1) Wake up early. Yes, we said it. Wake up early while on vacation. Trust us, it's worth it. Because if you wake up early, you can walk the beach at sunrise and snag the best shells, do a free beach yoga class (call Sea-renity Spa for times, 941-779-6836), or chat with fishermen on one of Anna Maria's fishing piers.
2) Scooter the island. At seven miles long, Anna Maria Island is just a little bit too long to browse on foot all day. Besides, it's more fun to rent a bicycle or scooter and traverse the length of the island on wheels. Try Island Scooter Rentals in Bradenton Beach (at the Silver Surf Resort, 941-726-3163), which offers such perks with their rentals as free training, free helmets and locks, and special group rates.
3) Take a kayak eco-tour. Even if you don't consider yourself the outdoorsy type, you'll be sorry if you don't see the natural beauty around Anna Maria Island from the vantage point of a kayak. Native Rentals (941-778-7757) offers eco-tours of Robinson Preserve, Anna Maria Sound, Gilligan's Island, Manatee River and other areas around the island. All levels of experience are welcome.
4) Eat on the pier. All three of the island's piers have eateries. On the Bridge Street pier, Rotten Ralph's (941-778-1604) has a laid-back ambiance and beautiful view. Walk out of the restaurant and stroll to the end of the pier to fish. The Rod & Reel Pier Restaurant (941-778-1885) at the north of the island is great for that Old Florida feel. The Anna Maria City Pier Restaurant (941-779-1667) has a typical bar menu with lots of seafood, too.
5) Or eat on the beach. No, no, no – don't spread a blanket on the sand. Well, you could, but your food will be a lot less sandy if you head to the picnic pavilions on Coquina Beach on the south end of Anna Maria Island. This full-service beach has covered pavilions, showers, restrooms, lifeguards and concessions – perfect for the family or a gathering of friends.
6) Have dessert before dinner. Or before lunch, for that matter. Because when you're on island time, it's always ice cream time. Two Scoops (941-779-2422), across from the Anna Maria City Pier on the north end of the island, and Joe's Eats and Sweets (941-778-0007) near Bridge Street are two local favorites.
7) Get to know a sea turtle. Florida's coastline is important nesting ground for Loggerhead and other sea turtles in the summer (which is why you're required to keep lights off near the beaches). Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch (248-982-5600) offers free early-morning tours in June and July, as well as nest excavation tours in August and September. You'll learn about the life cycle of sea turtles and the critical role that they play in the health of our beaches.
8) Buy some breezy digs. Ditch the mouse ears and the camera around your neck, and go to Bridge Street for clothing and accessories to get into a true vacation mood. Bridge Street Bazaar (941-778-3400) and The Sailor's Knot (941-782-1125) are great for new threads, beautiful jewelry and other island-style gifts and essentials. The intersection of Gulf and Pine on the island's north end offers further shopping options from locally owned merchants, such as Ginny and Jane E's (gifts, décor and even baked goods), the White Egret (interior decoration) and The Studio at Gulf and Pine (art).
9) Don't make a dinner reservation. We'll let you leave the island for this experience – but only this once. Take a drive to Cortez Fishing Village and buy freshly caught shrimp. Indulge in a cold beer from one of the ramshackle vendors and call it dinner.
10) Watch a sunset, Anna Maria style. At the north end of the island in the city of Anna Maria is the Sandbar (941-778-0444), a popular restaurant with an enviable plot of real estate on the Gulf. Part of the outdoor dining area is right in the sand, so you can watch the sunset while literally eating on the beach. Live music and delicious cocktails tie up this experience. It's the perfect way to end your vacation. Or every day of it.
