Anna Maria Island

This lovely and laid back island in the sun is only two miles wide at its widest point and some places much narrower than this.

It is actually made up of three different cities. These are to the northern end, Anna Maria, to the south Bradenton Beach and the middle is Holmes Beach. It offers beautiful sandy white beaches and the bay that are never too far away no matter where you may be located on the island.

You will be amazed at the brilliant and spectacular colors of its sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico. It is near Longboat Key, Florida. The entire atmosphere of the island is casual and come as you are for fun and games. It is one of the top tourist destinations in Florida.

A Brief History:

The first inhabitants of this lovely island paradise were the Timucan and Caloosan American Indian tribes until the island was discovered by others.

During the mid 1500s the Spanish Crown claimed the area after their discoveries of the area. The first resident of the island arrived in 1892 and by the early 1900s began developing the island by laying out streets, sidewalks, houses and a water system.

Many of the older, larger buildings were transported by barge. In 1921 a wooden bridge was constructed connecting the island with the mainland and the Bradenton Beach fishing pier is the western end of the original bridge.

Entertainment and Recreation:

Anna Maria Island is dotted with local cafes and ice cream shops for your relaxing pleasures. You may wish to visit the art galleries and art exhibitions, spas, the theater or museums, vineyard tours and wine tasting in the area.

Taking time to visit the DeSoto National Park and the South Florida Museum and Aquarium are always a special treat.

On the other hand you may be more interested in spending your time taking advantage of the various types of water sports...

These may include kayaking, boat tours, scuba diving, parasailing, bird watching, fishing and sailing or simply relaxing and taking in the scenery while walking along the beautiful sandy beaches, collecting various types of seashells, sand dollars and sea stars.

If you enjoy pier fishing, remember to stop by the City Pier and the nearby Rod & Reel Pier.

This is also a golfer's paradise since you can find many different golf courses in the area such as Waterleaf Golf, the River Club, Manatee County Golf Course, and The Links at Greenfield Plantation, the Legacy Golf Club at Lakewood Ranch, Heather Hills, David Leadbetter Golf Academy or University Park Country Club.

While visiting be sure to locate the most ideal green that can suit your particular wants and needs when it comes to a great round of golf.

Accommodations:

Anna Maria Island is a simple and relaxed area that does not include any large hotel chains. Rather here, you will find beautiful and charming accommodations such as friendly little mom and pop places to stay as well as small inns such as Harrington House Beachfront Bed and Breakfastand as well as vacation rentals.

Of course, you may find lodgings nearby in places like Bradenton and Longboat Key; just make sure to reserve your lodging in advance to secure your accommodations.