without the crowds. Book your adventure today!
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Discover Anna Maria Island’s resilience after recent hurricanes! Get updates on beach restoration, local businesses, and why now is a great time to visit.
Passage Key Dolphin Tours
February 11, 2025
10 reasons Why Passage Key Dolphin Tours is the perfect spring break adventure—dolphins, crystal-clear waters, and unforgettable memories!
a dolphin jumping out of the ocean waters
January 23, 2025
Take the ultimate dolphin quiz to see and test your knowledge about these creatures! Discover interesting facts about dolphins near Anna Maria Island.
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January 15, 2025
Discover the magic of sunset cruises around Anna Maria Island. Enjoy breathtaking beach and Gulf of Mexico views in Florida and spot dolphins.
A dolphin jumps out of the water
December 27, 2024
Discover the best spots to watch dolphins on Anna Maria Island, including Bean Point and Coquina Beach. Learn about boat tours, tips for unforgettable sightings, and why dolphin watching is a must-do adventure!
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