AnnaMariaIsland, sometimes called Anna Maria Key, is a barrier island on the coast of Manatee 
County,Floridain theUnited States. It is bounded on the west by the Gulf of Mexico, on the south byLongboatPass(which separates it from Longboat Key), on the east byAnnaMariaSound, and on the north byTampaBay.AnnaMariaIslandis approximately seven miles long north to south.AnnaMariaIslandis at latitude 27.513N, longitude -82.719W. A nautical chart of the island and surrounding waters may be seen at.
When you think ofFloridasummer destinations, most people might think that Disney is the number one attraction, or perhapsMiamiorKey West. However, on the Gulf side of state lays one of the best undiscovered spots. AnAnnaMariaIslandvacation this summer will show you the state’s true beauty, away from the tourist hustle aroundOrlandoand on the warm beaches of theGulf of Mexico.
The island also boasts many exciting activities for the entire family to enjoy. Jet Ski the Waters Off of Holmes Beach Holmes Beach is such a hidden gem thatHollywoodhas been filming there for decades. Since 1948′s film ‘On an Island with You’ starring Ester Williams and 1998′s ‘Palmetto and out Of Time,’TinselTownhas seenHolmesBeachas the true paradise that it is. If you want to discover the same beauty this summer, the best way is to rent a jet ski and explore the beaches.
No Anna Maria island vacation could be considered complete if you missedHolmesBeach. Riding the gentle waters with the cool air through your hair will enrich your travels while you explore the white sandy coastline. Parasailing above the Gulf of Mexico If your beach vacations are mostly on the east coast by the waters of the chilly Atlantic, anAnnaMariaIslandvacation will introduce you to the warm waters of theGulf of Mexico.
After dipping your feet into the waters, your next step is an aerial encounter. Parasail above the Gulf and see its beauty stretch to the horizon. Being one of the safest water sports, parasailing is a gentle ride tethered to the back of a boat while a parasail lifts you into the air for your own private tour. Contrary to popular belief, you are not holding yourself up; you are harnessed and winched into position, leaving you free to enjoy the view.
No matter where you look, you will be stunned by the panoramic views of the gorgeous landscape and sparkling waters.TurtleNestingBeachWatch Among the natural loveliness of yourAnnaMariaIslandvacation is the splendor of sea turtle nesting. Sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in the sandy beaches in a timeless ritual every summer.
The mother sea turtle returns to the same beach that she was born on and uses her flippers to dig a nest in the sand. After laying her eggs, she refills the hole and reshapes it to hide the nest, making it virtually invisible to the untrained eye.
The babies hatch after they finish growing and instinctively head towards the water to start their lives. You can be a part of the wonder on a beach watch and help preserve this endangered species. Morning tours are available daily throughout July and August. Your Anna Maria island vacation will delight your entire family.
The adventurers among you will love jet skiing and parasailing on and over the warm Gulf waters. The inquisitive nature lovers will be astounded by the close up view of sea turtle beach watches. You haven’t truly experiencedFloridauntil you have visited this tropical paradise.
5 things you probably didn’t know about Anna Maria Island, Florida
AnnaMariaIslandis a beautiful, well-kept, and secret onFlorida’s West Coast. Discovered over 500 years ago by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce, theIslandwelcomed its first permanent resident in 1892, by renowned traveler George Emerson Bean, who developed much of what is now the City of Anna Maria Island. An Anna Maria holiday is synonymous with paradise, fantastic average temperatures of86F/26C, an average of 361 days of sunshine every year, exquisite beaches, warm and welcoming Gulf seas, and a laid-back attitude that suggests aFloridaof years gone by.AnnaMariaIslandalso has a very interesting history and, it is claimed a number of famous residents and celebrity holidaymakers.
- AnnaMariaIslandhas been the setting for a number of Hollywood films, including the 1948 Ester Williams film ‘Islandin the Sun’, ‘Palmetto’ staring Woody Harrelson and ‘The Perfect Storm’ with George Clooney and Mark Walberg
- .2. The Historic County Jail was built for drunks to ‘cool-off’ if they caused a disturbance, after visiting the local dance hall, which stood where, the Sandbar Restaurant, is now. The Jail was built with only bars at the windows and doors, so the prisoners were constantly attacked by hundreds of mosquitoes! The most renowned visitor and unusual case, was Harry Dimes, the City Clerk and Commissioner who once stayed
- 3 nights after he pleaded to be locked up when his wife went after him with an ice pick! TheCountyJailis now a tourist attraction on Anna Maria and reproductions of it have appeared in Ripley’s Believe it or Not columns. The Great Canine ‘Cynthia Morris’ claims to have escaped from theAnnaMariaCountyGail. Cynthia Morris is an escapologist and member of the Houdini Historical Centre. 3. Anna Maria Island is being heralded as the No.1 beach wedding destination inFlorida. AnAnnaMariaIslandwedding is the wedding of choice for about 1,000 couples each year. Its beautiful beaches, wonderful restaurants and reception venues, almost guaranteed sunshine and incredible sunsets, make it a perfect setting for both romantic, intimate weddings and large wedding celebrations, with the perfect Anna Maria rental available to suit every party size.
- 4. In1979 awhopping17ft, 1,386 pound Hammerhead Shark was caught off the Rod & Reel Pier, the world record Hammerhead Shark. It is the largest shark ever caught off a fishing pier.
- 5. Plenty of celebrities travel toAnnaMariaIsland, for its quiet, relaxed, gets away from it all ‘magic’. It is claimed that the following Celebes have wondered these shores – Brad Pitt and Angela Joliet, Cameron Diaz, Densely Washington, Jerry Springer and Tom Select.
10 Must Do Things on Anna Maria Island
1. Visit the Historic City Pier
Celebrating its centennial year in 2011, the City Pier is very special toAnnaMariaIsland, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. Enjoy food at the City Pier restaurant, stroll along and watch fishermen with their catches, or keep on the lookout for manatees and dolphins. A very simple pastime, but very beautiful!
2. Have a Romantic Dinner!
Nothing can compare to the setting, the food, the wine and the service of the Beach Bistro. An award winning 5 star dining experience, the Beach Bistro is as it says, on the beach or urfside? As they like to say. Offering the self-proclaiming World Best Burger? He Real GrouperSandwich? And the instantly acclaimed bistro Slider? The Beach Bistro is a must visit for something magically romantic.
3. Catch a Sunset and aSunrise!
AnnaMariaIslandis famous for it magnificent sunsets and sunrise. Watch the sun set over the Gulf and the sun rise over the Bay. Simply breathtaking! Good spots include Bean Point at the very northern tip of theIsland, where you can catch both (if you there all day), but many of the beach rentals on the Gulf side, are also idyllic places to sit and watch, in the luxury of your own holiday home!
4. Sample some local wines
Local vineyards and merchants come to the Waterfront each week (usually a Wednesday) to share with you their amazing produce. The restaurant also offers us some delicious canasta enjoy alongside. $10 for the evening, this is a favorite spot for Island residents, who are so wonderfully welcoming to visitors, that by the end of the evening you will have made some friends for life. Definitely a must-do if you an Anna Maria rentals vacationer.
5. Hire a Seaway
Seaways are awesome fun! A Seaway, if you not sure, is a two-wheeled self-balancing electric personal vehicle. Hire one for an hour or a full day, or even book a scenic tour (Sags by the Sea) and enjoy Anna Maria balanced on two wheels. TheIslandseco-friendly way to play!
6. Try Yoga on the Beach
Engage your mind, body and spirit with a yoga class directly on the beach next to yourAnnaMariaIslandrentals. Island Wellness offer Yoga classes twice a week and ask for donations of between $2 and $10 to participate. You struggle to find a more incredible setting for Yoga.
7. Have a Beach Massage
If Yoga is just still too strenuous, then what about a massage on the beach? Island Wellness has set up the first and only private tike hut on the beach where swaying palm trees and ocean waves soothe you, while the energy of the sun and experienced hands regenerate you
8. Kayak Eco-Tour
Great for families, Beach Bums onPine Avenue, offer 2 Kayak Tours, Anna Maria ownBikiniBayorManateeCountynewest Park: Robinson Preserve. Venture out, as a minimum party size of 4, with either Captain Scott, (Sea Captain and retired marine biology teacher) or Guide Brian, and they will take you on a 2-3 hour tour to through the reed and mangrove swamps, sea grasses and sand reefs, capturing all the beautiful wildlife that resides on Anna Maria.
- See a Turtle in its Natural Habitat
AnnaMariaIslandis home to the beautiful sea turtle and between each May-October, mothers come to shore to lay their eggs. Turtle Watch is an organization set up for the protection of turtles and shore-birds, and works tirelessly with theIslandcommunity, educating them on how to live alongside and help protect these beautiful animals. During June, July and August, Turtle Watch offer morning nesting beach tours? A chance to see them in their natural habitat. Dependent on weather, they also give visitors the chance to take part in excavations. Conducted three days after hatchlings emerge, their volunteers count empty shells whole un-hatched eggs and occasionally rescue a trapped hatchling and return it to the Gulf.
10. History in the Making
Through 2011, history is being made on Anna Maria, with the development of theAnnaMariaHistoricGreenVillage. TheGreenVillageis a unique and sustainable project, comprising a selection of new and compassionately renovated green buildings for both commercial and retail use. Significantly, the whole village will be powered by renewable energy such as solar power and ground sources, and is aiming to achieve the highest level of reen? Certification recognized in theUSfor environmental building and development. TheGreenVillagecan be found onPine Avenue. Go take a look at one of the most exciting projects ever to happen on Anna Maria!
