If you’re Anna Maria Island Florida: Family Vacation Guide to Beaches, Eats, and Day Trips
If you’re looking for a laid-back beach destination that feels worlds away from crowded resorts, Anna Maria Island, Florida is hard to beat—especially for families. With its old-Florida charm, sugar-white sand, calm turquoise water, and slower pace of life, it’s the kind of place where kids can roam freely and parents can truly relax.
Why Anna Maria Island Is Perfect for Families
Anna Maria Island (AMI) is only seven miles long, but it packs in everything you need for an easy, memorable family vacation. There are no high-rise hotels, chain restaurants, or flashy attractions—just colorful beach cottages, bike paths, and friendly locals waving as you pass by.
The island’s free trolley makes getting around with kids simple, and the beaches are known for being clean, wide, and safe, with gentle Gulf waters that are ideal for younger swimmers.
Getting to Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is easily accessible by air. Most visitors fly into Tampa International Airport (TPA) or Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ). From either airport, renting a vehicle is recommended to explore the island and nearby attractions at your own pace.
Where We Stayed
Anna Maria is a staple in our travel list as my husband grew up in the area and grandparents still live in Bradenton. We usually stay near the Holmes Beach area when we visit, but all the beaches are beautiful. Being walkable or on the beach and having access to a pool is are musts with kids, as it’s always fun to incorporate both beach and pool time into each day.
Tip: Look for rentals on the north end of the island (Anna Maria City) if you want quieter beaches, or closer to Holmes Beach if you want to be near shops and restaurants.
Beach Time (The Main Event)
The beaches on Anna Maria Island are truly the highlight. Bean Point, Manatee Public Beach, and Coquina Beach each have their own vibe, but all offer soft sand, beautiful sunsets, and a treasure trove of shells. We have even found a full sand dollar on our visits!
Our days followed a simple rhythm: early morning beach walks, shell hunting with the kids, swimming and sandcastle-building before lunch, then heading back for pool time or a rest during the hottest part of the day.
Things to Do on the Island With Kids
While the beach is the star, there’s plenty to keep families busy:
- Bike the Island: Rent bikes (many come with kid trailers or tag-alongs) and cruise the flat streets.
- Dolphin Spotting: Dolphins are commonly seen right from shore or while walking the piers.
- Anna Maria City Pier: A must-visit for fishing, photos, and sunset views.
- Ice Cream: Small island classics that kids love.
Favorite Restaurants & Ice Cream Shops
Anna Maria Island and nearby areas have some spots we always make time for:
- Rod & Reel Pier: Iconic for seafood with beautiful bay views. Food is always delicious.
- The Sandbar: Beachfront dining with a great kids’ menu and casual vibes.
- Beach House Restaurant: Perfect for a relaxing meal right on the water.
- Anna Maria Oyster Bar: Fun, casual spot with tasty seafood and family-friendly atmosphere.
- Columbia Restaurant (St. Armands): A must-visit for Cuban cuisine, especially if you’re exploring St. Armands Circle.
- Two Scoops Ice Cream: Our favorite for nightly ice cream indulgences with the kids.
Getting Around
You truly don’t need a car once you’re on the island. The free AMI trolley runs regularly from north to south and stops near beaches, shops, and restaurants. Many families also rent golf carts or bikes for short trips.
Best Time to Visit Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is truly a year-round destination, but the experience can vary by season.
- Winter (December–February): Still a popular time to visit, but temperatures can be cooler than many expect. During a January visit last year, temperatures dipped into the 50s. It’s great for walking, biking, and escaping colder climates, but not always ideal beach weather.
- Spring through Fall (March–November): These months offer the best overall experience, with warmer air and water temperatures that are perfect for beach days and swimming. Spring and fall strike a great balance with fewer crowds, while summer brings classic beach weather and a fun family vibe.
If you’re hoping for warm water, sunny beach days, and that true Gulf Coast feel, March through November is the sweet spot.
Nearby Spots & Easy Day Trips
If you’re looking to mix in a few off-island adventures or need options for cooler or rainy days, these nearby spots are all easy drives and family-friendly:
- Bridge Street (Bradenton Beach): A fun, walkable area with cute shops and restaurants, many offering views of the bay. Great for an evening stroll or casual meal.
- Rod & Reel Pier: While the iconic pier is being rebuilt, the restaurant is currently open in a nearby plaza location—and the food is still delicious. Still worth a visit.
- Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium: One of the best rainy-day options nearby. Compact, educational, and perfect for kids of all ages.
- Sarasota Public Library: A surprisingly great stop if you need a calm reset. Modern, spacious, and ideal for younger kids.
- Robinson Preserve (Bradenton): Feeling adventurous or just want a good walk? This preserve offers scenic trails, boardwalks, and beautiful water views.
- Emerson Point Preserve: A peaceful and scenic place to walk with waterfront trails and gorgeous views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Perfect for a slower-paced afternoon or sunset stroll.
- St. Armands Circle: For a cute, high-end shopping and dining experience, this area is well worth the drive. Great boutiques, a polished atmosphere, and an excellent Cuban restaurant we loved.
Final Thoughts
Anna Maria Island is the kind of place that makes family vacations feel simple again. No rushing from attraction to attraction—just beach days, bike rides, and time together. It’s relaxed, beautiful, and incredibly family-friendly, which is why it’s a destination we’d happily return to again and again.
If you’re dreaming of a Florida beach vacation where kids can be kids and parents can actually unwind, Anna Maria Island deserves a spot at the top of your list.
Anna Maria Island FAQ
Is Anna Maria Island a good destination for families?
Yes! Anna Maria Island is very family-friendly with calm beaches, walkable areas, bike paths, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants and activities.
Do you need a car on Anna Maria Island?
A car isn’t required. Many visitors get around using bikes, golf carts, or the free Anna Maria Island trolley, which runs north to south across the island.
What are the best beaches on Anna Maria Island?
Top beaches include Bean Point for quiet sunsets, Coquina Beach for amenities and space, and Manatee Public Beach for easy access and family facilities.
Are there things to do on Anna Maria Island besides the beach?
Absolutely. Families enjoy shelling, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing piers, local shops, and ice cream stops along Pine Avenue and near the piers.
When is the best time to visit Anna Maria Island?
The best time to visit is all year, but spring is our favorite when the weather is warm, the water is comfortable, and crowds are smaller than peak summer and winter seasons.
If you’re dreaming of more sunshine, don’t miss our other beach trips and family vacation ideas here.
