There really is something very magical when you arrive at Anna Marie Island and you see the sugar white sand you know you are in for few days of complete relaxation. There is not any need to plan your journeys for quite times to avoid the crowds because crowds and traffic jams do not exist on Anna Marie! You just lie back and plan very leisurely.
One of the best ways to explore Anna Marie is on foot which of course is also very healthy! This way you will not miss any detail of the island you will see the fantastic shells that line the beaches as well as the most beautiful tropical birds and other wildlife.
You can make full use of the free trolley service or if you prefer rent a bike, canoe or boat. In fact when we had a few days at Anna Marie we only went out in the car once.
If you fancy para-sailing you can get a fabulous view of the island or you can go out fishing from the beach or on a deep sea charter boat.
While you are exploring the island be sure not to miss out on the shops. They sell everything from traditional beachwear to fine linens and jewelry designed by local artists.
If you want outdoor activities you can take a boat tour, kayak to the intercoastal, scuba dive on the old sugar barge, parasail, bird watch or just take a walk on the beaches to collect shells.
If you want culture there are local museums as well as historical attractions. You can go to Anna Maries Island Players live theatre or to the nearby South Florida Museum and aquarium. There is also the nearby Ringling Museum of Art, Selby Gardens and Jungle Gardens.
You can also visit Mote Marine Aquarium, DeSoto National Park or the Manatee Players, the Asolo Center for the Performing Arts and many more venues the region is rich with culture.
Near to Anna Marie there are even more attractions such as the G-wiz science museum, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the Sarasota and West Coast Symphony,
If you fancy a theme park atmosphere visit Tampa' s Busch Gardens and Adventure Island which are close by.
At St Petersburg you can visit the Florida Aquarium and the world famous Dali Museum.
We usually start our day with a very leisurely stroll along the beach collecting shells and end it by hopping on the trolley bus to one of the island’s many restaurants. Enjoy Anna Marie Island we always do.