Anna Maria Island Florida Hotels and Travel Guide

With an ideal location on Florida's Gulf Coast, Anna Maria Island has managed to avoid the pitfalls of overdevelopment. Buildings on the island are not allowed to be more than three stories tall, and the accessible beaches add to Anna Maria Island inviting atmosphere.

Anna Maria Island Florida Travel Guide

Anna Maria Island is a 7 1/2 mile long barrier island west of Bradenton, FL. The island is connected to the mainland by the Cortez and Palma Sola Causeway, and at the south end of Anna Maria Island, Gulf Drive (State Route 789) joins the island with Longboat Key.

There are three communities on Anna Maria Island. From north to south, they are Anna Maria City, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach. Anna Maria City is considered to be the most residential community, Holmes Beach is both residential and business oriented, while Bradenton Beach attracts the most tourists. Visitors and locals can take advantage of the free trolley service on Anna Maria Island.

With plenty of choices for shopping, dining, and recreation water sports, Anna Maria Island has three fishing piers and several unique business districts. There are a number of local, independently owned restaurants, adding to the distinctive nature of the island. There are abundant opportunities to enjoy fresh seafood dishes and beachfront dining; many of the cafes and bistros on Anna Maria Island have been recognized by Wine Spectator and Zagat. Accommodations include quaint bed and breakfast inns, modern condos, beachside cottages, full service resorts and a variety of hotels and motels.

Manatee County runs three beach parks on the Gulf Coast--Coquina, Cortez and Manatee--and there are four more public beaches that don't require a hotel reservation to enjoy the powdery white sand beaches and warm waters that lure visitors and locals to the Gulf of Mexico year after year.