Anna Maria Island: A 'Splash' of Everything!
In the early 1970's my husband's grandparents had retired from their busy lives in Chicago to the sleepy beach side community of Cortez, Florida and that's when his story with Florida began, and mine would eventually meet his.
Since the 1970's he and his family would enjoy spring break and summers swimming at Coquina Beach, boating the canals of Cortez, seeing the Pelicans, and Horseshoe crab rest along the mangrove islands and finish their day strolling the sidewalks of Anna Maria Island looking for the perfect place to dine.
What you need to know about Anna Maria Island:
Anna Maria has a small beach town vibe, and a mixture of well known plus vintage charming hotels and restaurants. Anna Maria is conveniently located off the mainland of Bradenton Florida, and a short breath taking drive from the culturally rich and glamorous Sarasota, making this island a perfect getaway for couples who desire things to explore after relaxing on the beach.
- Anna Maria Island is a Barrier island located off the coast of Bradenton and is a little over 2hrs or 125miles/201 km South West from Orlando
- Anna Maria Island is easily accessible by car from the 1/2 mile long Cortez Draw Bridge that joins Mainland Bradenton with the barrier islands of Florida's beautiful Manatee County
Best things to do Anna Maria Island:
- Coquina Beach- while the beaches in the immediate area of Anna Maria Island are wonderful, soft and super convenient to shopping, and restaurants, they are also crowded, and parking can be very difficult. Only a few miles south you will find the very spacious and beautiful beach of Coquina, where common amenities including food and parking will be readily available.
(Coquina Beach)
- Cortez Village- Shop, dine, and visit the historic fishing village of Cortez. Originally established in the mid 1800's for fishing, this village is now a wonderful venue for artisans to display their crafts for sale, evening entertainment, and sunset dinners. Only foot steps away from the beach !
(Cortez Village, Bradenton Florida)
- Longboat Key- continue driving a couple of miles south to cross over one of the skinniest barrier Islands of Florida, "Longboat Key." At some points of this thin stretch of Island you can stand at the center of the road and easily see beach and water on both sides of you !
(Longboat Key, Florida)
- St. Armand's Circle, Sarasota- If you desire 'glam' and 'glitz,' head even further south, crossing from Longboat Key into Sarasota, and spend time shopping the luxurious stores of St. Armand's circle, where the who's who of fashion, and jewelry will be found.
(St. Armand's Circle, Sarasota Florida)
- Sarasota Museums- If you will be visiting Florida's West Coast for more than a few days, then you must see the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, and their mansion 'The Ca' d' Zan' or 'House of John.' This was the winter property to the Circus owner John Ringling and his wife Mable, of the famed Ringling Brother's Circus!
(Ca' d' Zan-John and Mable Ringling winter Home, Sarasota)
Like my husband, Anna Maria Island has now grown up, and some of it's famed charm may have faded, but many of it's mid-century hotel's and restaurants from a simpler time still exists to capture the hearts and imaginations of thousands of visitors each year. If you have read my previous two posts regarding Top Island Getaways of Florida, you may have noticed I have not 'ranked' these 3 amazing Islands, as they cannot be fairly compared, however I would categorize these Florida Island experiences as;
Best Florida Island for:
- Nature and Shelling- Sanibel-Captiva Islands (see full story)
- History- Amelia Island (see full story)
- Culture, Shopping and Dining- Anna Maria Island
The State of Florida has more than 4,500 Islands greater than 10 acres in size, and many more Islands that are smaller, or appear and disappear daily with the rise and fall of tides 'Disappearing Islands.' Because of urban sprawl, and the growth of high rise condominium and hotel buildings throughout Florida, commuters can easily miss driving over small bridges connecting mainland Florida with many of these tiny barrier islands which serve as vital homes to many of Florida's sensitive ecosystem. Please help to do your part to protect Florida's natural parks and waterways while visiting our beautiful state.
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