Anna Maria: Coastal Views and Island History

Anna Maria combines coastal experiences with the history of Anna Maria Island. If you’re looking for a hotel, the interests you want to shape your stay can help you choose a destination: views and beaches, pier activities, or historical insights. The places and attractions each have their own character—from the quiet beach at Bean Point to the exhibits at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society.

Views at Bayfront Park and the beach at Bean Point

From Anna Maria Bayfront Park, you can see Tampa Bay, Egmont Key, and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The park combines these views with shaded picnic tables. A pavilion with grills can be reserved. So along with views of the water, picnic facilities are also part of a visit to the park.

Bean Point is a quiet beach at the tip of Anna Maria Island. Soft white sand and wide views of Tampa Bay and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge define the beach. From both Bayfront Park and Bean Point, you can see Tampa Bay and the bridge; from the park, Egmont Key is an additional landmark in the view.

Fishing and walks at Anna Maria City Pier

At Anna Maria City Pier, visitors and locals fish for Redfish, Snook, Spanish Mackerel, Pompano, and sharks, among other species. The pier also offers a chance to stroll along the waterfront promenade and watch the sunrise or sunset. Fishing and a waterside walk are both highlights here.

Insights into the history of Anna Maria Island

The Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum is an attraction in Anna Maria. The museum building was built in 1920 as an icehouse. Today, the museum displays artifacts, photographs, and maps about the history of Anna Maria Island. The exhibit spans a timeline from the earliest days as a Native American fishing camp through the first homesteader in 1893 and the culture of the 1920s to baseball players who spent the winters on Anna Maria Island between the 1950s and 1970s.

The Anna Maria Island Historical Society’s historic complex also includes the restored Belle Haven cottage from the 1920s and the original Old City Jail. The cottage and jail complement the exhibit with different historic buildings. Keep the dates distinct: the museum building was built in 1920 as an icehouse, while Belle Haven dates to the 1920s.

The museum offers treasure hunts for children. Settlers Bread also connects with the history of the early settlement: volunteers make it from a recipe that an early settler might have used.

Include Anna Maria Island in your plans

The free Island Trolley runs the entire length of Anna Maria Island. Along with its variety of experiences—from beach views and walks to historical exhibits—Anna Maria offers several ways to shape your choice of stay. When comparing hotels, you can start by considering which aspects of the area matter most for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Bradenton, Holmes Beach, Parrish, Palmetto, Ellenton, Rubonia, Bayshore Gardens, South Bradenton.

View the full travel guide: Manatee.