Take a Journey to Anna Maria Island

Need just a little coastal remedy? Escape the chilly and fly direct from Springfield, Missouri to Tampa, Florida, the place close by seashores abound. We did simply that on a whim one current winter. Within two weeks of reserving our journey, we arrived on Anna Maria Island, a 7-mile slice of heaven with an Old Florida soul.

A buddy who’d gone there for years had urged us to offer it a strive, and he was proper: We had been totally charmed. You received’t discover go-karts and amusement parks there. Its regionally owned retailers and eating places, low-profile buildings, attractive seashores, gorgeous sunsets and slow-paced vibe match our journey fashion. It was the proper getaway for enjoyable and exploring.

Go Local

The 7-mile barrier island is split into three municipalities. The city of Anna Maria, the place we stayed, is at its northern tip, Holmes Beach includes the central island space, and Bradenton Beach is on the southern finish.

We loved the historic Anna Maria for its low-key neighborly vibe (though many neighborhood streets are lined with million-dollar houses). Once a small fishing village, the city appears to thrive on small native companies. If you like quiet walks on the seashore, pleasant native eating, boutique procuring and neighborhood bars, it’s arduous to beat the island’s namesake berg.

A two-block stroll from our west-side rental led to a piece of seashore close to the Sandbar Restaurant, a preferred spot the place meals and spirits may be loved with sundown views from the festive patio. Nearly every single day, we loved strolling the shore the place sand {dollars} and shells had been simple to identify.

My favourite little bit of seashore is Bean Point, a large expanse of sand the place extra seabirds gathered most days than folks. Reach it by strolling north alongside the Anna Maria seashore, or by way of a neighborhood walkway on the island’s northern tip. Neighborhood parking is scarce there, so put together to stroll, experience a motorcycle or arrive early.

The city has loads of walkable, native eating places, or choose up deli sandwiches on the Anna Maria General Store on Pine Avenue. In the temper for leisure? Take in a present by the native Island Players.

Walking Pine Avenue was a favourite early morning ritual so I might {photograph} the dawn close to the Anna Maria City Pier (nonetheless lacking its walkway after the 2024 hurricanes). Considered the city’s “main street,” Pine is residence to historic buildings, quaint retailers, eating experiences and some leases. Stop by the tiny Anna Maria Island Historical Museum, which now contains a hurricane exhibit. Nearby, wander by way of the humorous Old City Jail (no roof, no doorways, no bars) and the Belle Haven Historic Cottage (cir. 1920).

One day, we rented bikes and headed for Holmes Beach, which has the most important year-round inhabitants at roughly 3,000. Known for its mixture of residential and trip properties, eating places and retailers, it’s additionally residence to the favored Manatee Beach, which teems with weekend exercise.

With so many fairly views and locations to walk or experience, you may spend your whole time in and round Anna Maria.