You can drive to Anna Maria Island using any of the three bridges connecting the island with the Florida mainland and the neighboring islands. The most common route is via State Road 64 (also known as Manatee Avenue), which crosses via the Anna Maria Island Bridge. If you’re coming from the south, use State Road 789 (Gulf Drive), which carries you across the Longboat Pass Bridge. A third option is to travel from Cortez via the Cortez Bridge, which brings you onto the island ar Bradenton Beach. Whichever route you choose, your final destination will be the picture-perfect Anna Maria Island.
Anna Maria Island is located on the west coast of Florida, USA. It is situated in the Gulf of Mexico, just south of Tampa Bay and west of Bradenton. It’s approximately 7 miles long and spans around 1 mile in width at its widest point. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, charming small-town atmosphere and stunning sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.
Anna Maria’s proximity to the mainland and the city of Tampa means you won’t find a shortage of travel options to the island. All of the different travel options are as follows.
Anna Maria is well served with several road connections to the mainland. The following road connections are available to you:
From | To | Road | Bridge |
West Bradenton | Anna Maria Island | SR-64 (Manatee Avenue) | Anna Maria Island Bridge |
Cortez | Anna Maria Island | SR-694 (Cortez Road) | Cortez Bridge |
Longboat Key | Anna Maria Island | SR-789 (Gulf Drive) | Longboat Pass Bridge |
No road connections to Anna Maria Island incur tolls, so you should select your crossing based on your starting point. During the height of the tourist season, all crossings can get busy during peak times, which include weekends and public holidays.
If you don’t have your own vehicle, there are several private and public buses to and from the island. Once you’re on the island, you can also make use of the free Island Trolley which travels around the island from 6 am to 10:30 pm daily.
Anna Maria’s close proximity to the mainland and good road connections means there’s no need for a direct ferry service. Some visitors to the island choose to travel there via private boat, although there are limited boat moorings available. Slips can be rented at many marinas, including Bradenton Beach Marina and Keyes Marina.
Given the island’s small size, it won’t be surprising to discover that Anna Maria Island does not have an airport. The closest major airports to Anna Maria Island are Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) and Tampa International Airport (TPA). Both airports have extensive flight links to cities within the U.S. and major cities in North America and Europe.
You can rent a car from either of these airports or arrange ground transportation to reach Anna Maria Island. The drive from either of these airports to Anna Maria Island is approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic and the time of day you’re traveling.
Despite its small size, Anna Maria Island offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do on the island:
Hit the Beach: The island is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches. Most visitors spend their days swimming, relaxing, and exploring the beaches.
Water Sports: There are plenty of water activities available, such as kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing, parasailing, and fishing. The calm Gulf waters provide the perfect conditions.
Shop and Dine: The island has many boutiques, art galleries, and unique shops. There are also numerous restaurants and cafes to enjoy fresh seafood and spectacular views.
Historic Anna Maria City Pier: This historic wooden pier offers great views of Tampa Bay and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. It’s a popular spot for fishing and enjoying the ocean breeze.
Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum: Learn about the island’s history at this small museum, which offers insights into the early settlers and the island’s development over time.
Sunset Watching: Don’t miss the breathtaking sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. Several beachfront spots are perfect for capturing the beauty of the setting sun.
Boat Tours: Boar tours are one of the best ways to see the island and the surrounding areas. Most tours incorporate dolphin watching, snorkeling, and shelling excursions.
Visit Nearby Parks: Explore nearby natural parks like Robinson Preserve and De Soto National Memorial for hiking, birdwatching and experiencing the native flora and fauna.
The best time to visit Anna Maria Island is from late April to early June. During this period, the weather is pleasantly warm, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit. The crowds of Snowbirds from the peak winter tourist season have diminished, allowing you to enjoy the island’s attractions, beaches, and restaurants without the usual congestion. Spring blooms are on full display, adding vibrancy to the landscapes. Outdoor activities such as beach walks and water sports are enjoyable due to the comfortable temperatures.
Another great time to visit is from late September to early November. During this period, the temperatures remain warm (mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit), and the humidity decreases, providing more comfortable conditions. The island is less crowded as it’s considered the off-peak season. Accommodation costs are also more budget-friendly during this time. While it’s the tail end of hurricane season, the risk of major storms affecting the island diminishes significantly by October. This time of year also offers stunning sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico, making it an appealing and romantic choice for a visit.
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