01 Anna Maria Island

Island Paradise on the Gulf

Anna Maria Island is a pristine seven-mile barrier island off the coast of Bradenton, known for its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and relaxed Old Florida atmosphere. The island comprises three distinct communities: Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach. With no buildings taller than three stories and free trolleys running the island's length, Anna Maria Island preserves a charming beach-town character.

Anna Maria Island, Florida - Island Paradise on the Gulf
Anna Maria Island Island Paradise

02 Overview

What Makes Anna Maria Island Special

  • Beach Drive, one of Florida's most beautiful scenic drives along the Gulf
  • Anna Maria Island City Pier for fishing and sunset viewing
  • Free trolley system that runs the full length of the island
  • Bridge Street boutiques and casual cafes in Bradenton Beach
  • Coquina Beach, the southernmost beach with cafe and pavilion

03 Dining

Where to Eat in Anna Maria Island

Top Picks

The Waterfront Restaurant
Sandbar Restaurant
Island Coffee Shop
The Feast Restaurant
Rod and Reel Lounge
See Our Restaurant of the Week

04 Events

Live Music & Events in Anna Maria Island

Restaurants, Bars & Waterfront Spots with Live Music

Drift-In AMI

Island / Acoustic / Reggae

Beachside bar with live music daily on Anna Maria Island.

Daily 3-7 PM
Anna Maria Island

The Ugly Grouper

Island / Acoustic / Reggae

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
6000 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island

Freckled Fin Irish Pub

Irish / Folk / Rock / Acoustic

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
103 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria Island

Sandbar Restaurant

Island / Acoustic / Variety

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
100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria

Kokonut Hut

Island / Rock / Reggae

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
5313 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach

Festivals & Annual Events

Bayfest

Annual street festival on Pine Avenue with live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, and a classic car show.

2026-10-17

Pine Avenue, Anna Maria Island

Symphony on the Sand

Annual beachfront concert by the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra at Coquina Beach attracting over 4,000 attendees.

Check official source — dates TBD

Dates TBD — check official source

Coquina Beach, Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island SandBlast

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

Manatee Public Beach, Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island

See Full Events Calendar

This Week

What's Happening in
Anna Maria Island

Your guide to live music, festivals, dining, family fun, water sports, arts, and more happening in Anna Maria Island right now.

Happening Today

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05 Activities

Things to Do in Anna Maria Island

Family & Kids Activities

Coquina Beach Family Fun

Family-friendly beach with a playground, cafe, pavilion, and gentle Gulf waters perfect for children.

Daily, sunrise to sunset

06 Beaches & Water

Beaches & Water Activities

Coquina Beach

The southernmost beach on Anna Maria Island. Features a beach cafe, pavilion, and stunning views of the Gulf.

Bean Point

Quiet northern tip beach at the end of North Shore Drive. Stunning sunset views.

Manatee Public Beach

Central island beach with restrooms, picnic tables, and easy access.

Water Activities & Charters

Boat Tour

Fun Boat Tours - Anna Maria Island

Fun Boat Tours operates from Keyes Marina on Anna Maria Island offering sightseeing and eco-tours of the Gulf Coast.

Daily, multiple departure times

Book Now
Boat Tour

Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours

Dolphin-watching eco-tours around Anna Maria Island and the intracoastal waters with marine life viewing.

Daily, 1.5-2 hour tours

Kayaking

Anna Maria Island Kayak Rentals

Kayak and paddleboard rentals exploring the calm waters around Anna Maria Island and mangrove tunnels.

Daily, 9 AM - 5 PM

07 Real Estate

Anna Maria Island Real Estate Market

Price Range
$500K - $5M+
Median Home
$875,000
Median Condo
$575,000
Market Insight
Anna Maria Island commands premium prices due to extremely limited inventory and high demand for beachfront living. Many properties serve as vacation rentals.

08 Pros

Advantages

  • World-class beaches with crystal-clear water
  • Charming Old Florida character with strict height restrictions
  • Excellent boating, fishing, and watersports
  • Strong vacation rental market for investors
  • Walkable island with free trolley system

08 Cons

Considerations

  • Very expensive real estate with very limited inventory
  • Extreme seasonal crowds and traffic during peak season
  • Limited grocery and retail options on the island
  • Hurricane risk with mandatory evacuation zones
  • Short-term rental regulations increasingly restrictive

09 Schools

Education in Anna Maria Island

District
Manatee County Schools
Rating
B+
Full Schools & Family Guide

Anna Maria Elementary School serves the island community with a highly-rated marine science magnet program. Older students attend Martha B. King Middle and Manatee High School.

Anna Maria ElementaryMartha B. King MiddleManatee High School

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