Plan Your Perfect Anna Maria Island Day Trip

Hey beach lovers! If you live in Florida or are traveling to Florida for a vacation, a day trip to Anna Maria Island is a MUST! 

With its sugar-white sand, clear turquoise waters (where you might see manatees!), and charming small-town feel, it’s one of my favorite places to visit.

In fact, it’s one of the best family-friendly beach destinations on the Gulf Coast.

Whether you’re coming from Sarasota, Tampa, or beyond, Anna Maria Island makes for an easy and unforgettable day trip.

From leisurely strolls along pristine beaches to delicious seafood and unique local shops, I’ve narrowed down my can’t-miss spots and created this guide to help you plan the perfect day on Anna Maria Island!

Morning: Arriving & Starting Your Day

Best Time to Arrive

To make the most of your day, I recommend arriving by 9:00 AM. Not only will you beat the midday crowds, but you’ll also find easier parking and prime beach spots.

Trust me, you’ll want to extend your day trip time as long as possible!

Where to Park

Parking can be tricky, especially during peak season. Here are some of the best public parking areas:

• Manatee Public Beach (4000 Gulf Dr.) – Restrooms, food, and lifeguards make this a great family-friendly spot.
• Coquina Beach (2650 Gulf Dr. S) – Beautiful beach area with a quieter atmosphere.
• Street Parking on Pine Ave. – Great if you plan to explore the shops and restaurants.

Once you find a spot to park, get around the island easily on the free island trolley, which makes stops every 20 minutes.

Breakfast Spots

For your first stop, head to one of the delicious breakfast eateries to fuel up for your day.

• The Donut Experiment – Okay, this might be more of a dessert than a breakfast, but these create-your-own gourmet donuts are to die for! We went twice on our visit to AMI.
• Ginny & Jane E’s – A quirky cafe with oversized cinnamon rolls and great coffee.
• La Creperie – This chic breakfast joint serves incredible French artisan crepes in both savory and sweet varieties. They also offer homemade quiches, omelets and croques.

Mid-Morning: Beach Time & Outdoor Fun

I know you’re just dying to see these famous white-sand beaches, so after breakfast head to the beach for some sun and take in the incredible gulf views! Take a good book, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. 

Best Beaches for a Day Trip

• Bean Point – The most secluded beach on AMI with stunning views and my #1 recommendation. This beach is located at the northern-most point of the island and the ocean views in nearly every direction are just jaw-dropping. Relaxing on Bean Point Beach was definitely one of the highlights of our trip to AMI!
• Manatee Public Beach – This beach is perfect for families with amenities like restrooms, a cafe, and lifeguard. It is typically one of the busier beaches on the island.
• Coquina Beach – A quieter option with wide beaches, picnic tables, and walking trails. We saw a lot of fish, birds and shells at this location.

Active Adventures

If you want more than just lounging at the beach, here are a few fun options:

• Rent bikes and cruise around the island.
• Book a clear kayak tour to see manatees and other wildlife.
• Book a dolphin tour to see playful dolphins up close.
• Ride Segways around the island and explore all the side streets. We did this on our first day in AMI and it was a great way to get a feel of the whole island.

Lunch: Where to Eat

By now, you’ve worked up an appetite. Luckily, Anna Maria Island has some incredible dining options, whether you want a quick bite or a sit-down meal.

For the most unique lunch near Anna Maria Island, cross the bridge from Bradenton Beach to Cortez and visit Star Fish Company. This fish market and outdoor eatery is such a fun experience.

Order the freshest seafood while you observe gulf wildlife and see fisherman coming in and out of the dock with their catch of the day. This casual joint was my favorite lunch on our trip to AMI.

Other delicious options include:

• The Sandbar – A classic beachfront restaurant where you can actually eat with your toes in the sand.
• Rod & Reel Pier – Right on the pier with sweeping ocean views. Serves great fish tacos.
• Poppo’s Taqueria – A delicious Mexican-inspired spot with fresh ingredients. This is another spot we visited more than once because it’s just-that-good.

Afternoon: Exploring the Island

After lunch, spend the afternoon discovering more of what AMI has to offer. 

Shopping & Strolling

• Pine Avenue – The heart of Anna Maria’s shopping scene with cute boutiques, dessert shops and local treasures, Pine Avenue deserves a spot on your Anna Maria Island day trip itinerary. Don’t miss The Shiny Fish Emporium, which is a cute shop where you can paint sand dollars–a favorite activity amoung visitors. 
• Bridge Street – A historic area with fun souvenir shops and galleries.
• Historic Green Village – A sustainable shopping and dining area.

Sightseeing

• Anna Maria City Pier – Walk the pier for beautiful water views and maybe spot a manatee!
• Leffis Key Preserve – A short nature walk with panoramic island views. This preserve offers opportunities for hiking, fishing and watching wildlife.
• Bridge Street Pier- This historic pier is a great spot for a stroll.

Evening

No trip to Anna Maria Island is complete without experiencing its legendary sunsets and fine dining. One of our favorite ways to end the day on AMI is with a walk along the beach as the sun turns bright colors, reflecting in the clear water.

Best Sunset Spots

• Bean Point – The most peaceful sunset spot with uninhibited views.
• The Sandbar Restaurant – Watch the sunset while dining with your toes in the sand.
• Sunset Cruise – Book a boat tour for a stunning view from the water.

⛵️ ➡️ Book this highly-rated AMI sunset cruise! ⬅️ ⛵️

Dinner Ideas

• The Waterfront – One of our favorite spots for dinner! Upscale but casual, perfect for a final meal before heading home.
• The Beach House – Great seafood with a relaxed beachfront setting.

👉 Make sure to book reservations in advance for the most popular restaurants on the island! We have even more options to explore in our guide to the top restaurants on Anna Maria Island.

Final Tips for a Stress-Free Day Trip

• Pack wisely – Bring beach essentials such as sunscreen, towels, water and cash.
• Visit during shoulder seasons – Spring and fall are great times to visit Anna Maria Island, when you’ll find great weather and fewer crowds.
• Arrive early and stay as long as you can – I promise you’ll want as much time on the island as possible!

Anna Maria Island is the perfect place for a relaxed, yet adventure-filled day trip. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on Bean Point Beach, enjoying fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant, or strolling down Pine Ave, AMI offers that Old Florida charm you’ll love right away.➡️ Want more options? Discover more of the top things to do on AMI!

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