City of Anna Maria
Official website of the City of Anna Maria on Anna Maria Island, with city services, permits and meetings.
Anna Maria Island Community Hub
Island Paradise on the Gulf
Anna Maria Island is a seven-mile barrier island off Bradenton with three distinct towns: Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. No building tops three stories, the island trolley runs free from the City Pier to Coquina Beach, and the beaches and bay are the whole point. Consider this page your hub: a quick orientation, with each interest linking to a full Gulf Coast guide where the deeper detail lives.
Comparing islands? Read Anna Maria Island vs Siesta Key: Which Beach Community Fits You? for the full side-by-side.
The fast route around the island: jump straight to the guide you need, organized by what you came to do. Every card below links to a full Gulf Coast guide, so there is always more depth behind the door.
Bayfest, markets & what is on
Coquina, Manatee Public & Bean Point
Waterfront fish houses & island kitchens
Tiki bars & sunset bands
Kingfish ramp & Longboat Pass
City Pier & the island piers
Beach days & free trolley rides
Art League, galleries & history
Keep Exploring
Family Activities
Parks, playgrounds & kid-friendly outings
Anna Maria Island family life is beach-first: the playground and gentle Gulf surf at Coquina Beach, the bayfront park in Anna Maria, and Manatee Public Beach's central cafe. The family-activities guide points to the real places island families actually go, including the short drive across the bridge to Robinson Preserve.
Coquina Beach
Family-friendly beach with a playground, cafe, pavilion and gentle Gulf waters perfect for children, open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Bayfront Park
City park on Tampa Bay in Anna Maria with a beach, boat launch area, picnic pavilions and kayak access at 405 S Bay Blvd.
Manatee Public Beach
The island central beach at Holmes Beach with restrooms, picnic tables, a beach cafe and parking at 4000 Gulf Dr.
Robinson Preserve
SHORT DRIVE: a 600-acre county preserve minutes east across the bridge with paddling trails, an observation tower and family trails.
Anna Maria Community Farmers Market
Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., October through April, at Roser Church on Pine Avenue: produce, seafood, baked goods and local crafts.
Sand Sculpture Competition
Annual amateur sand sculpture competition organized by Keep Manatee Beautiful at Manatee Public Beach.
Arts & Culture
Theater, opera, orchestra & dance
Anna Maria Island is a beach community, and no dedicated art museum on the island could be verified; the island's own arts presence is the community-run Anna Maria Island Art League in Holmes Beach, with seasonal festivals on Pine Avenue covered on the events page. The closest verified museums and studio districts sit about 20 minutes east in Bradenton, labeled Nearby below, and the Performing Arts guide carries the region's stage directory.
Local arts venues: the Anna Maria Island Art League is the island's verified arts organization; Pine Avenue galleries and studios are listed only where individually verified.
Local
Community art league with gallery exhibitions, classes and workshops in Holmes Beach, showcasing island and regional artists.
Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10 AM to 2 PM, with Saturday visits by appointment per current published hours; confirm before visiting.
Nearby
Natural and cultural history museum with the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, a planetarium and prehistoric Florida exhibits, about 20 minutes east on the mainland.
Open Tuesday to Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday noon to 5 PM, closed Monday per current published hours; confirm current hours and admission with the museum.
Open-air living history museum of restored and replica buildings telling Manatee County history from the 1840s through the 1920s.
Open Monday to Friday and the second and fourth Saturdays, 9 AM to 4 PM per current published hours; confirm before visiting.
Historic artist community of galleries, working studios and creative businesses with monthly art walks; hours vary by studio.
Biking & Walking
Trails, trailheads & waterfront walks
Anna Maria Island is flat, compact and made for walking and biking: seven miles of public Gulf beach to stroll, the bayside shoreline at Coquina Beach, and Gulf Drive's easy island pace. The biking-walking-trails guide covers the region's paved trail network, while the island itself is best done on two feet or two wheels.
Coquina Beach bayside walk
The bayside shoreline and Longboat Pass jetty at Coquina Beach, a level walk with the island's south-tip views.
Anna Maria City Pier
The historic bayfront pier at the foot of Pine Avenue: a wide-open deck, the island's iconic sunset walk and easy trolley access.
Bean Point
The island north tip at the end of North Shore Drive: open sand, sweeping Gulf views and sunset gatherings; parking is very limited and there are no facilities.
Gulf Drive bike ride
The island's main road runs the full seven miles from Anna Maria to Bradenton Beach; the island is compact and bikeable, and a car is optional for many days.
Robinson Preserve
SHORT DRIVE: a 600-acre county preserve with family trails and an observation tower minutes east across the bridge.
Manatee Public Beach walk
Central island beach with restrooms, picnic tables and easy access, a good base for a long Gulf shoreline walk.
Getting Around
Island trolley, bridges & parking
Anna Maria Island is reached by the Manatee Avenue bridge at Holmes Beach, with Gulf Drive running the island's full length through its three towns. The free island trolley (Route 5) runs from the City Pier to Coquina Beach from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and beach parking fills early in season.
Free Island Trolley (Route 5)
Runs free from the Anna Maria City Pier to Coquina Beach from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., the smart way to move between beaches when parking fills.
Gulf Drive
The island's main road running its full length through Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach, with the beach parks and most island shops along it.
Manatee Avenue
The main island entry from the mainland at Holmes Beach, where the Kingfish Boat Ramp sits at 752 Manatee Ave.
Anna Maria City Pier
The historic bayfront pier at the foot of Pine Avenue with trolley access and the island's iconic sunset walk.
Beach parking
Parking fills early in season at the county beach parks; the free trolley is the smart way to move between beaches.
Bradenton connections
Bradenton sits 15 minutes across the bridge with hospitals, groceries and the riverfront, and SRQ airport is about 25 minutes away.
Relocation
Step-by-step move planning
Relocating to Anna Maria Island means learning island rhythm: no hospital on the island, Manatee County schools, city and county services across three towns, and Florida's wind and flood insurance realities. The relocation guide walks through utilities, residency, hurricane prep and insurance step by step.
Utilities setup
Setting up utilities in Florida is straightforward but involves unique considerations: electric provider, water and sewer, internet and waste collection.
Manatee Memorial Hospital
The nearest full-service hospital, about 20 minutes across the bridge in downtown Bradenton at 206 Second St E.
ER at Palma Sola
The closest emergency room to the island, a freestanding ER about 10 minutes across the bridge at 633 75th St W, Bradenton.
School District of Manatee County
The B-rated district serving the island; Anna Maria Elementary takes the island through fifth grade, then Martha B. King Middle and Manatee High in Bradenton.
Hurricane preparedness
Bridge-dependent evacuation during storms with mandatory zones and seasonal bridge closure risk; hurricane season runs June through November.
Flood & wind insurance
Flood coverage is a separate policy from homeowners and wind coverage, often required in high-risk zones; the island sits in high-risk wind and surge areas.
Population is the U.S. Census Bureau 2020 count for the island's three cities (Anna Maria 968, Holmes Beach 3,010, Bradenton Beach 908). The island is in Manatee County, so beaches, parks and ramps are county-run.
Start with the essentials: an early beach morning at Coquina or Manatee Public Beach, a free ride on the island trolley from the City Pier to Coquina, sunset at Bean Point, then a waterfront dinner. And note the two things newcomers miss: no dogs on the beaches, and there is no hospital on the island.
What It's Like
A seven-mile barrier island off Bradenton with three towns: Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. No building tops three stories, and the beaches, bay and Old Florida character are the whole point.
Beach & LifestyleWho Lives Here
Full-time islanders, seasonal residents and vacation-rental guests share the easy beach rhythm; the mainland's jobs, hospitals and big-box shopping sit a bridge away.
Take the QuizBeaches & Water
Seven miles of public Gulf beach, all on the free island trolley (Route 5, City Pier to Coquina, 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.): Coquina Beach, Manatee Public Beach and quiet Bean Point at the north tip.
Beach GuideDining & Entertainment
Pine Avenue in Anna Maria and Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach concentrate the island's dining and shops: waterfront seafood houses, tiki bars and the bayfront City Pier.
Dining GuideGetting Around
The free island trolley runs the island's length on Gulf Drive; the Manatee Avenue bridge links to Bradenton, and SRQ is about 25 minutes away with Tampa International about an hour.
Getting AroundSchools & Family
Manatee County Schools with Anna Maria Elementary, the island's only public school, through fifth grade, then Martha B. King Middle and Manatee High across the bridge; zoning is address-specific.
Schools & FamilyHousing & Real Estate
The highest-priced market on this stretch of coast: a $875,000 median home value, a $500K to $5M+ range, and water proximity driving nearly the entire premium.
Market SnapshotBefore You Buy
Island life means bridge-dependent errands, no dogs on the beaches, no hospital on the island and real wind and flood insurance considerations; the relocation guide walks the checklist.
Relocation GuideNewcomer path: relocation, family activities, dining, getting around and schools & family.
Explore Around Anna Maria Island
The island is the anchor, but the mainland is part of island life: groceries, medical care and big-city amenities all sit a bridge away. These are the places you will actually drive to.
Island center: dining, shops & Manatee Public Beach
South island: Bridge Street & Coquina Beach
Barrier island across Longboat Pass to the south
Working fishing village across the bridge, 5 minutes
Mainland city: hospitals, groceries & the riverfront, 15 minutes
Cultural hub & airport gateway, about 35 minutes south
Restaurants & Bars
Island dining is casual, waterfront and genuinely local: beachfront fish houses, bayfront piers, tiki bars and a few chef-driven kitchens. Every pick below is tagged two ways, by cuisine and by experience, so you can find your fit fast. Each chip jumps to its on-page category list.
By Cuisine
Gold chips jump to the on-page list for that cuisine.
By Experience
Brewery and Nightlife have no verified island list yet, so they stay labels.
Anna Maria Island dining runs beachfront and bayfront: Sandbar at the north end, The Waterfront at the City Pier and Star Fish Company across the bridge in Cortez, with pizza and sushi covered by one island pick each. Steak and pan-Asian tables are honestly thin on the island; the nearest full menus are across the bridge in Bradenton.
Full Restaurant GuideBeachfront restaurant and bar on the Gulf at the north end of the island, with live music on the deck and sunset dining a constant
100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria FL 34216 · (941) 778-0444
Bayfront anchor at the Anna Maria City Pier: fresh Gulf seafood, a raw bar and bay views from the dockside patio
111 S Bay Blvd, Anna Maria FL 34216 · (941) 778-1515
Browse by Category
Each category below is part of the master architecture, in the exact master order. Lists carry verified island picks with address, phone and website where confirmed; categories with little or nothing local are honestly flagged THIN rather than padded.
One honest island table in Holmes Beach; the fuller Italian scene sits across the bridge in Bradenton.
Vinny's Italian Kitchen
Italian kitchen and bakery on Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach
5337 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach FL 34217 · (941) 896-9754
Taquerias and a cantina cover the island taco scene, from Anna Maria to Bradenton Beach.
Poppo's Taqueria
Counter-serve tacos, bowls and margaritas on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria
212C Pine Ave, Anna Maria FL 34216 · (941) 254-7941
Los Chiludos Fresh Mexican Grill
Casual Mexican grill on East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach
3232 E Bay Dr, Holmes Beach FL 34217 · (941) 345-4102
Wicked Cantina
Cantina with patio seating in Bradenton Beach, a block from the Gulf
101 7th St N, Bradenton Beach FL 34217 · (941) 281-2990
Fresh-off-the-boat seafood is the heart of the island table: beachfront fish houses, bayfront piers and the Cortez kitchens across the bridge.
Sandbar Seafood & Spirits
Beachfront seafood and raw bar at the north end, open daily
100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria FL 34216 · (941) 778-0444
The Waterfront Restaurant
Bayfront seafood at the Anna Maria City Pier
111 S Bay Blvd, Anna Maria FL 34216 · (941) 778-1515
Blue Marlin Seafood Restaurant
Seafood house on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach
121 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach FL 34217 · (941) 896-9737
Star Fish Company
SHORT DRIVE: classic Cortez fish market and dockside kitchen just across the bridge
12306 46th Ave W, Cortez FL 34215 · (941) 794-1243
THIN: no dedicated steakhouse operates on the island. The closest serious steak tables are across the bridge in Bradenton (Cody Original Roadhouse, Michael John steakhouse). The island favorite Beach Bistro remains closed after 2024 hurricane damage.
One genuine sushi counter on the island; the wider Japanese scene is a short drive east across the bridge.
Sushi Ramen Anna Maria
Sushi and ramen counter on Gulf Drive in Anna Maria
9801 Gulf Dr #7, Anna Maria FL 34216 · (941) 900-2537
Wood-fired and New York style slices cover the island, from Anna Maria to Holmes Beach.
Pizza Social
Wood-fired pizzas and salads on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria
308 Pine Ave, Anna Maria FL 34216 · (941) 251-4070
Pizzano's Pizza
Family pizzeria on Marina Drive in Holmes Beach
5318 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach FL 34217 · (941) 778-3663
Solo's Pizza
Neighborhood pizza and Italian on East Bay Drive in Holmes Beach
3244 E Bay Dr, Holmes Beach FL 34217 · (941) 778-8118
Chef-driven kitchens, grills and pub plates: the modern island table beyond seafood.
The Feast Restaurant
Chef-driven American kitchen on Marina Drive
5406 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach FL 34217 · (941) 778-5092
Harry's Grill
Casual American grill and bar on Gulf Drive in Anna Maria
9903 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria FL 34216 · (941) 567-5999
Duffy's Tavern, Bar and Grill
No-frills island tavern in Holmes Beach neighborhood
5808 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach FL 34217 · (941) 778-2501
THIN: the island has no Pan-Asian kitchen of its own beyond its sushi counter; Thai and Vietnamese options live across the bridge in Bradenton.
The island breakfast scene is a real strength: beach cafes and bakeries from Anna Maria to Bradenton Beach.
Minnie's Beach Cafe
No-frills breakfast spot on Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach
5360 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach FL 34217 · (941) 778-4140
Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe
Beachside breakfast and lunch counter at Manatee Public Beach
4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach FL 34217 · (941) 778-0784
Victoria & Sophia
Breakfast, brunch and cocktails on Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach
5315 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach FL 34217 · (941) 567-6001
Peach's Restaurant, Holmes Beach
Breakfast and lunch favorite on East Bay Drive
3240 E Bay Dr, Holmes Beach FL 34217 · (941) 779-0738
On an island, the water is the point: Gulf-front decks, bayfront piers and canal-side docks.
Sandbar Seafood & Spirits
Gulf-front deck at the north end
100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria FL 34216 · (941) 778-0444
The Waterfront Restaurant
Bayfront dining and dock at the City Pier
111 S Bay Blvd, Anna Maria FL 34216 · (941) 778-1515
Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier
Pier house on the Intracoastal at Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach
200 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach FL 34217 · (941) 778-2662
Beach House Waterfront Restaurant
Gulf-front dining room on Gulf Drive North, Bradenton Beach
200 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach FL 34217 · (941) 779-2222
The island's afternoons run on tiki: sunset decks, live music and colorful cocktails from Holmes Beach to Bradenton Beach.
Gulf Drive Cafe & Tiki Bar
Long-running tiki bar and cafe a block off the Gulf in Bradenton Beach
900 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach FL 34217 · (941) 778-1919
The Kokonut Hut
Tiki bar on Marina Drive in Holmes Beach with nightly live music
5313 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach FL 34217
The Bridge Tender Inn Dockside & Tiki Bar
Dockside tiki on the Intracoastal at Marker 49, Bradenton Beach
135 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach FL 34217 · (941) 778-4849
THIN: two verified fine-dining rooms are open today. Beach Bistro, the island's most storied fine-dining restaurant, remains closed after 2024 hurricane damage.
The Porch Restaurant
Upscale chef-driven dining room on Gulf Drive in Anna Maria
9707 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria FL 34216 · (941) 782-8683
The Chateau Anna Maria
Fine-dining room and lounge on Marina Drive in Holmes Beach
5325 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach FL 34217 · (941) 238-6264
Casual, loud and beach-close: the easy eat-with-kids picks on the island.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier
Casual pier house with a kids menu and water views
200 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach FL 34217 · (941) 778-2662
Island Time Bar and Grill
Relaxed grill across from the beach in Bradenton Beach
111 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach FL 34217 · (941) 782-1122
Poppo's Taqueria
Fast, friendly tacos on Pine Avenue
212C Pine Ave, Anna Maria FL 34216 · (941) 254-7941
Sunset over the Gulf is the whole game: beachfront decks, bayfront piers and two fine-dining rooms.
The Porch Restaurant
Intimate upscale dinner room in Anna Maria
9707 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria FL 34216 · (941) 782-8683
The Waterfront Restaurant
Bayfront table at sunset beside the City Pier
111 S Bay Blvd, Anna Maria FL 34216 · (941) 778-1515
Sandbar Seafood & Spirits
Gulf-front deck with live music at sunset
100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria FL 34216 · (941) 778-0444
Most island dining happens outdoors: Gulf decks, bayfront patios and tiki gardens.
Beach House Waterfront Restaurant
Expansive Gulf-front decks in Bradenton Beach
200 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach FL 34217 · (941) 779-2222
Gulf Drive Cafe & Tiki Bar
Open-air tiki garden in Bradenton Beach
900 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach FL 34217 · (941) 778-1919
The Waterfront Restaurant
Bayfront dockside patio at the City Pier
111 S Bay Blvd, Anna Maria FL 34216 · (941) 778-1515
A handful of island tables are reachable by water; dockage availability varies by tide and season, so call ahead.
The Bridge Tender Inn Dockside & Tiki Bar
Dockside dining on the Intracoastal at Marker 49 with transient dockage
135 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach FL 34217 · (941) 778-4849
Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier
Pier house at Bridge Street; tie up nearby and walk in
200 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach FL 34217 · (941) 778-2662
The Waterfront Restaurant
Bayfront location beside the City Pier; confirm dock space when you book
111 S Bay Blvd, Anna Maria FL 34216 · (941) 778-1515
Live music is part of the island evening: beachfront decks and tiki bars run daily and nightly sets.
The Ugly Grouper
Open-air tiki bar with daily live music and sunset views
6000 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach FL 34217
Freckled Fin Irish Pub
Live music nearly every night in a lively island pub
103 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach FL 34217 · (941) 251-3930
Kokonut Hut
Island tiki bar with nightly live music
5313 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach FL 34217
Open-air decks and tiki gardens are the realistic pet-friendly tables on the island; dogs are not allowed on island beaches, so confirm the current patio policy when you book.
Island sports bars are pub-style corners; the biggest game-day screens are across the bridge in Bradenton.
Duffy's Tavern, Bar and Grill
Neighborhood tavern and grill in Holmes Beach
5808 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach FL 34217 · (941) 778-2501
Freckled Fin Irish Pub
Irish pub with a lively bar scene in Bradenton Beach
103 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach FL 34217 · (941) 251-3930
Live Music
The island live music scene runs on tiki bars and beach decks: daily and nightly sets come first, and there is no concert house on the island itself, so that subsection is honestly thin. For theaters and big stages, the Bradenton and Sarasota venues are 20 to 40 minutes away.
Popular open-air tiki bar and restaurant on Anna Maria Island overlooking the intracoastal. Features live music daily with a relaxed island vibe and spectacular sunset views.
Daily live music, afternoons and evenings
A lively Irish pub on Anna Maria Island with live music nearly every night. Features local and regional bands playing rock, folk, and acoustic sets in a friendly pub atmosphere.
Nearly nightly, 6-10 PM
Beachfront restaurant with live music on the deck overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. A classic AMI dining and music experience with sunset entertainment.
Daily, afternoons & evenings
Tiki bar with nightly live music and a vibrant social scene on Anna Maria Island. Known for its fun atmosphere, creative cocktails, and regular live entertainment.
Nightly, 4-10 PM
THIN
Anna Maria Island has no dedicated concert venue or performing arts house of its own. The closest stages are the Manatee Performing Arts Center in Bradenton, about 20 minutes away, with Sarasota major halls about 40 minutes south.
Events
Bayfest, beach markets, sand sculpture and on-the-water happenings around the island, straight from the events engine.
Annual street festival on Pine Avenue with live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, and a classic car show.
2026-10-17
Annual beachfront concert by the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra at Coquina Beach attracting over 4,000 attendees.
Check official source for dates
Annual amateur sand sculpture competition organized by Keep Manatee Beautiful at Manatee Public Beach. Exact dates confirmed closer to the event.
Annual sand sculpture competition, typically held in November
Learn MoreCommunity art center with gallery exhibitions, classes, and workshops on Anna Maria Island. Showcases local island artists.
Family-friendly beach with a playground, cafe, pavilion, and gentle Gulf waters perfect for children.
Daily, sunrise to sunset
Fun Boat Tours operates from Keyes Marina on Anna Maria Island offering sightseeing and eco-tours of the Gulf Coast.
Daily, multiple departure times
Learn MoreDolphin-watching eco-tours around Anna Maria Island and the intracoastal waters with marine life viewing.
Daily, 1.5-2 hour tours
Kayak and paddleboard rentals exploring the calm waters around Anna Maria Island and mangrove tunnels.
Daily, 9 AM - 5 PM
Staples of the island week
Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., October through April, at Roser Church on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria: produce, seafood, baked goods and local crafts.
WebsiteWednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., January through June, at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.
Island market guideSundays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., November through April, along Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach.
Island market guideThe chamber calendar carries BayFest and the island's other gatherings through the year.
Chamber eventsEvergreen Guide
No confirmed live music events are verified for Anna Maria Island right now. Browse the Live Music guide for venues, schedules and year-round picks.
Evergreen Guide
No confirmed food events are verified for Anna Maria Island right now. Browse the Food guide for venues, schedules and year-round picks.
Evergreen Guide
No confirmed family events are verified for Anna Maria Island right now. Browse the Family guide for venues, schedules and year-round picks.
Evergreen Guide
No confirmed water events are verified for Anna Maria Island right now. Browse the Water guide for venues, schedules and year-round picks.
Evergreen Guide
No confirmed arts events are verified for Anna Maria Island right now. Browse the Arts guide for venues, schedules and year-round picks.
Beaches
Seven miles of Gulf sand, all of it public and none of it dog-friendly: the three county beach parks anchor the island, with unmarked natural stretches between. Parking fills early in season, and the free trolley is the smart way to move between beaches.
The southern beach on Anna Maria Island at 2650 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach: roughly 857 free parking spaces, lifeguards, restrooms, showers, changing cabanas, playground, volleyball, grills, pavilions and an on-beach cafe. No pets on any Manatee County beach; no alcohol; no glass. Sunrise to sunset.
2650 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach FL 34217
Central island beach at 4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach: a wide shallow entry, lifeguards daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., restrooms, showers and a snack bar. No pets on any Manatee County beach.
4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach FL 34217
Four acres at the north tip of Anna Maria Island with playgrounds, picnic tables and grills, restrooms and showers, calm shallow bay water and views of the Sunshine Skyway. A bayfront park with bay swimming, not a Gulf beach.
North tip of Anna Maria Island
Public Gulf beach access at the north end of Anna Maria Island, popular for sunsets. Keep details thin where unverified: there are no confirmed facilities at the access.
North end of Anna Maria Island
Water quality and beach conditions change daily: check the Florida Healthy Beaches Program (visitbeaches.org) and Mote Marine Laboratory’s beach conditions page before you go; anything time-sensitive here is subject to change.
Outdoor Activities
Beach days, bay paddles and a big county preserve just across the bridge: island outdoor life in the same structure as the master guides. Note that the Leffis Key preserve boardwalk (Coquina Baywalk) remains closed after 2024 hurricane damage.
County beach park
The island southern beach: a stretch of Gulf sand, cafe, pavilion and easy trolley access
County beach park
The island central beach at Holmes Beach with restrooms, picnic tables, beach cafe and parking
Bayfront park & kayak launch
City park on Tampa Bay in Anna Maria with a beach, boat launch area, picnic pavilions and kayak access
Sunset viewpoint
The island north tip at the end of North Shore Drive: open sand, sweeping Gulf views and sunset gatherings; parking is very limited and there are no facilities
SHORT DRIVE: preserve & paddling
A 600-acre county preserve minutes east across the bridge in Manatee County, with paddling trails, an observation tower and family trails
Kayaking & paddleboarding
Calm bay water along the island causeway: launch at the county causeway park or join a paddle tour
Boating
The island sits between Tampa Bay and the Gulf: launch at the county ramps, keep the boat at Keyes or Bradenton Beach Marina, and the flats, the pass and the Gulf are all minutes away. Ramps and marinas live here; fishing lives in its own section just below.
County ramp on Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach: 3 launch lanes, docks, fish-cleaning station and trailer parking, open 24 hours
County ramp at the south end of the island behind Coquina Beach, with trailer parking and fish-cleaning station
Second county ramp on the bayside of Gulf Drive, about 0.6 mile north of the south ramp
City ramp at 63rd Street with a single lane and trailer spaces
Full-service island marina: slips to about 30 feet, fuel, repairs, tackle shop and charter departures
Full-service resort marina on the Intracoastal in Bradenton Beach
Island spots you can reach by water, with dock detail, address, website and directions. The full list lives on the Boating Guide.
Boating Guide: Dine by BoatDockside tables on the Intracoastal at Marker 49; transient dockage for diners
135 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach FL 34217
Pier house behind Bridge Street; tie up nearby and walk in
200 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach FL 34217
Bayfront beside the City Pier; confirm dock space when you book
111 S Bay Blvd, Anna Maria FL 34216
SHORT DRIVE: marina docks on the Cortez waterfront, just across the bridge
12507 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton FL 34210
Tides change daily. Each pass links to live NOAA tide data or the transit guidance that applies to it; the pass-by-pass dashboard has the full detail.
The stabilized inlet between Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key at the island's south end, with a drawbridge that opens on request. Depths and shoals shift with tides and storms, so confirm current conditions with NOAA before transiting
The unmarked natural pass between Egmont Key and the island north tip: shallow and shift-prone, small craft only, always transit with caution
THIN on sailing clubs: no club is based on the island itself, so charters lead. Book directly with each operator; sailing clubs run their own membership processes.
Dolphin, sunset and sandbar cruises departing daily from Keyes Marina in Holmes Beach
Inshore and offshore fishing charters running out of Bradenton Beach
Private captained yacht charters for cruises, sandbars and sunsets
Fishing
The island fishes from its piers, its beaches and its boats: bay side for snook and redfish, the pass for jacks and tarpon, off the beaches for whiting and pompano. Seasons, slot and bag limits, fish ID, piers, charters and tides all live on the Fishing Guide, the authoritative source.
The historic bayfront pier at the foot of Pine Avenue: a wide-open fishing deck, the island iconic sunset walk and easy trolley access
Fishing pier on the Intracoastal behind Bridge Street with bait and tackle adjacent
The island's classic angling pier at North Shore Drive; the pier remains closed for reconstruction after 2024 hurricane damage, while the restaurant operates at a temporary Holmes Beach location
Shore fishing along the bayside of Coquina Beach and the jetty at Longboat Pass; check swim-area signage
Fish the docks beside the Kingfish ramp on Manatee Avenue, a favorite afternoon spot
Shopping
Island shopping is small, walkable and local: the historic avenue in Anna Maria, Bridge Street at the south end, and the Holmes Beach main drags in between. For big-box retail and malls, the mainland across the bridge has the full options.
Shopping GuideThe historic island avenue in Anna Maria: boutiques, cafes, galleries and the Saturday pace of old Florida
South island shops, cafes and the harbor walk behind the beach at Coquina
The island main drags: resort wear, surf shops, bakeries and the beach-cafe strip
The Anna Maria Community Farmers Market runs Tuesdays, plus the Coquina Beach Market and Bridge Street Market in season
Golf
No golf course sits on Anna Maria Island, so every pick below is honestly labeled by where it is: the closest is on Longboat Key across the pass, and the public options sit across the bridge in Bradenton.
Golf GuideNEARBY, PRIVATE: resort golf on Longboat Key across Longboat Pass, about 10 minutes south; access for resort guests and members
Manatee County Golf Course, River Run and Timber Creek are the public Bradenton options, all under 25 minutes from the island.
Pet Friendly
The honest headline: dogs are not allowed on any of the island public beaches. The island makes it up to pets everywhere else, with a fenced dog park, leashed-park access and the dog-friendly beach just across the bridge at Palma Sola Causeway.
Pet-Friendly GuideOff-leash dog park in Holmes Beach: fenced, free, open sunrise to 10 p.m.
DirectionsSHORT DRIVE: the dog-friendly beach across the bridge in Bradenton, the closest place island dogs can swim
DirectionsLeashed dogs are welcome at the bayfront park under the city 2024 ordinance; keep pets leashed on the pier
DirectionsDogs are not allowed on Anna Maria Island public beaches in any of the three cities; plan beach days for the dog at Palma Sola instead
DirectionsLocal Services & Vendors
A compact, honest starting set for island life: the chamber, the marina and tackle shop, the community center and the county that runs the parks and trolley. This directory is expanding and will carry more of the area reputable local businesses.
Marina services, fuel, bait and tackle for island anglers and boaters
Market Data
Median home value
$875,000
Island community profile figure. Waterfront and beachside homes command far more, and the short-term rental market keeps a strong floor under values.
Source: Anna Maria Island community profile. County-wide trends: Market Snapshot.
Price range
$500K - $5M+
Profile range: canal and bayfront condos near the bottom, Gulf-front and beachside estates at the top. Water proximity drives nearly the entire premium.
Source: Anna Maria Island community profile. Verify current listings with a local agent.
Community Resources
The official public and community institutions that serve Anna Maria Island: the City of Anna Maria, Manatee County government, schools, parks and recreation, county transit and emergency management, and the island chamber. Every entry is the confirmed official or legitimate public or community institution and links to its authoritative website. Verification confirms existence and legitimacy only, never an endorsement and never a commercial rating. Businesses and paid services live in the separate Local Services & Vendors directory above, not here. Entries are ordered Local first, then Nearby, then Regional, and regional services state the area they serve.
Official public and community institutions serving the Anna Maria Island area.
Official website of the City of Anna Maria on Anna Maria Island, with city services, permits and meetings.
Official county government site for permits, utilities, parks, libraries and county services. Parts of Anna Maria Island are unincorporated Manatee County.
Official public and community institutions serving the Anna Maria Island area.
Manatee County public schools, the district serving Anna Maria Island. Campus details, enrollment and school boundaries belong to the district.
Official public and community institutions serving the Anna Maria Island area.
County parks and beach agency managing Manatee County parks and preserves, including the county-owned park land on Anna Maria Island.
ID: FGCL-AMI-PK-001 · Last verified: October 18, 2026
Official public and community institutions serving the Anna Maria Island area.
The nearest major commercial airport, about 40 minutes from Anna Maria Island. Regional service for Sarasota and Manatee counties.
6000 Airport Cir, Sarasota FL 34243
ID: FGCL-AMI-TR-002 · Last verified: October 18, 2026
Manatee County's public bus network, with routes serving Anna Maria Island and the mainland. Regional county service.
Official public and community institutions serving the Anna Maria Island area.
Manatee County water, sewer and solid waste utility serving county customers, including Anna Maria Island.
Electric provider serving Manatee County, including Anna Maria Island. Outages: 1-800-468-8243.
Official public and community institutions serving the Anna Maria Island area.
No verified community resources in Community Organizations yet. Every listing is verified against its official source before it is published, so this group fills in as official institutions are confirmed.
Official public and community institutions serving the Anna Maria Island area.
The membership chamber serving the three island cities and the Anna Maria Island business community.
5313 Gulf Dr N, Holmes Beach FL 34217
ID: FGCL-AMI-BD-001 · Last verified: October 18, 2026
Official public and community institutions serving the Anna Maria Island area.
County emergency management with alerts, evacuation information and hurricane preparedness for Manatee County, including Anna Maria Island.
ID: FGCL-AMI-EM-001 · Last verified: October 18, 2026
County law enforcement serving Manatee County, including Anna Maria Island. Non-emergency line; call 911 for emergencies.
Call 911 from any phone for life-threatening emergencies. Tell the dispatcher your location and stay on the line.
ID: FGCL-AMI-EM-003 · Last verified: October 18, 2026
Poison help for residents of Florida: 1-800-222-1222 (U.S. Poison Help). Keep the number saved in your phone.
Official public and community institutions serving the Anna Maria Island area.
The Manatee County Public Library System branch on Anna Maria Island, in Holmes Beach.
5701 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach FL 34217
ID: FGCL-AMI-OR-001 · Last verified: October 18, 2026
Curated for Anna Maria Island. Planning a move? The Relocation Guide, Schools & Family and Getting Around guides cover the practical side of living here.
Living & Real Estate
Relocation is more than buying a home, it's learning a new rhythm: trolley schedules, bridge traffic, storm season and the mainland habit of life. Use these resources for the practical planning, then explore the market when you're ready.
Advantages
Considerations
The island is served by the School District of Manatee County. Anna Maria Elementary, the only public school on the island, takes the entire island through fifth grade (plus North Longboat Key); middle and high school students cross the bridge to Martha B. King Middle and Manatee High School in Bradenton.
Zoning is address-specific, and Manatee County has published draft boundary proposals for 2026-27, so confirm your exact assignment with the district school-search tool.
Notable Schools
Family Favorites
Relocation Deep Dives
Anna Maria Island is a barrier island, and the island sits in high-risk wind and surge areas, so insurance is a real line item, but every property is different: Gulf-front, bayfront and mid-island addresses each sit on their own mapped risk. Flood insurance is a separate policy from homeowners insurance, most commonly written through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) run by FEMA. The authoritative check for any address is the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, which shows the official flood zone, and elevation matters as well, because newer construction is often built higher than older homes in the same zone. Wind and hurricane coverage is driven by property specifics: roof age, shutters or impact glass and wind-mitigation features all shape what insurers offer, and Florida policies carry hurricane deductibles of their own.
Citizens Property Insurance exists as the state-run insurer of last resort for buyers who cannot find private coverage, and availability and pricing shift across the Florida market. Nothing here is a quote or a guarantee: verify every detail for the exact property with a licensed insurance agent.
Questions to ask your insurance agent before making an offer
Buying or selling on Anna Maria Island? For current listings and market information, visit Michael Hart's real estate website mikehart.exprealty.com
Anna Maria Island Healthcare
The honest starting point: there is no hospital, urgent care or 24/7 emergency room on the island itself. Every medical trip crosses the bridge to mainland Bradenton, and the freestanding ER at Palma Sola is the closest option at about 10 minutes.
ER at Palma Sola, Manatee Memorial
The closest emergency room to the island, a freestanding ER about 10 minutes across the bridge
633 75th St W, Bradenton FL 34209
Manatee Memorial Hospital
The nearest full-service hospital, about 20 minutes across the bridge in downtown Bradenton
206 Second St E, Bradenton FL 34208
HCA Florida Blake Hospital
Level II trauma center in West Bradenton, about 20 minutes away
2020 59th St W, Bradenton FL 34209
Pinnacle Medical Group Urgent Care
Walk-in urgent care in West Bradenton, often cited as the closest to the island
315 75th St W, Bradenton FL 34209
MD Now Urgent Care, West Bradenton
Walk-in urgent care open seven days on Cortez Road
4332 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton FL 34210
Emergency Veterinary Care
No animal hospital operates on Anna Maria Island. For after-hours emergencies, mainland Bradenton veterinary hospitals handle island pets; contact your regular veterinarian for their current after-hours referral numbers.. Call your veterinarian for current after-hours numbers.
Your Guide
Curated by local real estate expert Michael Hart, this site is a resource first. Ask him anything about Anna Maria Island living, the market, or a move to the Gulf Coast.
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