Where is Anna Maria Island?

Location. Anna Maria Island is a barrier island on the coast of Manatee County, Florida. Adjacent islands to Anna Maria Island include Key Royale and Longboat Key. Anna Maria Island is divided into three cities: the city of Anna Maria in the North, Holmes Beach in the middle, and Bradenton Beach in the South.

What city is Anna Maria Island close to?

Anna Maria Island is a barrier island that sits about halfway up Florida's west coast, directly southwest of Tampa. Its nearest major city is Bradenton, which is right off the island to its east. Just south of Bradenton, you will find Sarasota.

Is Anna Maria Island Expensive?

Cost of Living in Anna Maria, Florida by Expense Category

Anna Maria's housing expenses are 2% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 6% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 8% lower than the national average.

What side of Florida is Anna Maria Island on?

So, the first thing you're probably wondering is, “Where is Anna Maria Island?” Anna Maria Island sometimes referred to as AMI, is located on the west coast of Florida in Manatee County.

Is Anna Maria Island closer to Tampa or Sarasota?

Tampa International Airport is a little farther away than Sarasota-Bradenton International. This airport is about an hour drive from Anna Maria Island. Since this is an international airport, you need to arrive at least two hours before your flight if you are flying internationally.

Are cars allowed on Anna Maria Island?

This island is truly a standout among all of Florida's islands. The best thing about AMI is that you can get anywhere you want to go here without having to drive a car. Of course, cars are welcome on the island, but if you don't want to drive yours or didn't drive one in, to begin with, that's okay!

How far is SQR from Anna Maria Island?

Of course, there are a few different ways you can get there, so you'll have to do some planning and decide what works best. Sarasota is about only a 20 miles drive from Anna Maria Island, taking you anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

How far is Anna Maria Island from Disney?

Disney World is the one place everyone has to check out at least once in their life. It is about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Anna Maria Island, right off of I-4. Plan to leave in the late morning to avoid traffic.

Is Anna Maria Island a good place to vacation?

Anna Maria Island has some of the best beaches in Florida for families. With its 7-mile stretch of white sandy beaches, calm blue waters and laid-back living, it's an incredible destination for a family vacation.

Why is it called Anna Maria Island?

In the mid 1840s a U.S. survey team stayed at the home of the Scottish Post family in Tampa. To thank them, the crew named the island after Madison Post's wife, Maria, and her sister, Anna. Old Spanish maps marked the island Ana Maria Cay; an 1855 U.S. map names it Anna Maria Key.

Which is better Sanibel or Anna Maria Island?

Anna Maria is more downscale -- relaxed -- ramshackle. Lots of funky older cottages and places to stay, family style restaurants, souvenier shopping. Although it does have at least one really good restaurant (Beach Bistro). Sanibel is more high scale (and of course a lot more expensive to go with it).

Where is the prettiest water in Florida?

Clearest Water in Florida

• Destin. ...
• Panama City Beach. ...
• Freshwater Springs. ...
• Miami. ...
• Palm Beach. ...
• Tampa. ...
• Sarasota. Sarasota is fast becoming one of Florida's best destinations. ...
• Boca Grande. As one of our favorite places in Florida, Boca Grande is located in the middle of boating paradise and at the northern end of Charlotte Harbor.

Does Anna Maria Island have clear water?

North of Siesta Key and West of Bradenton, Anna Maria Island is another gorgeous beach with clear water and emerald green hues. You'll find it much quieter than Siesta Key and it also neighbors Bradenton (another small town).

How long is Anna Maria Island FL?

Anna Maria Island is about 7 miles long and narrow. There's one main road connecting Anna Maria City in the north to Bradenton Beach in the south with Holmes Beach sandwiched in between. Make sure you hang around until the end of the day. The sunsets over the ocean are a sight to behold.

How do u get to Anna Maria Island?

Airports. The best airport options when trying to get to Anna Maria Island is to fly into Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. This airport is just 20 miles away from most Anna Maria Island lodging. Many of the major airlines fly into this airport including Delta, US Airways, Continental, and even AirTran.

Why is Anna Maria Island so popular?

With world famous beaches like Coquina Beach and Manatee Beach, white sand, amazing amenities, and plenty of sun, Anna Maria Island is the ideal place to escape for a beach getaway. The water is warm and swimmable during much of the year and calm – ideal for families.

Is Anna Maria Island laid back?

Overall, the vibe on Anna Maria island is pretty laid back but there can be a lot of traffic (especially around Bradenton Beach). It's your typical small beach town in most ways. Think: small inns/motels, ice cream shops, beach shops, cozy restaurants, etc.

Are there alligators in Anna Maria Island?

And, although you probably have heard of Florida alligators, you can safely explore the parks, marshes, beaches and coastal regions of Anna Maria Island without worry about encountering them.

Is Anna Maria Island beautiful?

Anna Maria Island is one of the barrier islands on the Gulf Coast of Florida. The beautiful island is probably best known for its gorgeous wide sandy beaches. While the beaches are beautiful but there are tons of other Anna Maria attractions to enjoy when you want a break from the beach.

Can you drink alcohol on Anna Maria Island?

For visitors to Anna Maria Island, and Bradenton Beach, the Bradenton Beach Commission reminds them that animals, alcohol, fires, glass bottles and vehicles are not allowed at any time on any of the city or county beaches.

Is Anna Maria Island busy in July?

Summer. The summer season runs from the end of May to September, with the busiest months being July and August. A common misconception about Anna Maria Island is that it's just too hot to visit in the summer.

What airport do you fly into to go to Sarasota Florida?

For the most direct route, Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is certainly your best bet. However, other options such as Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) may at times be cheaper, depending on where you are flying from.

Is Siesta Key worth visiting?

Siesta Key beach is one of the most famous beaches in Florida known for its many family-friendly amenities, sugar-white sand, and beautiful turquoise waters. If you are within at least two hours driving distance from Siesta Key Beach, Florida Gulf Coast's number one beach, it's definitely worth the visit.

How many miles around is Anna Maria Island?

Anna Maria Island is approximately 7 miles (11 km) long north to south.