is an unspoiled paradise just one hour south of Tampa, at the mouth of Tampa Bay.  It is far enough from the city to be un-crowded, yet close enough to take advantage of the amenities of a City, like major league sports, theatre etc.  Anna Maria is a 7 1/2 mile long barrier island.   It is very unlike some tourist areas of Florida that are typified by endless rows of high rise apartment buildings and hotels.  Anna Maria is an island of single family homes and small resorts (three stories or less).  Anna Maria Island is a GREAT place to visit and an even better place to live!.  
What is there to do on the Island?

Walk the beach There are 7 1/2 miles of white sand beach, all of it open to the public.  With it's fine white sugar sand, it's one of the finest beaches in the United States or anywhere else for that matter

Swim or snorkel in the crystal clear Gulf of Mexico.  

Sunbathe on the beach 

Collect shells - they are plentiful

 

 
Build a sand castle - This is one heck of a sand castle.  It was built at the public beach.
The castle below was probably just as much fun to build.   Note the parasail straight out into the gulf

Fish from shore and off-shore - Fishing is great!  You can chose from four public fishing piers - one just three blocks from Anna Maria Beach Place. You could fish the surf or you could go on a charter fishing trip off-shore with one of the many Charter captains or better yet take your own boat, that you keep docked in your yard!

Take a sunset cruise on the Gulf of Mexico - Seafood Shack Showboat Cruise & Dinner

Boat - Boating is fabulous.  There are so many choices of where to go.  If it's blowing, you can stay in the safety of the inter-coastal waterway and go as far as you want.  On beautiful calm days, the Gulf and Tampa bay are great to explore

Shop - There are many interesting little shops on the island that you will enjoy.  For more up-scale shopping, try St Armand's Circle on Longboat Key a few miles to the south. There, you will find fine clothing shops, galleries and great restaurants

Watch the wildlife - Dolphins are plentiful and can be seen around the piers and bays.  Sea turtles and manatee also live in our waters and can be seen during some seasons. Thousands of types of birds are everywhere.

Golf - Some of the finest golf courses in southern Florida are within easy driving distance. 

Bicycle -   The island is a good place to bicycle.  You can ride on the sidewalks all over the island.  

Play tennis - There are two public courts on the island.  

Parasail - Several Parasail boats operate from the Cortez Village just across the bridge.  If you are adventurous, you can go single or tandem parasailing.

Jet ski or Kayak - Jet skis or kayaks can be rented at several local marinas and outfitters.

Just in case that is not enough.... There are lots of fun things to do within easy driving distance

Bradenton/Sarasota area
  • Mote Marine Laboratories and Aquarium
  • The world renowned John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art
  • Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
  • South Florida Museum
  • Bishop Planetarium
  • Parker Manatee Aquarium
  • Sarasota Jungle Gardens
  • Gamble Plantation State Historic Site
  • Historic Cortez Fishing Village
 Orlando area (21/2 hr hour drive)
  • Walt Disney World
  • Epcot Center
  • MGM Studios
  • Universal Studios
  • Seaworld
  •  Wet 'n Wild
  • Gator Land
  • Cypress Garden
  • Kennedy Space Center (another hour from Disney)

Tampa

  • Busch Gardens (Tampa 1 1/2 hour drive)
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