Anna Maria Island is one of Florida’s most beautiful Gulf Coast destinations, known for its white sand beaches, turquoise water, dolphin sightings, and laid-back island charm. Visitors from around the country travel here each year to relax on the beach, explore the water by boat, and experience some of the best sunsets in Florida.
Anna Maria Island is one of Florida’s most beautiful Gulf Coast destinations. Known for its white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, relaxed island atmosphere, and incredible wildlife, it’s a favorite vacation spot for families, couples, and adventure seekers.
If you’re planning a trip, this ultimate guide to the best things to do in Anna Maria Island will help you discover the island’s most unforgettable activities — from dolphin tours and sunset cruises to hidden sandbars and historic landmarks.
One of the most popular things to do in Anna Maria Island is a dolphin watching tour. The waters surrounding the island are home to large populations of playful bottlenose dolphins that often swim alongside boats.
During a dolphin tour you may see:
• Dolphins swimming and jumping near the boat• Manatees in calm coastal waters• Pelicans, osprey, and other seabirds• Beautiful views of Anna Maria Island and Tampa Bay
Private dolphin tours are perfect for families, couples, and small groups looking for a relaxing experience on the water.
👉 Explore our Dolphin Tours in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is home to some of the best beaches in Florida. Visitors come from around the world to experience the island’s powdery white sand and clear turquoise water.
Popular beaches include:
Bean Point Beach
Located at the northern tip of Anna Maria Island, Bean Point offers breathtaking Gulf views and some of the most peaceful scenery on the island.
Coquina Beach
Coquina Beach is known for its beautiful shoreline, picnic areas, and easy access for families.
Holmes Beach
Holmes Beach offers calm water and convenient beach access close to restaurants and shops.
These beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, shelling, and watching incredible Gulf Coast sunsets.
A short boat ride from Anna Maria Island brings visitors to Egmont Key, one of the area’s most unique natural destinations.
Things to see at Egmont Key:
• Historic Egmont Key lighthouse• Ruins of Fort Dade• Quiet natural beaches• Snorkeling and swimming areas• Gopher tortoises and wildlife
Because the island is only accessible by boat, visiting Egmont Key feels like discovering a hidden paradise.
For additional information on Egmont Key, check out our Complete Guide to Egmont Key
Anna Maria Island is famous for its spectacular Gulf Coast sunsets. Watching the sun dip below the horizon from the water is one of the most memorable experiences visitors can have.
A sunset cruise offers:
• Front-row views of the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico• Dolphin sightings at dusk• Relaxing evening boat ride• Incredible photo opportunities
Sunset cruises are especially popular for couples, anniversaries, and special celebrations.
👉 Explore our Anna Maria Island Sunset Cruises
Passage Key is a stunning sandbar located between Anna Maria Island and Egmont Key. Known for its shallow turquoise water and white sand shoreline, it’s one of the most beautiful hidden spots in the area.
Visitors enjoy:
• Swimming in clear shallow water
• Relaxing on the sandbar
• Dolphin sightings nearby
• Incredible panoramic views
Passage Key is only accessible by boat, making it a peaceful and uncrowded destination.
Boating is one of the best ways to explore the waters surrounding Anna Maria Island.
Popular boating destinations include:
• Longboat Pass
• Tampa Bay
• Passage Key Sandbar
• Egmont Key
• Sarasota Bay
Renting a boat allows visitors to explore the coastline, discover sandbars, and watch dolphins in their natural habitat.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Boating in Anna Maria Island
The Anna Maria City Pier is one of the island’s most recognizable landmarks. Originally built in 1911, the pier stretches out into Tampa Bay and offers incredible views of the water.
Visitors can enjoy:
• Fishing off the pier
• Watching dolphins and manatees
• Scenic waterfront views
• Local restaurants nearby
It’s a great place to experience the laid-back island atmosphere.
Bridge Street is the entertainment hub of Anna Maria Island. The area features restaurants, shops, live music, and waterfront views.
Popular things to do on Bridge Street include:
• Dining at waterfront restaurants• Shopping at local boutiques• Enjoying live music and nightlife• Walking along the historic bridge area
Many boat tours also depart near this area.
Kayaking and paddleboarding are great ways to explore the calm waters around Anna Maria Island.
Paddling through the mangrove tunnels and shallow bays allows visitors to see wildlife up close, including:
• Dolphins
• Manatees
• Shorebirds
• Fish and marine life
It’s one of the most peaceful outdoor activities on the island
Sandbar tours are one of the fastest-growing activities in Anna Maria Island tourism. These trips take visitors to shallow areas where they can relax in clear water surrounded by beautiful coastal scenery.
Sandbar tours often include:
• Dolphin watching
• Swimming in shallow water
• Shelling along sandbars
• Scenic cruising around Anna Maria Island
👉 Explore our Sandbar Tours in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island
From dolphin tours and sunset cruises to hidden sandbars and historic landmarks, there are endless things to do in Anna Maria Island.
If you want to experience the island from the water, Manatee River Boat Rentals and Water Sports offers private boat tours, dolphin tours, sunset cruises, and sandbar trips around Anna Maria Island and Bradenton.
👉 Book your Anna Maria Island boat adventure today and experience the Gulf Coast like never before.
