Carol’s Top Ten Things to do for Free on Anna Maria Island

So much to do and so little time! There are tons of things to do on Anna Maria Island. Best yet, here is our diverse list of top ten things to do for free on Anna Maria Island. That is right, no cost to you!

1. Siesta Beach Drum Circle
   • • Every Sunday night on Siesta Beach during sunset both professional and amateur drum players get together and bring in the night to a beat. Dancers, tumblers, and jugglers move to the beat of the drum as darkness falls onto the beach. The Drum Circle is definitely something to experience.
2. The Ringling Museum
   • • Every Monday the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota has free admission to their art museum. An original cast of the Statue of David by Michelangelo is on display in the courtyard of the museum. If you enjoyed the Art Museum you can also check out the Circus Museum and the Ca’ d’Zan Mansion for a fee.

3. Bridge Street Pier
   • In 1921 a wooden bridge was built giving access to the island that didn’t require a boat. Once the draw bridge was built in the 60’s the wooden bridge was no longer needed and was decommissioned then turned into a fishing pier. The pier makes for an excellent evening stroll leading out into the bay.
4. Coquina Baywalk
   • Coquina Baywalk is an easy nature hike through mangrove tunnels heading towards the bay. The trail consists of shell paths and wooden walk ways, making it wheelchair and stroller friendly. There’s a spoil pile in the center giving a beautiful view of the Sarasota Bay.
5. Main Street Live – Bradenton (Seasonal)
   • Every third Thursday of the month between 5pm and 10pm Main Street in downtown Bradenton comes to life with music, food, and drinks for Main Street Live. The street is closed during the day and a stage is built for bands to play. People line the street having a great time eating good food, drinking refreshing drinks, and listening to some great bands. The event is family friendly but you must be 21 or older to enter the bars on Main Street.
6. Anna Maria Island Historical Museum
   • This small museum on Anna Maria Island’s north end is a great way to learn the history of the island. Not only will you learn about the origins of Anna Maria but you will also learn about the Hollywood films that were filmed here. The museum also has the old jail house which makes for a fantastic photo-op.
7. Red Barn Flea Market
   • Red Barn Flea Market is a year-round flea market in Bradenton. Walking through the flea market is always interesting and entertaining whether you like knick-knacks or just people watching.
8. St Armand’s Circle
   • St. Armand’s Circle is a collection of shops and restaurants surrounding a beautiful park in Sarasota. The surrounding stores carry artwork and oddities from around the world making window shopping both intriguing and inspiring.
9. Sarasota Marina Unconditional Surrender statue
   • The famous WWII victory day picture of a sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square is on display at the Sarasota Marina in statue form. The statue, named “Unconditional Surrender”, stands 26 feet tall looking over the harbor and is truly a sight to behold!
10. The Beach!
    • This one is a no-brainer. It’s got to be in the top ten things to do for free on Anna Maria Island.  Right? Being on Anna Maria Island means you have access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Take advantage of it relax, get a tan, and build a sand castle!

Finally, if you want to review more of our top ten lists of things to do be sure to review our top ten list category and don’t forget to check out all our of wonderful Anna Maria Island Vacation rentals if you need a place to stay!