The perfect island getaway really does exist when you escape to Anna Maria Island. A barrier island nestled off Florida’s West Coast, this gem destination really is the place to stay and play. There’s no doubt that Anna Maria Island’s soft white sand beaches and shimmering blue water have probably already placed it at the top of your list of destinations to visit. With so much sun, sand and Anna Maria Island shopping to experience, it’s no wonder the Island is a Florida jewel and a favorite destination for everyone lucky enough to visit.
There’s more to Anna Maria Island attractions than simply the beaches. Once you know the Island’s secrets, you’ll want to come partake in the experiences as soon as you can!
Anna Maria Island Shopping Experiences
Anna Maria Island’s Historic Bridge Street is a destination for visitors and residents alike. It’s known for a variety of local retail shops featuring clothes, souvenirs, and more. The first place you’ll want to visit is Bridge Street Bazaar. This shop has been selling quality beach gear since 1987, there’s a variety of designs and brands to suit any taste. You’ll also find options like beach toys for the kids or a local piece of jewelry.
If you want to find a home gift that’s a standout with memory of the Island, stop into Bridge Street Interiors. This retail store offers beautiful home décor and accessories, including wall coverings, lamps, bedding, quilts, and more. And, with the addition of Mermaid Haven, you can find clothing, and jewelry as well.
Trendy Anna Maria Island Restaurants
One reason Anna Maria Island is a favorite dining destination is the full range of fantastic restaurants, from fine dining to cold beer and burgers. Explore some favorites as you wander down Bridge Street enjoying the best of Anna Maria Island restaurants.
Blue Marlin
Another incredible local spot is Blue Marlin, located in a fully restored Anna Maria Island original 1920s cottage, you’ll find the freshest catches here. Start with a plate of shrimp or filet ajillo, seared with olive oil and garlic, or savor steamed clams in white wine and garlic butter. Try the shrimp dip with jalapeno, cream cheese, and parmesan breadcrumbs. Pair a steaming bowl of Cortez chowder (featuring grouper cheeks and shrimp) with a cold GLT salad (with more grouper!), or enjoy filet mignon, linguini with clams, or potato snapper. If you want these delicacies on Friday or Saturday night, reservations are required.
Beach House Restaurant
Beach House Restaurant is a local favorite, because the kids can play on the beach while waiting for a fantastic meal. Situated directly on 650 feet of precinct Gulf Front, you can truly dine with a view at Beach House. With an emphasis on sustainability that extends throughout their menu, all Beach House fare is locally and sustainably sourced.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar
For a friendly, casual feel of an oyster bar, try Anna Maria Oyster Bar. There are daily specials to enjoy. On Monday there is an all-you-can-eat, golden and tasty fish & chips. Or try lobster on Tuesday’s, while Thursday and Sunday feature prime rib. The regular lunch and dinner menus feature fresh calamari and coconut shrimp, as well as grouper, flounder, ribs, and salads. You’ll want to check out the generous “Oysters Our Way!” menu, featuring oysters sourced daily from the Gulf of Mexico. With gluten-free and kids’ options, there’s something for everyone here.
The Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar
The Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar is another great place to get your food on. You can start with crispy and tasty Cajun grouper fingers or sesame tuna sashimi. Or maybe try some hot wings or a house made crab cake sauteed golden brown. They also offer a grouper sandwich on a soft Kaiser roll. You’ll also find Cuban sandwiches, hot dogs, grouper reubens, and more. For dinner, you can try short ribs, roast duck, or schnitzel, and then cap it all off with key lime pie or fresh, whipped chocolate Godiva pie to enjoy.
The Donut Experiment
The Donut Experiment gives you the donut you want, when you want it! Start by picking your icing, from chocolate, vanilla, or you can try caramel, maple, glaze, or just plain. Next, go for a topping, like Oreo, Fruity Pebbles, chocolate chips, and even bacon. Take it a step further with a raspberry, peanut butter, or caramel swirl, and enjoy. There’s a whole lot of special donuts too, so you might need to make more than one visit during your vacation!
In The Moment Live Entertainment
The AMI experience doesn’t stop at shopping and dining, when you explore Bridge Street. Live entertainment is here too, unwind to music you love. Blue Marlin has live music from local bands every Friday and Saturday night. The Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar also features live sports as well as local music. If you want a dive bar feel with rock and electric blues, pull up a chair (and a beer!) at Drift Inn. Drift Inn offers karaoke every Sunday along with pre-made jello shots for purchase. So with just enough liquid courage you might take to the stage yourself! Island Time Bar & Grill also features plenty of live music, just check their website and pick the sounds you want to hear.
More Things to do in Anna Maria Island
You’ve had a good meal. You’ve picked up some great souvenirs. You’ve heard the music and your feet are light and looking for the next fun Bridge Street adventure. Luckily, there are more things to do in Anna Maria Island!
Salty Buddha Yoga Studio
If you’re looking for a way to stretch out, and find your zen while also enjoying the beauty of Anna Maria Island, Salty Buddha Yoga Studio is the place for you. Salty Buddha offers in-studio yoga as well as beach and SUP yoga, performed on a paddleboard! Looking to take your practice to the next level? Check out Salty Buddha’s website for a full class schedule, trainings or special events!
The Fish Hole
Try a game of mini golf at The Fish Hole, one of Florida’s most unique mini golf courses. This course will remind you of an old Florida fishing village and is just steps away from the AMI beach. It’s a great place to take the kids and is a unique and fun activity you’ll always remember.
Serenity Beach Spa & Eco Boutique
A massage to prepare you for exploring AMI? Sign us up! Check out Serenity Beach Spa & Eco Boutique for stress relief, and melt into the Anna Maria Island experience. You’ll get your very own private tiki hut for a massage on the beach that is sure to put you on ‘island time’. When you’re done, you can shop for jewelry, clothing, and wellness items inspired by the sea and surroundings. The Anna Maria Island trolley stops right by the spa, so it’s easy to find.
Your Vunique Vacations Anna Maria Island Rental
Tourists the world over come to Anna Maria Island for the sun, the beach, and the sea. But that’s only part of the story in this storied location. When you plan your visit, book your Anna Maria Island vacation rental with Vunique Vacations, leave lots of time to explore Bridge Street, and sample all the incredible retail shops, restaurants, music venues, and attractions that make this place out of the ordinary and, truly, out of this world. Ready to book? Give Vunique Vacations a call today and one of our rental experts
