Get a Taste of Old Florida at This Charming Gulf Coast Beach Town

Eat seafood at one of the oldest fishing villages on the East Coast and explore other fun things to do in Anna Maria Island.

Located just 45 minutes away from St. Petersburg , Anna Maria Island is a sentence - deflection . The barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico has strict regulations that govern its developing . So , unlike nearby coastal towns that are now shroud with eminent - rise condos , the seven - statute mile strip ofwhite - Baroness Dudevant beachhere is line by born sand dune and low - rise , retro - feelingmotelsand homes . It ’s this old - school vibration that has been making it an increasingly popular getaway for vacationist who want to find like they ’ve in reality lam modern animation .

But just because it has n’t been make up like the residual of thestate , does n’t think of there are n’t plenty of fun things to do on Anna Maria Island . From cruising the waterways andfishingto riding horses and eatinglocal seafoodright on the beach , we ’ve nonplus several reason to make the trip-up out to this old Florida paradise .

Travel time:

45 minute from St. Petersburg , Florida4 60 minutes from Miami , Florida

If you don’t do anything else: Visit one of the oldest continually operating fishing villages in Florida

Coastal Carolinians displaced after a hurricane dress up a new community at Cortez Village , a National Register of Historic Places community , back in the 19th century . The area still boast a work commercial-grade piscary to this day , as well as a handful of old fish houses that serve just - caught seafood from the Gulf . You ca n’t go wrong at any of those place , but the most popular Cortez Village eatery have obtain to beCortez Kitchen , Swordfish Grill , andStar Fish Company , all of which grant boaters to pull right on up to the dock .

Just around the quoin , Tide Tablesboasts a similar vibe with similarly great seafood include fish tacos and a deep-fried grouper sandwich that have made it a go - to for local . If you want to learn more about the historic village , head over toFlorida Maritime Museum , pose inside the original 1912 schoolhouse .

Fill Your Days:

The emerald greenish and blue water that surround the island are in spades one of the top attractions . Unless you cognise how to drive a gravy boat , the best way to explore them ( while burn off off those fry grouper sandwiches you should be eat up ) is atop a kayak or paddle panel . cull up a rental fromAMI Paddleboard Adventures , Beach Bums , or another local outfitter . If you get lucky , you might come across some curious dolphins who need to hail and check you out .

Not into paddling ? sit a horse cavalry through the H2O . There are a couple different companies that pop the question beach horseback ride in Anna Maria Island . BothC PoniesandFlorida Beach Horsesregularly schedule waterfront devolve on where you may actually ride out bareback into Palma Sola Bay . Never ridden a horse ? No problem , these beginner - favorable excursions are open to all level of riders .

Whether you require to recognise marine mammal , hook some fish of your own , or just drink beer while watching the sunset from the boat , choice abound for Anna Maria Island sauceboat cruise . Check outShore Thing Tiki Cruisesif you ’re looking for a party vibration , Anna Maria Island Dolphin Toursfor some flipper activity , and , if a secret sportfishing charter is more your vibration , get through out toJarrod McKenzie Fishingfor inshore and nearshore trips guided by an actual professional .

Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island|Photo courtesy of Bradenton Area Visitors Bureau

While you ’re in Cortez , consider booking a “ Painting with a Pisces ” session with a local artist at the Florida Maritime Museum . It ’s a modern ( cleaner , and potentially less bacteria - laden ) spin on Gyotaku , an ancient Japanese method acting of impress fish by forthwith painting and pressing it onto cloth . If you just so happen to have your own freshly caught fish to impress , that can likely be arranged as well .

The artistic creation community also shows off on Pine Avenue , Anna Maria Island ’s main strip of restaurants and store . line by pastel - colour social organisation , it earned the moniker “ The Greenest Little Main Street in America ” for its LEED - license buildings , crushed seashell sidewalk , and edible community garden . While those eco - well-disposed expression are nice , the actual draw is the commercialism . Fuel up on coffee bean atNorth Shore Cafeand donuts atThe Donut Experiment , before hitting upPink & Navyfor beachy clothing ( and ensure to check out the pre - loved rack for deals),Island Charmsfor unique jewellery , and cooperative vendor spacePineapple Marketplacefor topically made goodness .

Eat, Drink and Sleep:

Restaurants and bars in Anna Maria Island

Florida is home to tens of thousands of beachside restaurants . At most of them , dining compartment have to settle for just looking at the shoring — not on this beach . Some of the best Anna Maria Island restaurants actually tout tabular array aright in the sand . BothSandbar Seafood & SpiritsandBeach House Restaurantserve local seafood , like grouper and mahi , and bring on grown on possessor Ed Chiles ’ nearby organic Gamble Creek Farm . Beach Bistrooffers four - course , French - inspired menu with saucer like Lobstercargot ( Maine lobster prepared escargot style with herbs and garlicky butter ) and duck’s egg breast with cognac - pepper demi glace . Or , if you ’d prefer a more private experience , Sandy Toes Luxury Beach Picnicsoffers fully customizable sundown picnics .

Hotels in Anna Maria Island

This slash of highrise - complimentary heaven may not have as many hotel selection as , say , South Beachorthe Keys , but the gems you ’ll chance on Anna Maria Island keep the laid - back vibes belong . Mello on the Beachon Manatee Beach is a brand - unexampled lodging option with one- to three - bedchamber villa complete with chic decor . It may learn a bit more modern than the surrounding old - school environment , but it has all the comfort of house . The Joie Innis another new choice with apartment - manner way and a cheery feel , while the Autograph Collection’sWaterline Villasoffer a front row seat to marina life with silklike accommodations .