HOW TO GET TO ANNA MARIA ISLAND
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) serves as the local airport for the Anna Maria Island Area. With SRQ’s convenient location, onsite access to rental cars, and over 50 nonstop flights, you can have your toes in the sand by lunchtime.
The Anna Maria Area is also conveniently located just a 45-minute drive from Tampa International Airport (TPA) and a 2 hour drive from Orlando Airport, both airport offer non stop flights from the UK.
GETTING AROUND
By car - One of the ways to get around town is with your car or a rental. It gives you the freedom to set your own schedule, go with the flow, and even carpool with friends or other members of your group.
Public transportation - Public transportation networks are established, but they are limited by route and frequency. Anna Maria Island has its own free public trolley transport system, providing transportation from the north to the south end of the island every 20-30 minutes. Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) provides transportation throughout the larger Bradenton Area. For service from Coquina Beach to Longboat Key, reservations are required in advance.
By ferry - Getting to and from the mainland to Anna Maria Island is easier than ever with the Gulf Islands Ferry! The ferry connects Downtown Bradenton with the idyllic charm of AMI City Pier on Anna Maria Island and Historic Bridge Pier on Bradenton Beach. With the longest trip taking approximately 50 minutes, you can enjoy a scenic, traffic-free commute or a leisurely day trip. Once on Anna Maria Island, hop on the Island Trolley to explore the Bradenton Area’s best-loved beaches, shops and dining spots all for as little as $10 per adults and $6 for children 4-18 roundtrip.
Alternatively, go “green” and explore the natural beauty of the area by foot, bike, scooter, segway or electric golf cart. Although the range will be limited, they are great to explore the area more thoroughly. There are several rental locations around.
ANNA MARIA ISLAND
You need never leave the area to find fun and relaxation. Our 7-mile-long stretch of island, sitting in the Gulf of Mexico, is home to the island’s three cities – City of Bradenton Beach (to the south), City of Holmes Beach (in the center) and the City of Anna Maria (to the north). All three cities provide access to spectacular beaches, accommodations and outdoor activities.
Take a step back in time just off island in Cortez Village. Across the Intracoastal waterway, Cortez is one of the last remaining working fishing villages on Florida’s southwest Gulf coast. The historic working waterfront of Cortez has a fascinating Florida Maritime Museum, housed in the restored historic 1912 schoolhouse, located on the park-like grounds of the Cortez Nature Preserve.
Enjoy a day at the beach, walk barefoot along the surf and watch the kids play in the sand. Stroll along our pristine beaches and commune with nature. Dine in award-winning restaurants, where you can enjoy fresh fish on a pier or sip tropical martinis while enjoying live music at various spots island wide. Go shopping in our specialty shops and boutiques all along the island. Take the free trolley where you want to go, hop off for an ice cream or sweet delight, and hop on the next trolley to continue your journey. Our friendly, laid back way of life and endless activity options will keep you coming back again and again.
Stay at the accommodations of your dreams. Fall asleep while you listen to the waves lap against the shoreline and the palm trees sway in the gentle breeze. Choose from beautiful Anna Maria Island beachside resorts featuring a wide array of room sizes, to quaint rustic cottages, million-dollar villas and luxury accommodations. Experience a romantic getaway or a quiet secluded beach experience while enjoying sun-drenched hospitality.
The island and surrounding area offer an enjoyable selection of shops, restaurants, performing arts, wildlife, culture, history and many attractions to enjoy during your stay. You can see that our island in the sun offers something for everyone. Family vacation or just a weekend away, you will fall in love with Anna Maria Island.
THE BEACHES OF THE BRADENTON AREA, ANNA MARIA ISLAND & LONGBOAT KEY
CLICK ON BELOW TO EXPLORE THEM
