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Aerial view of a coastal beach town at sunset with dramatic clouds, calm turquoise water, and waterfront buildings along the shore

Our Favorite Anna Maria Island Spots, Shared by Your Hosts

"Where to watch the sunset, find the best grouper sandwich, and spot dolphins from the pier. Wendy and Tim share their favorite island spots so you can plan the perfect stay."

Island & Beyond

Explore Our Neighborhoods

From quiet Holmes Beach streets to the shops and pier of Bradenton Beach, and pool homes just over the bridge in Bradenton, we host homes in the Gulf Coast's most-loved neighborhoods. Choose your spot, and we'll take care of the rest.

Aerial view of a narrow coastal peninsula with sandy beaches, buildings, and turquoise water under a partly cloudy sky

Holmes Beach

Weathered wooden pier ruins extending into turquoise sea beside white sand beach under clear blue sky

Bradenton Beach

Aerial view of coastal town with waterfront homes, marinas full of boats, and roads winding along the bay at sunset

Bradenton

Where We Send Our Guests

Our Favorite Anna Maria Island Spots

These are the places we love most: sunset beaches, fishing piers, nature trails, and the island's best Main Street. For where to eat, see the questions below.

White sand dunes and golden sea oats at Bean Point on the north tip of Anna Maria Island, with the Gulf on the horizon under a deep blue sky

Bean Point, Anna Maria

The island's northern tip, where the Gulf meets Tampa Bay. It's quiet, wide, and one of the best sunset spots on the island.

Photo coming soon, hostFront placeholder: Pine Avenue, Anna Maria

Pine Avenue, Anna Maria

The island's charming Main Street, lined with boutiques, cafés, and ice cream shops, and it ends at the City Pier. Perfect for a slow afternoon stroll.

Anna Maria City Pier stretching over calm turquoise water under a blue sky, seen from the shoreline through palm fronds

Anna Maria City Pier

The island's historic landmark stretches out over the bay. Watch for dolphins and manatees from the rail, or grab a bite at the end of the pier.

Two bright striped beach umbrellas and lounge chairs on the wide white sand at Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach, calm Gulf water behind

Manatee Public Beach, Holmes Beach

The island's easiest family beach, with lifeguards, restrooms, a beachfront café, and plenty of room to spread out.

White clock tower and covered walkway of the Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach, framed by palm trees on a clear day

Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach

Historic shops, beach bars, and live music. Walk out on the Bridge Street Pier past the clock tower to watch the pelicans and dolphins.

Rock jetty at Coquina Beach reaching into the Gulf under a dramatic evening sky, with sand and sea grapes along the shore

Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach

Wide and family-friendly on the south end, with picnic areas and the rock jetty at Longboat Pass for shelling and fishing.

Photo coming soon, hostFront placeholder: Leffis Key Preserve, Bradenton Beach

Leffis Key Preserve, Bradenton Beach

A hidden gem. Winding boardwalks through the mangroves lead to a lookout with views of the bay and Longboat Pass.

Looking down from the observation tower at Robinson Preserve onto a curving wooden boardwalk winding through green mangroves

Robinson Preserve, Bradenton

Just over the bridge: kayak trails, bike paths, and an observation tower above the mangroves. A local favorite, and close to our Bradenton homes.

Painted welcome sign for the historic fishing village of Cortez, Florida, with two fish and a heritage display beneath

Cortez Fishing Village

One of Florida's last working fishing villages, just over the Cortez Bridge. Fresh-caught seafood right on the docks and Old Florida charm.

Palm-lined residential street with parked cars, a lamppost and clear blue sky in a tropical neighborhood
Anna Maria Island

Beach Mornings, Pool Afternoons, Gulf Sunsets

Most days start with a short walk, wagon in tow. Quiet neighborhoods for evenings in, golden hour by the pool, and Gulf sunsets with no crowds to fight. Our full island guide, with restaurants, maps, and things to do, lives on Ruebarue.

Sun, Sand & Home Base

Beach Days Start Here

Whether your home is a short walk from the sand on Anna Maria Island, or a quick drive from Bradenton and surrounding areas, you'll have beach chairs, umbrellas, and a wagon ready to go. Each listing shows the exact distance to the beach.

Before You Book

Planning Your Island Trip

Still have questions? Email us at [email protected] or call 941-479-0146.

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[email protected]941-479-0146
2501 Gulf Dr N #102
Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
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