Blog / Your First Time on Anna Maria Island: What to Know Before You Go
Your First Time on Anna Maria Island: What to Know Before You Go
By the Vacation Thyme team
Anna Maria Island is a seven-mile barrier island with three small towns, no high-rises and a slow pace. Here is what first-time visitors tend to want to know before they arrive.
Three towns, one island
The island is split into three cities. Anna Maria sits at the north end with Pine Avenue's shops and cafes and the Anna Maria City Pier. Holmes Beach is in the middle and is home to Manatee Public Beach. Bradenton Beach is at the south end, with the Historic Bridge Street district and Coquina Beach.
Getting on and around
Two bridges reach the island from Bradenton and Cortez, and a third connects from Longboat Key to the south. The bridges can open for boat traffic, so build in a few extra minutes. Once you are on the island, the free Anna Maria Island Trolley runs the length of it from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. You can track it in real time with the MCATmyStop app. Bikes and golf carts are popular, too, because the island is small.
Parking
Manatee Public Beach and Coquina Beach both have free lots, and both fill early on busy days, so arrive in the morning. Bean Point has no lot at all. Read the posted signs before you walk away from the car, because parking rules in the island towns are enforced. When in doubt, take the trolley.
Beach basics
Every Gulf beach on the island is open to the public. Manatee Public Beach and Coquina Beach have lifeguards daily, and Beach Patrol can be reached at 941-749-3500. Bean Point and Longboat Key Beach are not lifeguarded. Check the flag conditions on the Manatee County beach conditions page before you swim. For our favorite beaches and what each is known for, see Local Guides.
Eating out
Waterfront tables are in demand at sunset and on weekends, so call ahead for groups. A few to start with: Rod & Reel Pier at (941) 778-1885, Sandbar Restaurant at (941) 778-0444, and Beach Bistro at (941) 778-6444.
What to pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
- A bag for shells and a small shovel or sifter if you plan to hunt for shark teeth
- Flip flops or sandals, since many island shops and restaurants require shoes
- Beach chairs, an umbrella and a cooler. At Coral Cabana we already have them for you: a rolling cooler, wagon, four beach chairs, an umbrella and beach toys
Where to stay
We are in Palma Sola on the mainland, about 10 minutes from the island, which means a private pool, room for the whole group and no island parking hassle. You can still be on the sand in the time it takes to make coffee.
Stay close to all of itCoral Cabana sits on the mainland in Palma Sola, a short drive from the island beaches.
See Coral Cabana