The best things about Anna Maria Island are free, which is why so many people come here. The sunsets are free, the sunshine is free, and the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico are free. You won't feel like doing much once you get that pure white sand between your toes, but that isn't to say you shouldn't make the most of your stay. So here is our guide to the best sandy spots, shady trees and cool water.
Piers
No vacation to Anna Maria Island is complete without a wander along one or all of the four piers jutting out into the pure blue waters surrounding the island. However, only one dips its foundations into the Gulf's waters which is what makes the one at Manatee County public beach so unique. It might be a little basic, but it's a brilliant spot to watch the sun go down on another day in paradise.
Of the other, bay-side piers, the Rod n Reel is a great spot to enjoy a cold beer and enjoy some simple but delicious food as you watch the pier rats try to haul in the catch of the day. Anna Maria City Pier is much bigger and can get a little crowded (could be something to do with the fact that it's free to fish) but the restaurant is popular with locals and again it has nice views of the Skyway.
Bradenton Beach City Pier is bigger still, with plenty of room to wander out and watch the boats sail by and under the Manatee Bridge as you relax on one of the swing chairs. Rotten Ralphs restaurant is open all day for filling food if you get hungry doing all that.
Beaches
With Anna Maria Island being one long beach on the Gulf side, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to places to enjoy the surf to yourself. Hardly surprisingly, the quietest spots tend to be those out-of-the-way places where parking is awkward.
Bean Point at the northern tip of the island is a fantastic spot to enjoy an evening stroll among the dunes and gently swaying sea oats. You will need to park in one of the residential roads up around North Bay Blvd or North Shore Drive and walk through the paths to the beach, but it's well worth the effort.
Coquina Park is another great spot, away from the crowds, right at the other end of the island. There is parking just off Gulf Drive South, before you hit the bridge over Longboat Pass, and it is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the quiet. It's also a great area for birdwatching and keeping an eye out for pods of dolphins as they make their way from the bay to the sea.
For a slightly different view of things, try Bayfront Park in the north-east of the island, between the Rod n Reel and City piers. It's a lovely wide open space, with room enough for the kids to run around, some picnic tables and benches and is an ideal place to watch the boats travel to and fro in Anna Maria Sound under some shady trees.
But, if it's sand and sun you've come for, the whole seven miles of sand are yours to enjoy. Or, if you want to take home a memento of your visit in the form of a shell, some of the best spots to adopt the Anna Maria Stoop are found at either extreme of the island, again away from the main parking areas.
Fishing
What could be more relaxing than spending a day attempting to catch dinner? With the sun shining, a cold drink in your hand, and some good company, you probably won't care whether the big one gets away, so long as you're taking it easy.
A lot of folks head for the three bay-side piers for the simple fact that you don't need a licence and there is a ready supply of bait on hand (although it tends to be on the pricey side). Alternatively you could grab some shrimp from any of the bait shops on the island and head over to the pier on Manatee County public beach, where people fish out of holiday season with some success.
You can also fish from the beaches, but remember to check for regulations as they tend to change quite often. For the most up-to-date advice go to http://www.MyFlorida.com/fwc or call 1(888) Fish-Florida. There are plenty of charter captains who will take you out, but you might want to give Captain Mike a call first. He's a pretty laid-back guy but he'll put you over the fish. Call him on 941-778-1404 to see if he can fit you in.
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