Activities, Attractions, Eats, & Treats

Stay active during you vacation while enjoying all Florida has to offer.

Visit some of the local parks,  and reserves and enjoy native Florida.

Kick back and relax with some of the locals at one of the many pubs and bars closeby.

Enjoy a stroll down the Anna Maria City Pier on the northern end of the island. Bring a fishing pole or appetite and stay a while.

Great for Kids!

Visit hometown favorite Rod & Reel Pier on the northern end of the island. Don’t leave without having a fresh grouper sandwich!

Great for Kids!

White sand beaches meet at the tip of Anna Maria Island, Florida. Bean Point in Anna Maria City is the spot where Tampa Bay opens to the Gulf.

Bring (or rent) a kayak or paddleboard and leave from the backyard to explore protected Palma Sola Bay. You’ll see manatees, dophins, turtles, pelicans, seagulls, and lots of fish!

Right from the Backyard!

On Anna Maria Island’s Pine Avenue, you’ll get an Old Florida feel. You can shop, eat, discover a little local history and even fish and catch some waves.

Experience riding a horse on the beach and at Palma Sola Bay. You have an opportunity to ride a horse in the water.

The park showcases collections of rare palms, fruits, and flowering trees, as well as three lakes, a butterfly garden, gazebo, and pavilion. It is open daily without charge.

Historic Bridge Street on Bradenton Beach is “Anna Maria’s Hot Spot”. A beautiful fishing pier leads to an active street where you can Shop, Dine, and Play!

Fish from the dock, head to a local pier, or hire a charter captain to guarantee a great catch! Redfish, snook, trout, flounder, mackeral, and so much more!

Nature preserve with hiking & biking trails, picnic areas, a boat launch & observation platforms.

Park featuring a beach, a playground, picnic tables, grills, bike racks, restrooms, showers & more.

Long public swimming beach featuring picnic tables, cabanas & play areas, plus a casual cafe.

Diverse waterfront park offering swimming, kayaking & bird-watching, plus trails & picnic areas. Kayak with great guides in Mangrove Tunnels and with Manatees, Dolphins, Rays.

The aquarium is the public outreach arm of the laboratory, displaying more than 100 marine species with a focus on species and ecosystems studied by staff scientists.

Great for Kids!

Grab a putter and see if you can sink a hole in one on this Florida-themed mini-golf course. 

Great for Kids!

A sophisticated outdoor dining and shopping area with distinct European flair, iconic examples of mid-century modern architecture. 

Bring deep pockets!

A natural and cultural history museum specializing in the history of Florida’s gulf coast. It houses exhibits highlighting Florida history from the prehistoric to the present.

Spend a day or two exploring the 66 acre estate of John and Mable Ringling which also includes the Circus Museum, Ca’ d’Zan,The Historic Asolo Theater, Bayfront Gardens and more.

A 365-acre preserve in Manatee County, Florida, located west of Palmetto and at the western end of Snead Island.  Fishing, Walking Trails, Bike Riding, and more!

The star of the movie Dolphin Tale, after losing her tail from becoming entangled in a crab trap line, the team at Clearwater Marine Aquarium worked with the Hanger Clinic to develop a prosthetic tail, allowing Winter to make a full recovery!

Friendly, laid-back local eatery offering seafood classics & steaks plus beers & live music … a short walk away from the house!

Fish market & waterside seafood hangout with buckets of beers & outdoor picnic-table seating.

Casual, Florida-style seafood served in a homey waterfront place with a bar, deck & live music.

Casual seafood eatery overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, with a marina & outdoor tiki bar.

No-frills local restaurant featuring brick-oven pizzas & other items plus a long salad bar.

Waterfront choice for seafood plates & sandwiches served in a relaxed backdrop with a deck.

A great place to start the day with a cozy breakfast, brunch, or hearty lunch! Visit this friendly, local restaurant!

Good BBQ and a comfortable atmosphere for the whole family — or bar hopper.

Contemporary grill chain offering a seafood-centric menu, plus steaks & cocktails.

Greek flair and comfort food that will delight your senses! Enjoy an incredible gyro or classic greek salad! Tasty!

Casual, kid-friendly seafood restaurant sporting funky nautical accents & outdoor seating. Fried dishes delight!

Rustic outlet for handcrafted burgers, hotdogs & homestyle sides in a chill spot with outdoor seats. Cold beer and glass-bottle soda pop! One of our favorite local spots!

Beachfront seafood restaurant serving up classic dishes plus surprises such as grouper Reubens. Often you’ll also find a wedding taking place out back!

Belly up to the open bar and enjoy a cold beer. This is the local bar you won’t want to miss!

Say hi to Joe & Angie for us!

Modern, laid-back restaurant & happy-hour spot offering familiar Mexican grub, beer & margaritas.

Modern, laid-back restaurant & happy-hour spot offering familiar Mexican grub, beer & margaritas.Popular family-owned sushi house features traditional rolls & Japanese fare in a relaxed atmosphere.

Casual indoor-outdoor eatery providing breakfasts & Florida seafood on the beachfront.

Rustic seafood spot in an early-1900s beach house with an Old Florida vibe & patio views.

At The Donut Experiment, they start with a delicious, fresh-made cake donut and then the donuts are topped to order.

A historic cottage with global fine dining plus an informal space with live music & a smaller menu.

Reservations Recommended!

Seafood, Oysters and the best Frozen Daiquiri’s!

Upscale-casual restaurant providing a seafood-centric menu, full bar & frequent live music.