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Anna Maria Island Beaches


Lets face it – you came here for the beach, right? So let us help you find one perfect for you! The island features many options from both the gulf and inland waterway side – so whatever your needs – from sunbathing to finding sea shells – we’ve got you covered! Don’t forget your flip flops, a great book and the sunscreen!


Vinny’s Italian Kitchen: Italian Food & Take-Home Meals on Anna Maria Island

You don’t have to leave Anna Maria Island to find a little taste of Italy. Tucked away in Holmes Beach, Vinny’s Italian Kitchen is part Italian kitchen, part pizzeria, part bakery and part specialty market. It's the kind of local spot where you can stop for pizza or pasta, pick up Italian groceries and desserts, or tak...
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Dolphins on Anna Maria Island: How to See Them Responsibly

Spotting a dolphin in the waters around Anna Maria Island can turn an ordinary beach day into one of those vacation moments your family talks about for years. Bottlenose dolphins are commonly seen throughout our local waters, from Sarasota Bay and the waters surrounding Anna Maria Island to the Gulf of Mexico. Even better, this ar...
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Tyler’s Homemade Ice Cream: A Sweet Stop Near Anna Maria Island

  There’s something about homemade ice cream that tastes even better after a sunny Florida beach day. Whether you're heading back from the beach, looking for an after-dinner treat, or simply craving something sweet, Tyler’s Homemade Ice Cream has been a favorite in the Cortez area for decades. Located on Cortez R...
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Beach Volleyball on Anna Maria Island: Where to Play

Sun, soft white sand and a volleyball net might be all you need for a perfect afternoon on Anna Maria Island. Whether you're looking for a casual game with family and friends or you're visiting the island for a beach volleyball tournament, Anna Maria Island has public sand volleyball courts in two convenient Gulf-front locations: ...
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How to Track the Free Anna Maria Island Trolley with the myStop App

Getting around Anna Maria Island doesn't always require a car. The free Anna Maria Island Trolley makes it easy to travel between the island's beaches, restaurants, shops and popular attractions—and with real-time trolley tracking, you can spend less time waiting at a stop and more time enjoying your vacation. The Anna Maria...
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Labor Day Weekend on Anna Maria Island | 2026 Events & Things to Do

Labor Day weekend is the unofficial farewell to summer, and there may be no better place to enjoy one last long weekend by the water than Anna Maria Island, Florida. In 2026, Labor Day falls on Monday, September 7, giving visitors a three-day weekend to enjoy Anna Maria Island's white-sand beaches, warm Gulf waters, locally owned ...
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Anna Maria Island Beach Safety: What to Know Before You Go

It’s always a good idea to review some beach safety tips before heading to the shore. The ocean can be as fun as it is unpredictable. As locals, we understand that some of these tips might not be so obvious to visitors, so why not go over them together before your Anna Maria Island vacation? 1. Pay Attention to Signs and Flags:...
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Best Beaches For Splendid Seashells On Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island is famous for its beautiful beaches and seashells. Popular shells to find include lion’s paws, tiger paws, clam shells, turkey wings, coquinas, and sand dollars. Top shell-hunting beaches on the island: Manatee Public Beach: A local favorite, great for shell collecting. Anna Maria City Beach: Secluded...
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The Rundown on Red Tide on Anna Maria Island, FL

With all the media coverage and attention for Red Tide, it is important to narrow down the facts for Anna Maria Island specifically. We are keeping a close eye on it every day, as the status of it can change often. Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission provides the most accurate information through a daily updated map on the concent...
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