The city Pier Anna Maria is a great site to see when visiting Anna Maria Island, Florida. (Sorry, since 2017 Irma the City pier is temporarily closed. However, there is still plenty to do in the ara and all the below information is accurate) Grabbing an ice cream at Two Scoops and walking the pier is a must! Another great past time, swing over to Two Sides of Nature and do some shopping. Stop in at the Waterfront. restaurant, across the street, for a great bite to eat.
At the end of the pier you can grab dinner and lunch, or pick up some hand made jewelry. If you like fishing then stop in to gab with the fishermen on the pier and see what is biting.
City Pier Anna Maria is a historical site
The sign at the entrance of the City Pier Anna Maria says it all. “The Anna Maria Development Company built this pier and wharf in 1911-1912 to provide dockage for ships from St. Petersburg and Tampa. It has since withstood hurricanes and lesser storms too numerous to mention. Although parts were damaged in storms in 1918, 1935, 1974, 1988, 2017 it has each time been restored to its approximate original form. Unfortunately the pier as of 2017 is closed for major repairs. The City of Anna Maria as well as Manatee County are initiating plans to repair the pier and brint it back to all it’s glory. The Anna Maria City pier is 678 feet long so it is no small task to repair it’s infastructure. The wharf extends another 58 feet into Tampa bay. Over the years it has nurtured the hopes of fisherman and the dreams of lovers. Provided roosts for pelicans and other sea birds, and has also been a friend to residents and visitors alike.
Over the center of the tin roof, from the third shore bench to the south of this marker, on clear nights can be seen the North star. Guardian of the mariners since the first sailor looked up for guidance of the night sea.
When the pier opens again, hopefully soon… walk the planks. Beneath the Roof of this City Pier is the Place to sit with Shrimp and Beer. While Lightening in the distance plays and thunder rumbles across the bays. “Summer Storm”…CMV ”
Anna Maria Beach Real Estate
There are plenty of gorgeous Anna Maria beach cottages available through Island Real Estate! Check out the selection of homes, and be sure to seek real estate advices from one of our full time sales professionals.
The Beach Bistro is a fantastic restaurant that offers a dining experience to remember. Several courses are served, or you can order how you like. Reservations are strongly recommended, but you can also try to grab a seat at the bar. The bar has a little more limited menu and provides some “lighter fare” options. If you are looking for a romantic spot with limited gulf views and price is no option then we strongly recommend the Beach Bistro. Average meal prices are well over $35, so be sure you are comfortable with their prices.
Younger children are welcome, but are not recommended if you plan on having a long dining experience. Parking can be a bit of a challenge but if you can find a “legal” spot go for it otherwise be sure to use their valet parking. One additional note, the seating for two is normally fairly intimate so be prepared to get to know your neighboring diners.
We’ve provided some information below to help you contact them or find them once you’re on the island!
Beach Bistro
The Bistro is located in Holmes Beach, FL
Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5 stars – based on 377 reviews
If you are in town while the Island Players are in session be sure to visit the Anna Maria Island theater!
Take in a fantastic “home grown” play at the historical Players theater at 10009 Gulf Drive in the city of Anna Maria. Usually the Island Players have five different shows that go on from middle of October to the middle of May. They claim to be “the best little playhouse in Florida” and also the oldest community theater in Manatee County.
The Island Players Theater seats 143 in tiered rows. Tickets cost $25/person or season tickets can be purchased for $92.50. Tickets can be bought at the box office in person or by phone at (941) 778-5755.
Locate their web site at Island Players. Visit Island Real Estate for Vacation Rentals or Homes in Anna Maria City. Also visit the Island Real Estate Local Scene page for tons of fabulous suggestions for things to do while visiting Anna Maria Island.
Island Players
10009 Gulf Drive
Anna Maria City, FL, 34216
Family fun on Anna Maria Island is all about love, and we have plenty of things you’ll love to do with your family while vacationing on Anna Maria Island.
Family Fun on Anna Maria Island!
Make it a day trip and visit some of the Manatee county parks which are as close as a bike ride to Anna Maria Island or check out some of our other day trip recommendations! There are plenty of other parks to have a picnic or you can spend a day with the kids at the local children’s playgrounds. (Note, the tower in the picture can be found at Robinson’s Preserve which has fantastic views in all directions!)
Restaurants – Dining
If you’re looking for a family friendly restaurant try checking out one of the island’s Gulf Front or Bay Front restaurants featuring live entertainment and a comfortable inviting atmosphere. If you are looking for general dining information visit our restaurant summary page for more dining out choices.
Things To Do – Family Fun
If you’re getting tired of swimming or visiting the many beaches in the area there are plenty of public pools to visit as well. Take a trip to one of the area aquariums to get a close up look at the sea life! A short trip to the Florida Maritime Museum will be both educational and fun for the whole family.
If you’re visiting during the summer there are plenty of additional options, such as participating in the turtle watch which takes place between May 1st-October 31st. The kids can learn about the local turtles and see some of the nesting grounds that are penned off with stakes and tape right on the beaches. Kids can also learn to surf with the kid’s summer surfing camps! Ellenton Outlet Mall also offers plenty of family fun. Featuring shops, restaurants, and sights galore there is plenty to keep you in the area for a full day. There is also the Bridge Street Market in Bradenton Beach to check out.
Take a water shuttle trip on the Island Pearl to various locations and maybe even see some dolphins! Or for those who prefer solid ground the Anna Maria Island Trolley the Crown Jewel will take you around the island for free!
If you would like you can take a video tour of Anna Maria Island before you visit to get acquainted with some of the sights and locations!
Anna Maria Island is a great place to take a family walk, bike ride, or just enjoy the breath taking views of the Gulf of Mexico. Don’t let the name fool you, the Coquina Bike path is not for just bikes but includes patrons strolling down the Gulf Waters. The Coquina bike path is paved and stretches between Coquina beach and Cortez Beach. Located in Bradenton Beach just south of Bridge Street, you will find Cortez Beach.
This beach offers free parking and lots of it! As you move further south into Coquina Beach, you will find public restrooms, picnic tables, beach showers, and lifeguards on duty. Coquina beach also has a café that serves burgers and hot dogs right on the beach.
One of my favorite things to do is take a nice, easy bike ride through Coquina Beach. I start at the south end of the island under the Long Boat Key Bridge and head north towards Cortez Beach along the paved path. Take the time to enjoy island wildlife as you are greeted by squirrels, native birds like the Blue Heron, and if you are lucky, you may see dolphins or manatees enjoying their Florida lifestyle.
If you can’t bring your own bicycle, there are lots of places to rent them on Anna Maria Island. Most folks love Bradenton Beach because there are plenty of accommodation choices as well as dining and shopping within a stroll away.
In the week following the storm, the water clarity was off as one would expect it to be after Tampa Bay was nearly emptied and refilled by the storm. The fishing is still lights out right now.
Lots of juvenile Tarpon around lately!
Snook
There are still a fair amount of snook stacked up off of the beaches right now, as well as back in some of the bigger inlet mangroves. There are quite a few reports of good redfish days out there as well right now so look to the mangroves at high tide and the flats at low tide. And don’t forget about docks. When using conventional tackle, use 20 lb. fluorocarbon leaders with size 4 hooks. Use large shiners for bait (plenty can still be found off the beaches right now).
If targeting these snook on the fly, your best bet is to hit one of the dock lights at night as there are a lot of them piled up there once the sun goes down. Use 20# leader and the smallest flies you have.
Tarpon
Also, if you can find the right spots (think tucked away), the sunset bite for juvenile tarpon right now is really kicking–and there’s no better way to hook them than on light tackle or on the fly! I keep my rigs the same as above using clean 20# leaders and haven’t had a problem keeping them on.
When fishing for these tarpon on the fly you’ll want to wait until you see a roll or a boil on the surface and cast immediately in front of it. Sight-casting has been far more effective than blind casting for these tarpon. Use a small or medium sized bait fish pattern and make every cast count.
Anna Maria Island June activities and events are a great way to enjoy the start of Summer. As the weather warms up, so does the fun on island time!
Anna Maria Island June Activities and Events
School’s out for Summer. Time to head to Anna Maria Island!
June fun on Anna Maria Island is all about the beach, and enjoying the very last bit of Spring weather for the year. This is when the days start to get hot, but the gulf is still crisp and refreshing. June is that time of year that all the locals absolutely adore because the beach weather is out of this world amazing!
Peruse our list of fun things to do and see while visiting Anna Maria Island in June! In celebration of summer this list has tons of kid friendly activities, but we didn’t forget about adult fun too.
School’s Out – June 1st.
Summer isn’t complete without a trip Florida beaches. These cute kids are enjoying the pool at beach front rental Vista Grande!
For local schools, Summer is in full swing as of June 1st. You can bet the first thing kids want to do is head to the beach, lounge in swimming pools, eat hot dogs and enjoy the island life.
Your kids will love visiting Anna Maria Island this Summer. As this is one of Florida’s most family friendly beaches, you’ll find tons of ways to keep kids entertained!
Here are a few things to do with the kiddos:
Miniature golf at the FishHole. Click over to their website for a $1 off coupon.
Visit the pirate ship Playground at Coquina Beach.
Pier fishing on Bradenton Beach City Pier followed by lunch at Anna Maria Oyster Bar. Rent poles for $8 at the bait shop at the base of the pier.
Take a boat tour with Captain Kathe and first mate Pup-Pup. You’re sure to see Dolphins.
Get Ice Cream at Two Scoops and go for a walk on the Anna Maria City Pier.
Head over to the Holmes Beach Dollar Tree for tons of beach toys! The Anna Maria Island dollar store has a large selection of beach fun that won’t break the bank!
World Oceans Day Festival at Mote Marine – June 3rd
Celebrate World Oceans Day with Mote Marine Labs!
Mote Marine Labs and Aquarium will be hosting a World Oceans Day Festival 10am-1pm June 3rd. There will be live music, vendors, hands on activities and plenty of kid friendly marine education opportunities. Entrance to the event is free with the purchase of regular admission.
Find Mote Labs at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway on Longboat key just a short drive away!
2017 U.S Rowing Youth National Championship at Nathan Benderson Park – June 9-11th.
Watch these young athletes in action!
Head down to Sarasota and catch all the action at the prestigious World Rowing Youth Championships. Over 350 crews from across the country will be competing in this three day event. Daily tickets are $10 or $25 for a three day pass.
Benderson Park is a beautiful spot to spend a day of fun. This park isn’t just a world class rowing facility, but offers many great amenities for those looking to get outdoors. Find picnic areas, walking trails, kayak launch and pets welcome.
Support a new local business – Paradise Found Book Store.
Support a new local Book shop on Pine Avenue in the city of Anna Maria!
While on vacation the first essential items you may think to pack, would be a bathing suit, sunscreen, outfits, and a good book?
There are many times when we find ourselves even on a vacation needing a good read. Well, Paradise Found has you covered! Located on historic Pine Avenue, this shop is selling books of all genres. There are options for people of all ages, and all interests. You can browse the many selections of books, while your kids visit their children’s section.
There is more to buy here at the Paradise Found bookstore, they also have rare plants, and handmade oil paintings! If you find yourself on vacation and it is raining or you just enjoy a good read at the end of a beautiful day, stop by Paradise Found, and grab a great book!
Enjoy Live Music at Wicked Cantina
Check out live music from acts like Hatley Band at Wicked Cantina.
While vacationing on Anna Maria Island you have to catch a live music act at one of the local night spots. Wicked Cantina is an excellent place to enjoy live tunes with gulf views, tasty Tex-Mex and fantastic cocktails too!
Find them on Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach.
Here’s the June live music schedule:
6-9 pm.
Tuesday’s – Hatley Band
Wednesday’s – Jody Gray
Thursday’s – Hatley Band
Friday’s – Jody Gray
Saturday’s – Noel Harris
Sunday’s – Chris Warner
June Featured Artist at Island Gallery West
Island Gallery West June Featured Artist Maria Sine.
Check out the Island Gallery West June featured artist Maria Sine. “The Shape of Things to Come” exhibit will be on display the entire month. Maria Sine has been an artist for 35 years. This exhibit will feature flora and fauna themes in the medium of acrylic with both abstract and realistic interpretations of Florida landscapes.
Find Island Gallery West 5368 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach.
Anna Maria Island June activities and events are full of fun for the entire family!
Enjoy the start of Summer with this great list of things to do while visiting Florida! It’s not too late to plan your stay on Anna Maria Island, so visit IslandReal.com today and book the perfect Summer beach rental for your family.
Great view of Tampa Bay and the Sunshine Bridge is only the beginning at this wonderful local seafood restaurant on Anna Maria Island. The food choices at the Waterfront are fantastic. From wonderful fresh soups and salads to gourmet meals, salmon and steak. The Waterfront located in Anna Maria City also offers vegetarian choices as well that are made fresh and homemade right at the restaurant. Waterfront of Anna Maria Island is famous for their delicious fish taco appetizer and outdoor seating taking advantage of the wonderful bay views. The giant fish tank that separates the main dining room from the bar area is beautiful and adds charm to the dining experience.
The Waterfront restaurant also offers a wonderful selection of beers and wine from all over the world. UPDATE: The Waterfront now serves liquor and phenomenal cocktails. If you are in the mood for something new, ask one of the friendly bartenders for some suggestions. My wife loves the Jalapeno Margarita.
The wait staff of the waterfront in Anna Maria city is always inviting and prompt with their service. If you are in the mood for great service, great views of the bay, excellent food, this is the place for you to come as a family or as a couple. One last note, try the lobster bisque, trust us, you wont be sorry. It melts in your mouth.
The Ugly Grouper is a local Anna Maria spot where you can find fun for all ages. They have a great menu that serves homemade salsa and chips to an array of other delicious items.
The Ugly Grouper
If you are looking for local seafood that is fresh and tasty look no further. They serve the grouper sandwich, grouper nuggets, and grouper tacos too! They also have a cheeseburger, and a black bean burger, for those who prefer a seafood alternative.
Drinks and a full service bar!
If you are in the mood for a nice wine with your meal, they have a variety of wines, either by glass or bottle. If you are looking for something a little more unique they also have some fun frozen cocktails! Enjoy the classic Strawberry Daiquiri, Pina Colada or you also have the non-alcoholic options as well!
For those who like a nice mixed drink you could try one of their many cocktails. Offerings include the Ugly Grouper Tea, or stick with the famous Long Island Ice Tea!
Kid Selections
Also find a great selection for your kids from classic items such as a grilled cheese and corndog to fish and chips, or shrimp. Something cool that the Ugly Grouper throws in is a frozen drink for all kids meals! They have many to choose from like an All American to a more tropical feel of an Orange Mango!
If you are feeling brave you can top off your meal with a Ugly Sundae, a bowl of soft serve piled on top of a brownie, covered in chocolate, caramel, sprinkles and a cherry!
Night Life and Live Music
The Ugly Grouper does host nightly live entertainment. You can find many local bands jamming from night to night. They do have open mic nights, where you can show off your skill with family or friends! Cut loose on the dance floor, while enjoying the band!
They also have a corn hole league, that hosts weekly tournaments. They do have child friendly games such as ring toss, and ring on a string! You can make many memories at the Ugly Grouper!
The Ugly Grouper is a family friendly environment that can provide a place to get together and have some fun. They have a great menu, and games for the young and old alike! This is a place where you can come and enjoy a night with the family, or a night with friends!
Find The Ugly Grouper in Holmes Beach on Marina Drive.
Anna Maria- Remember watching The Little Mermaid as a kid and wanting to be just like Ariel? Well, now is your chance to make that childhood dream a REALITY. With so many great shops on Anna Maria Island, transforming yourself into the mermaid you’ve always wanted to be is as easy as ever. As a fun activity for both kids and adults, make sure to grab these mermaid essentials and spend your vacation feeling like the queen of the sea!
Mermaid Essentials
Jewelry
If you’re a mermaid, it’s always important to sport some jewelry that shows your love for the sea. Shops on Anna Maria such as Bridge Street Jewelers and Tide & Moon Jewelry sell beautiful handmade and designer jewelry. Also, many shells on the beach already have holes in them. Just string them together and you’ve got your own DIY bracelet!
Grab some beachy jewelry from The Tide and the Moon jewelry store!
Swimsuit
Every mermaid knows to have a cute swimsuit, and we’ve got you covered here on the island. The Island Bazaar and West Coast Surf Shop is one of my favorite stores to get bathing suits, cover-ups, and everything in-between. They have good prices and good quality products!
Every good mermaid needs a cute bathing suit! Photo courtesy of West Coast Surf Shop.
Blankets/Towels
While relaxing on the beach, having a comfy blanket or towel to sit on is always a must-have. The West Coast Surf Shop has some really cute towels to lounge on, and is the perfect way to spice up your look!
Get this cute towel at West Coast Surf Shop!
Drinks
One of the best ways to enjoy your mermaid experience is by adding a yummy drink to it! For adults, treat your taste-buds at The Waterfront Restaurant & Craft Bar where they serve drinks such as Pimm’s Cup, a mix of sour, sliced lemon, cucumber, strawberries and topped with sprite. However, at Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe kids can enjoy a Coconut Créme which is essentially a non-alcoholic Piña Colada. Overall, fruity drinks make for the perfect mermaid experience!
Enjoy a fruity drink for the ultimate mermaid experience!
Books!
Every good mermaid has a good beachy book. One of my favorites is The Blue Bistro, which is about a girl who moves to the island of Nantucket in order to find herself a new job. She has had trouble with commitment to people and places in the past, but when she starts to like her new boss she doesn’t know what to do. This book is a mixture of drama and romance, and is great to read on the beach!
Relax by the beach with a good book!
Anna Maria Island vacation rentals and accommodations fit for a Mermaid!
Island Real Estate has the largest selection of vacation rentals on Anna Maria Island. Visit IslandReal.com first when looking for the perfect Florida vacation.
You’ll feel like a Mermaid when you visit Anna Maria Island vacation rental 3 Mermaids! This 4 bedroom home offers accommodations for up to 8 guests just a short walk to gulf beaches! Click on the image to reserve your stay today!
The city Pier Anna Maria is a great site to see when visiting Anna Maria Island, Florida. (Sorry, since 2017 Irma the City pier is temporarily closed. However, there is still plenty to do in the ara and all the below information is accurate) Grabbing an ice cream at Two Scoops and walking the pier is a must! Another great past time, swing over to Two Sides of Nature and do some shopping. Stop in at the Waterfront. restaurant, across the street, for a great bite to eat.
