United States
Anna Maria Island
Seven-mile barrier island with white sand beaches and old Florida fishing village charm.
Anna Maria Island stretches along Florida's Gulf Coast as a narrow strip of white sand and weathered wooden piers, where pelicans perch on dock posts and fishing boats bob in shallow bays. The island moves at the pace of golf carts puttering down tree-lined streets, past 1950s beach cottages and mom-and-pop seafood shacks. Three small towns dot the seven-mile stretch, each centered around historic fishing piers that extend far into turquoise water.
What draws people here
- —soft white sand beaches that stretch the island's entire Gulf-facing coastline
- —historic wooden fishing piers extending deep into calm Gulf waters
- —old Florida atmosphere with vintage beach cottages and local seafood joints
- —shallow bays perfect for spotting dolphins and wading birds
Island character
beaches•small town•water
Island rhythm
morning
Fishing boats head out from the piers as early walkers comb the beach for shells, while breakfast spots fill with locals sharing coffee and island gossip.
afternoon
Golf carts cruise between beach access points as families claim spots on the wide sand, and anglers line the wooden piers hoping for grouper and snook.
night
Sunset draws crowds to the western beaches and pier ends, followed by casual dinners at waterfront restaurants where grouper sandwiches and key lime pie dominate menus.
Best ways to experience Anna Maria Island
- 01cruise the island's length in a golf cart, the preferred mode of transport between beach towns
- 02walk the wooden boardwalks and fishing piers that reach far into the Gulf
- 03cycle the quiet residential streets lined with palm trees and beach cottages
- 04wade and swim along miles of uninterrupted sandy coastline facing west