Travel & Transit Tips 

Whether you’re coming from Orlando, Tampa, or Sarasota, the island is easily accessible via I-75, and the Manatee Avenue or Cortez Road bridges. Once you arrive, you can leave the car behind and embrace the island’s laid-back pace. Hop on the free Anna Maria Island Trolley for stress-free exploration or rent a bike or golf cart to cruise its charming streets and avenues. Catch a carefree and car-less ride on the Gulf Islands Ferry which takes riders between downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island via the Manatee River.  Riders can also take the open-air vessels from the north end of Anna Maria Island south to Historic Bridge Street Pier, where more shops, restaurants and fun await. No matter how you choose to get around this seven-mile island, the rides are as delightful as the destination itself. 

Start your day on the sweet side with your own customized donut at The Donut Experiment or on at the Anna Maria Island Beach Café, home of all-you-can-eat pancakes on the beach. The Cheesecake Cutie has cutest cheesecakes you can imagine and more. Ginny and Jane E’s serves up a cinnamon bun so large, you can’t wrap your head around it and Mademoiselle Paris French Restaurant and Bakery has award-winning baked treats. 

When it’s time for lunch or dinner, the choices are as flavorful as they are fresh. Enjoy some of the best Gulf seafood and impeccable service at The Waterfront Restaurant, a craft kitchen and bar where your chef-inspired meal is served with an unbeatable view of Tampa Bay. Make your own tasty memories at The Porch, located in one of the first homes built on the island. 

The Sandbar offers a stunning toes-in-the-sand dining experience. Eat clean at the Mission burrito-style eatery Poppo’s Taqueria or grab a slice from Pizza Social where the dough and sauce are made fresh daily. Raise a glass to your date at The Doctor’s Office, a cozy establishment with big flavors and a creative craft bar. Anna Maria Oyster Bar serves up fun on a plate while Chateau Anna Maria offers Italian-sized portions of French-inspired cuisine with a southern twist.  

Don’t forget to explore other gems like Wicked Cantina for casual and absolutely flavorful Tex-Mex fare, North Shore Cafe for your expertly crafted coffee concoctions and Instagram-worthy backdrops or relax with a beverage on the rooftop at Daiquiri Deck, renowned for their wide selection of frozen concoctions and stunning Gulf views.  
 
No matter where you dine, you’ll find that Anna Maria Island offers much more than just a meal—it offers an experience. 

If you’d prefer someone else to steer your ship, embark on an excursion with companies like Paradise Boat Tours and AMI Dolphin Tours, where your captain will guide your group to areas most likely to reveal magnificent manatees, playful dolphins, and other unique Gulf Coast wildlife.

For fishing enthusiasts, AMI Charters tailors adventures for both novice and expert anglers, or you can simply drop a line at the Bridge Street Pier, where the atmosphere is as relaxed as the locals. 

For some fun on the green, visit The Fish Hole on Historic Bridge Street. This family-owned miniature golf course features 18 holes of island-themed fun surrounded by lush foliage, and even a 3,000-gallon koi pond where you can feed the fish. 

With so many ways to play, Anna Maria Island invites you to create your perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. 

For a dose of culture, there are a variety of small galleries sprinkled across the island, where you’ll find everything from handmade keepsakes to unique island-inspired art. For a unique blend of locally made art and interesting home goods, check out Back Alley Treasures, where you’ll find the shop owners serving up handcrafted lattes and chai teas. Owned and operated by a local artist, the Artist Haven AMI is a shop and gallery offering unique handmade goods from over sixty different local artisans and artists. Find serenity at Cove, a treasure trove of creations from local artists along with ocean-inspired gifts. 
 
Many stores are family-owned, creating a welcoming environment that adds to the appeal of your shopping experience.  

Make your beach day a breeze by renting from local favorites like Beach Suites, AMI Cabanas, or My Beach Concierge—just bring yourself and a sense of fun. For lunch, order delivery from Scott’s Deli or have your favorite AMI restaurant delivered right to your beach chair with Island Eats Delivery. 
 
For a more serene experience, stroll between shady trees and driftwood on Greer Island, also affectionately known by locals as Beer Can Island. Though this quiet stretch of sand is on the northern tip of Longboat Key, you’ll have an unhindered view of the Gulf and the seven-mile stretch of Anna Maria Island. Work with a boat rental or charter company to access the beach the best way – by boat. Relax in the shade and enjoy watching the AP Bell Fishing Co. boats quietly navigate through the Longboat Pass drawbridge. Be sure to have your smartphone handy—sun-bleached driftwood makes for spectacular photos. 

As the day winds down, don’t miss the chance to witness the spectacular Gulf Coast sunset—an experience that visitors and locals treasure as a must-do daily ritual.