Anna Maria Island sits seven miles off the Bradenton coast, connected by a causeway, and it operates at a speed that the rest of Florida has mostly forgotten. No chain restaurants, no high-rises, no parking garages — just barrier island streets, Gulf views, and the kind of seafood that doesn’t need a menu the size of a novel to convince you to order it.
If you’re staying at one of our Bradenton homes — both are within twelve minutes of the island — here’s how to spend your days.
The Beaches
Bean Point, at the northern tip of the island, is the best beach on AMI for watching the sun drop into the Gulf. It’s a short walk from any parking area on the north end, and crowds are lighter than at the public beach access points farther south. Coquina Beach, at the south end, has more amenities — parking, restrooms, a snack bar — and is good for families who need all of that. Both have the same sugar-sand Gulf water. Neither requires a cover charge or a wristband.
Cortez Village
On the mainland side of the causeway, the historic fishing village of Cortez is worth an hour of your time. It’s one of the last working commercial fishing villages on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Walk around, watch the boats, buy stone crab claws from a dock-side seller when they’re in season (October through May), and eat at the Cortez Kitchen if it’s open. It’s the opposite of a tourist attraction.
Where to Eat on the Island
Skinny’s Place for a fast, honest breakfast — no frills, but they’ve been at it since 1946. Beach Bistro for a special-occasion dinner; it’s expensive and earns it. The Sandbar Restaurant at the south end of the island has the best Gulf view from a table, and if you time it right, the sun sets directly into your wine glass.
What to Do Beyond the Beach
Rent kayaks or paddleboards from any number of outfitters near Bridge Street. The backwater channels between the island and the mainland are calm, clear, and full of manatees and dolphins between November and March. De Soto National Memorial, just north of Bradenton, is a quiet park with a good trail along the mangroves and almost no crowds.
IMG Academy Events
If you’re in town for a tournament at IMG Academy — our second Bradenton home sleeps ten and is specifically popular with sports families — check the IMG events calendar in advance. During busy tournament weekends, the causeway to AMI gets backed up by early afternoon, so plan beach days for the morning and leave evenings for the island’s restaurants.
Both our Bradenton homes have heated pools and game rooms, so rainy afternoons sort themselves out. Check availability and let Bill or Heather know what’s on your agenda — they’ll point you where to go based on exactly what your group needs.
