Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island: An Easygoing Florida Getaway That Feels Like Home

If you’re craving a beach vacation that’s relaxed, family-friendly, and refreshingly low-key, Anna Maria Island might be exactly what you’re looking for. Whether you're wanting a Quick 3 Day Escape or a longer vacation, Anna Maria is flexible and fun in either setting. Tucked along Florida’s Gulf Coast, this little barrier island delivers sugar-white sand, calm turquoise water, and a welcoming, small-town vibe that makes it easy to slow down and actually enjoy your time together.

One of the first things I loved about Anna Maria Island was how easy it was to get there. Flying into Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport is simple, and from there it’s a short, straightforward drive to the island. No long treks, no complicated transfers—just land, grab your bags, and head straight for the beach.

If you come into Sarasota, I'd highly recommend making a stop at MOTE Marine Life Aquarium. It's probably one of the best acquariums my family and I have been to. It has a lot of unique-to-Florida animals, activities, and educational sections that you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else. This is inland a bit, so I'd suggest hitting this up before making the drive out to Anna Maria.

On your way to the island, I highly recommend that you make a few pit stops along the way. There are a lot of great sights to see before reaching the beaches of Anna Maria. Our favorite was a morning stop at Saint Armands. This little island area is easy to get to and one you'll have to go through on your way anyway. There are a lot of great shops, restaurants, and other little activities to do here. When my family and I went we stopped here for breakfast, walked around the shops, and enjoyed a great relaxing morning. Depending on the time of day you visit there could be some small shows going on nearby, so be sure to check out the Saint Armands website for current activities.

Beaches That Steal the Show

Sunset seen from Bean Point

Anna Maria Island is all about its beaches, and each one has its own personality. Bean Point is a favorite for its quiet beauty and stunning sunsets, especially if you like a more peaceful stretch of sand. Manatee Public Beach is lively and convenient, with restrooms, a café, and easy access—perfect for families with kids. Down south, Coquina Beach offers wide shores, shaded picnic areas, and walking paths that make it easy to spend an entire day by the water.

The beaches are clean, well cared for, and incredibly family-friendly. The Gulf waters are typically calm and shallow near the shore, which makes swimming and playing in the surf much less stressful when you’ve got little ones in tow.

Our favorite beach ended up being Braydenton Beach. While not technically in the Anna Maria area, it was close enough that we made a stop there to visit with some friends and spend the day at the beach. The waters here were crystal clear and calm. There was also a nice beach restauarant nearby.

A Place That’s Bounced Back

Like much of Florida’s Gulf Coast, Anna Maria Island faced real challenges after Hurricane Ian a few years ago. Visiting now, it’s clear how much effort and heart the community has put into recovery. Homes and businesses have been rebuilt, beaches restored, and the island feels vibrant and alive again. There’s a strong sense of local pride here—you feel it in the friendly conversations, the care taken with public spaces, and the way locals welcome visitors back.

Where to Stay: Close to the Sand

Renting a house close to the beach is one of the best ways to experience Anna Maria Island, especially with a family. Many vacation homes are just a short walk or bike ride from the water, making beach days effortless. Having your own kitchen, outdoor space, and room to spread out is a game-changer—whether you’re traveling with kids, grandparents, or both.

My family and I rented a great house on the corner of Oak Avenue and Gulf Drive. It was great because it was only a block away from the beach entrance (short walk down Oak Drive), just two blocks away from The Porch Restaurant and Slim's Place, and a slew of other great places like the Anna Maria Island Creamery & Bakery, amongst others. Driving to other beaches and restaurants from this house was a breeze.

The house we rented had a nice pool, albiet it was small. But it gave us a great selection of going to the beach or just hanging out poolside.

Local Hot Spots & Island Flavor

Despite its laid-back feel, Anna Maria Island has plenty of local gems. Pine Avenue is great for strolling, shopping, and grabbing ice cream. Restaurants like The Sandbar, The Beach Bistro, and Ginny’s & Jane E’s are island staples, serving everything from casual beach bites to memorable sunset dinners. Even just biking around the island, popping into small cafés, and watching the sunset from the shore feels special here.

Fun for Kids (and Parents Too)

There’s no shortage of kid-friendly activities. Beach days are the main event, but you’ll also find bike rentals, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing piers, and dolphin-spotting boat tours. The island’s free trolley makes getting around fun and easy, and kids love hopping on and off as you explore different areas.

We ended up going on a dinner cruise that took us on a nice tour of the bay and islands that are nearby Anna Maria. There are a lot of options for cruises, so do some research and find one that seems to suit your family's needs.

Why It Works So Well for Families

What really stood out to me was how clean, safe, and welcoming Anna Maria Island felt. The pace is unhurried, the people are genuinely friendly, and everything seems designed for simple enjoyment—sun, sand, and time together. It’s the kind of place where kids can be kids, parents can relax, and everyone leaves feeling refreshed.

Short Escape or Full-Week Stay

Anna Maria Island is perfect for a quick three-day escape if you just need a few solid beach days to recharge. At the same time, it easily stretches into a week-long vacation with the whole family, without ever feeling boring or overcrowded. Whether you’re there for a long weekend or settling in for seven sunny days, the island has a way of making you wish you’d planned to stay just a little longer.

If you’re looking for a Florida beach destination that’s easy to reach, rich in charm, and ideal for families, Anna Maria Island is absolutely worth putting at the top of your list.