Did you know that Anna Maria Island offers free trolley service with stops all along the island? Sure, you can stop anywhere you like, but we've compiled a handy list of the major places to hop off, from south to north, to make your island experience as fun and easy as possible.
Stop 1: Coquina Beach
At the southern end of Anna Maria Island is Coquina Beach, which has a bay side and a Gulf side. This area is part of the city of Bradenton Beach and is a full-service beach: Showers, lifeguards, parking, a concession stand, barbecue pits, picnic pavilions, boat ramp, restrooms and a playground make it a favorite for families and amenity-seeking visitors. On the bay side is Coquina BayWalk at Leffs Key, where you can bird watch and walk through mangroves. By the way, it’s rumored that Coquina Beach is haunted. Boo!
Stop 2: Bridge Street
If you have some shopping to do after all the beaching on Coquina, hop off at Bridge Street. So named because it was once the site of a bridge connecting the mainland to the island, Bridge Street has undergone an aggressive revitalization in the past decade or so. It's now the site of dozens of merchants, including quaint boutiques, art galleries, bars, casual eateries and even a miniature golf course. At the bay-side end of the street is a fishing pier. There are also a few lodging options with beach access in the Bridge Street area.
Stop 3: Holmes Beach
The largest of the three island communities (Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and Anna Maria), Holmes Beach is replete with winter residences, mom-and-pop hotels and vacation rentals.
But really, this is where you'll want to stop for food. Options include Mr. Bones BBQ, a locally famous restaurant with unforgettable, New Orleans-inspired barbecue fare – not to mention a super-funky interior where you can pick your favorite beer from a coffin.
Duffy's Tavern is famous for its burgers, which were voted the best in the country by USA Today. The burgers are still drool-worthy and attire is decidedly casual. You can even come in your bathing suit.
You can't miss the Beach Bistro, which has Zagat's highest rating for food and service in the state of Florida and is included in the guide's best restaurants in the U.S. (You'll want to wear something more than your bathing suit to dine here.) Its sister restaurant, Eat Here, has very cool, casual menu options (heart-attack hot dog, anyone?) and small craft brews.
Stop 4: Gulf and Pine
The intersection of Gulf and Pine in the city of Anna Maria proper is where you'll find many popular spots. If you like a very laid-back, local feel with attractions within walking distance, consider staying on this north end of the island.
Ginny and Jane E's is an eclectic store that could only be found in Anna Maria – part gift shop, part Internet cafe, part florist, part bakery. The Studio at Gulf and Pine, operated by Florida's former first lady Rhea Chiles, houses amazing local art and hosts lectures, discussions, art classes and more. Possibly the most popular spot here is the Sandbar, a restaurant and bar where you can wiggle your toes in the sand while you indulge in a sunset-celebrating cocktail and dinner.
You can get cultural here, too. The Island Players Theater, the oldest theater in Manatee County, presents a handful of productions during its October-May season. Learn about the history of the island at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society and Museum, also in this area.
Stop 5: Anna Maria City Pier and Rod & Reel Pier
The last stop on the trolley, the City Pier, has a restaurant at the end, fishing and a beautiful vista. You'll get mixed reviews about the City Pier Restaurant, but no one can argue with the stunning Gulf view. You might even catch a glimpse of dolphins in the water.
Just a short walk away, the Rod & Reel's greatest appeal is its Old Florida feel – no high rises, no street peddlers, no pretension. From the pier, you can see the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to St. Petersburg and Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge. Both piers rent rods and sell tackle and live bait.
