Getting Around

Anna Maria Island

Navigating Anna Maria Island is easy with the FREE Island Trolley, which runs the length of the island. Trolleys typically arrive every 20 minutes until 9 PM and every 30 minutes until 10:30 PM. With 35 stops in each direction, you’re never far from a trolley stop, often located every two to four blocks. For schedules, download the myStop app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store for real-time updates.

You’ll also find numerous bike, golf cart, and buggy rental options. Beach Bums is conveniently located at the Anna Maria City Pier, while Robinhood Rentals and ZoomAround offer easy online bookings. Just 4 Fun Beach Rentals provides a variety of bicycles, and Better on Bikes features both electric and standard options.

For additional FREE ride options, consider the Monkey Bus, which operates on tips only. Their friendly drivers, all local residents, provide service from noon to 3 AM, seven days a week. In Bradenton Beach, the Old Town Tram offers free rides to Coquina Beach—just wave it down when you see it passing by. The tram stops at local public parking lots every 7-14 minutes, making it a convenient choice for beachgoers.

Bradenton

In Downtown Bradenton, Freebee provides a complimentary ride-sharing service. Simply use the Freebee app (available on Android and iOS) to book rides, track drivers, and discover local deals.

For broader transportation, Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) services the region, while rideshare options like Lyft and Uber are widely available, ensuring easy access throughout the area.

Bradenton Riverwalk Pier

The Riverwalk Pier is perfectly situated in the heart of Bradenton Riverwalk, an outstanding public park stretching over 2 miles along the Manatee River. With ample parking and easy access to downtown Bradenton, it’s your gateway to the Gulf Island Ferries.
 
A five-minute stroll west of the Pier takes you to downtown Bradenton, where you’ll discover an array of treasures rarely found in cities of similar size. Explore chef-owned restaurants, charming boutiques, a weekly farmers market, a cultural history museum and planetarium, and a vibrant arts district, all of which offer something for everyone.

Old Main Street, shaded by towering oak trees and lined with century-old buildings, offers a variety of dining options. For handmade pizza, visit Fav’s Italian Cucina for fresh, made-to-order pies. Next door, Jennings Downtown Provisions serves imaginative gastropub-style fare. O’Bricks Irish Pub & Martini Bar offers excellent cuisine and top-shelf martinis with plenty of outdoor dining space. Follow Old Main Street to the peaceful waterfront, where sailboats and yachts dock at the Twin Dolphin Marina. Here, you’ll find Oak & Stone on the rooftop of Springhill Suites, offering fresh seafood and stunning views of the Manatee River. Be sure to stop by Orange Blossom Coffee for a great place to fuel up with excellent coffee and treats.

For an upscale dining experience, the downtown Bradenton boasts several top-notch options. Chateau 13 on 13th Street in Downtown Bradenton offers an exquisite menu with fine wines and gourmet cuisine. Taverna Toscana in Bradenton serves authentic Italian dishes in a charming setting. Visit Craftails Speakeasy on Old Main Street for expertly crafted cocktails and a sophisticated atmosphere.

Don’t miss PIER 22 right on the Manatee River, known for its fresh seafood and spectacular sunset views over the water. These high-end dining spots provide the perfect setting for a memorable meal in the Bradenton Area.
 
Downtown Bradenton is perfect to a leisurely shopping trip, with many locally-owned boutiques, shops, and art galleries. On Old Main Street, you’ll discover clothing, apparel, and accessories for both men and women at The Stoked Flamingo and Pink & Navy. On Saturdays from October through May, the Bradenton Market brings over 100 unique vendors, artisans, and craftspeople to the oak-lined boulevard. If you prefer hidden gems and antiques, head over to Old Manatee and visit Segunda Vida, a second-hand store filled with unique treasures.

While on the Riverwalk, you’ll spot The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. This special place is home to the largest natural and cultural history museum on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Here, you can come face-to-face with a towering mastodon skeleton and fossils of Florida’s earliest animal inhabitants. Explore archaeological artifacts and other objects highlighting the area’s history. Don’t forget to visit the friendly manatees being rehabilitated for release in the Parker Manatee Aquarium, or experience an out-of-this-world star show in the Bishop Planetarium.

The Village of the Arts is an eclectic blend of early 20th-century bungalows, mid-century block homes and modern houses where artists live and create in their gallery spaces. Explore a vast assortment of art, including sculpture, painting, culinary arts, healing arts, and other specialty shops. Mark your calendars for ArtWalk on the first weekend of each month when The Village bursts with creativity. Many galleries open their doors during the week for the public to explore and enjoy, so be sure to check their websites for hours of operation.

Anna Maria City Pier

The iconic Anna Maria City Pier stands as a historic landmark, stretching over 700 feet into the shimmering waters of Tampa Bay. Visitors can enjoy incredible views of Anna Maria Sound and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, try their hand at fishing, or take a leisurely stroll down the pier. In addition to fishing, the pier houses The Mote Marine Science Education & Outreach Center, where guests can explore local marine life through hands-on exhibits and learn about research conducted by scientists at Mote Marine Laboratory.

A short stroll off the pier leads to Pine Avenue, extending westward toward the Gulf of Mexico. Self-proclaimed as the “Greenest Little Main Street in America,” this charming boulevard is lined with shops, eclectic boutiques, and cozy cafes. An unhurried walk down this half-mile stretch provides visitors with opportunities to experience unique offerings. From painting your own sand dollar at Shiny Fish Emporium to browsing island apparel at Island Cabana and Pink & Navy, you’ll find everything you need to bring a piece of the island home. Other notable stops include Olive Oil Outpost, Pineapple Marketplace, the General Store, and AMI Outfitters.

For those seeking a refreshing pick-me-up, a visit to North Shore Café is a must. This outdoor eatery serves food from a friendly to-go window, perfect for enjoying under the shade of palm trees (next to an Instagrammable mural). If you’re craving seafood, head to Sandbar Seafood & Spirits or The Waterfront for fresh, local dishes served with stunning waterfront views. To satisfy your sweet tooth, indulge in treats from DIPS Ice Cream, Two Scoops Ice Cream, The Donut Experiment, and Hometown Desserts—don’t miss their coconut key lime cake!

Dining options near the pier offer a delightful variety for every palate. For quick eats, Poppo’s Taqueria serves up fresh, vibrant tacos, while Pizza Social is perfect for pizza lovers craving a slice on the go. If you’re in the mood for something hearty, gRub and City Pier Grille provide delicious comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely meal or a quick snack, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.

For nature enthusiasts seeking a secluded stretch of sand, Bean Point provides a serene escape. From the pier, a relaxed 20-minute walk along the bay takes you to the northern tip of Anna Maria Island. If you time your visit with the tides, you might witness the stunning sight of the turquoise Gulf waters mingling with the tannic waters of Tampa Bay. With sweeping views stretching past Passage Key, you’ll find a peaceful shoreline that invites exploration.

Nearby, Bayfront Park in Anna Maria offers a quiet place to relax while watching dolphins swim by, with the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and Egmont Key visible in the distance. The park features benches along the water, as well as grills, picnic tables, and pavilions available for rent, making it perfect for gatherings. A standout aspect of the park is its playground, which is a hit with kids who need to burn off some extra energy. Bayfront Park is open from sunrise to 10 PM, making it a wonderful spot for a family picnic or a peaceful retreat amidst nature.

Historic Bridge Street

The Historic Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach is located near the southern end of Anna Maria Island, offering easy access to all the amenities of the barrier island. Upon disembarking the ferry, you’ll find yourself within walking distance of a variety of island-themed shops and boutiques, delightful pubs, unique restaurants, and the beach. But don’t limit yourself to Bridge Street—you can explore the entire island by boarding the free Island Trolley, which stops at all popular locations along the island.

Bridge Street boasts a variety of specialty boutiques and shops, offering everything you may need for a day on the beach. For local art and hidden gems, visit Back Alley Treasures, where you can enhance your shopping experience at their coffee and wine bar. For endless beach-themed home décor, check out Bridge Street Interiors. Next door, Sea-Renity Beach Spa & Bou-Tiki offers some personal pampering and special keepsakes.

With names like The Bridge Tender Inn, Daiquiri Deck and The Fudge Factory, you’re sure to have plenty of options for enjoying a refreshing a fun treat (kid-friendly or otherwise). For a drink with a view of the intracoastal waterway and the Cortez drawbridge, visit The Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar, where you can watch boats come and go from the fishing village of Cortez. For a true second-story “deck” experience, visit the Daiquiri Deck, where you can sip delightful daiquiris while taking in the spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico and Bridge Street below. The Fudge Factory is a delightful spot for sweets and kid-approved treats. They proudly offer the finest homemade fudge, ice cream, and chocolate, all crafted with care and tradition.

If you’re coming for the beaches, you won’t be disappointed—Cortez Beach is within walking distance of Bridge Street. With tranquil, emerald-colored waters and miles of powder-soft sand in either direction, families can enjoy the surf and sun under the watchful eye of lifeguards. Alternatively, you can catch a free ride to Coquina Beach at the southern tip of Anna Maria Island. There, you can grab a cocktail at the Coquina Beach Cafe and watch the sunset with your toes in the sand. Don’t forget to look for seashells, as Coquina Beach is famous for its stunning shell collections.