Anna Maria Island Tips for a Great Vacation

The City of Anna Maria is one of the three communities located on Anna Maria Island. The other island communities are Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. It is located on the northern tip of the island.

Anna Maria City Pier

Damaged beyond repair by a hurricane in 2017, the all new Anna Maria City pier reopened in June 2020. From this 700 foot long pier located at 100 N Bay Blvd, you can watch both the sunrise and the sunset. From the pier you will see a variety of birds as well as manatees and dolphins. Enjoy a meal at the restaurant and try your luck at fishing.

Rod & Reel Pier

The Rod & Reel Pier is a two story restaurant out on the Gulf of Mexico. It is a little bit of old Florida serving traditional fare, local favorites and fish specials. Bring a pole and enjoy fishing from the pier. This is a great place to enjoy a sunrise or a legendary Florida sunset. The Rod & Reel Pier is located at 875 N. Shore Dr.

Bean Point Beach

Bean Point is the historic homestead of George Bean, founder of Anna Maria Island. You can find beach access points at Gladious Street/North Shore Drive and Fern Street/North Shore Drive. Given the limited street parking, you may want to take the trolley. Just be warned it’s a bit of a hike to reach the beach but it is worth it.

Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum

See the Island’s history at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum. The museum utilizes their YouTube channel to present old-timers’ oral histories, has an original homesteader map and offers walking and biking tours of the three communities. The Museum is located at 402 Pine Avenue or the Cresent Drive at Pine Ave AMI Trolley stop.

Anna Maria Jail

Located next door to the Anna Maria Historical Society Museum and Park, the Anna Maria Jail is a great place for a photo op. Built in 1927, this jail was used to temporarily hold troublemaking visitors. It was used until a fire destroyed its wooden roof in the 1940s.

Historic Pine Avenue

Pine Avenue stretch from Anna Maria Beach to the Anna Maria City Pier. Here you will experience an Old Florida feeling. Learn the history of Anna Maria Island at Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum. Visit Historic Green Village where the entire village is powered by renewable energy. Shop at it’s unique boutiques, jewelry stores, gift shops, and other stores. Indulge at a variety of restaurant with specialized cuisine.