Things To Do On Anna Maria Island...
You are planning a trip to paradise, but you've never been there and are wondering what to expect.
Just what are some things to do while visiting Anna Maria Island you ask?
Well, Anna Maria Island truly is a spectacular place to both live and visit.
Surrounded by Gulf of Mexico waters, trimmed with miles of sugar white sand beaches and teaming with life.
There certainly is no shortage of things to see and experience on Anna Maria Island, and we'd like to take this opportunity to recap just what some of those things are.
Vacation Destination Like No Other
It's been said that from the moment your toes touch the sands of Anna Maria, you'll know you've arrived at a vacation destination unlike anywhere you've been before.
While on Anna Maria Island, there is no need to plan your day around crowds, rush and traffic... cause those things simply cease to exist once you set foot in this laid back, Old Florida Paradise in the Sun!
As soon as your feet hit the beach, you chart your own course. Simply soak up the sun, or better yet... surf, jet ski, scuba dive, go boating and fishing... or create your own unique island adventure.
Explore Your own Anna Maria Island Paradise
There is so much to see on such a small island that you can truly chart your own, unique holiday adventure.
Obviously, due to its size, the best way to explore Anna Maria Island is by foot. Walking is not only good exercise and great for your health, its by far the best way to see every wonderful detail of this tropical wonder land called Anna Maria Island.
From its shell-lined shores and marine mammals, to its tropical birds and other island wildlife, Anna Maria Island has something for every nature lover.
If walking isn't really your thing, then catch a ride... for FREE!
That's right! This amazing place offers a free trolley service to transport you to wherever you want to be. There are also places to rent a bicycle, canoe or boat. If you're up for the adventure, you can even get a bird's eye view of Anna Maria Island by taking a para sailing ride.
Then when you've worked up an appetite you can check out the catch-of-the-day in one of the four star eateries located up and down the coast line. If you prefer to experience the catch-of-the-day up close and personal on board a deep sea fishing charter... you can do that too!
For some, shopping is a favorite way to explore a vacation destination, and Anna Maria Island is a vacation shoppers paradise. Throughout the island you will find everything from traditional beachwear to fine linens, jewelry and the arts... all designed by local artists.
Outdoor Adventures
Just about anything you can think of to do while on a spring or summer vacation in the sun, you can do on Anna Maria Island.
You can take a boat tour, a fishing charter, a kayak excursion or scuba dive the old sugar barge.
Of course if you like your independence you can rent a kayak and check out the inter coastal waters and wildlife alone or with family and friends.
If you are adventurous and like a certain level of risk you can go para sailing... its all up to you!
For the bird lover, Anna Maria Island just happens to be a birding paradise. Birding is a sport of many moods, and it serves the causes of companionship and solitude equally well.
Bird Watching on Anna Maria Island is Particularly Rewarding
The entire island of Anna Maria is a bird sanctuary, and pelicans, multiple types of cranes and herons, wild parrots, sand pipers, hawks, vultures, seagulls, and crows share the island with humans.
In North America, there are over 800 species of birds. Wherever you live, you'll probably find at least 100 species that are easy to find in your area.
Anna Maria Island is no exception, with over a hundred local species of birds to watch and enjoy.
Life suddenly gets more interesting when you become aware of the varied bird life all around you, and on Anna Maria Island there are an amazingly diverse selection of bird species to soothe the soul.
Pelicans and other waterfowl are prevalent in the city. The brown pelican is the most common. In adulthood it reaches a length of about 4 feet and has an impressive wingspan of 6.5 to 7.5 feet, weighing in at about 9 pounds. Its straight bill has an enormous pouch for catching fish to feed itself and its young. During the winter, white pelicans arrive in quite large numbers.
Other species of waterfowl include, ibis, egret, heron, gull, sandpiper, skimmer and spoonbill.
Yes, Anna Maria Island is definitely a bird watchers dream vacation destination. Go for a bird watch and while you do, take a relaxing walk on our pristine beaches and collect beautiful shell mementos of your vacation.
Whatever your passion, Anna Maria Island truly is "Your Tropical Island Dream Vacation Adventure."
Art, Festivals, Museums, Culture and History
If you have been following our Anna Maria Island Life blog for any length of time then you are fully aware of the art, history and culture offered.
The following list is not exhaustive by any means, but does represent some of the finest Anna Maria has to offer in the way of art and culture.
- Anna Maria Island's Cultural Connection - Anna Maria Island truly is a tropical paradise. That... no one would deny, yet there is so, so much more, and that’s where Cultural Connections comes in. Cultural Connections on Anna Maria Island is the "guiding light to area festivals, art, theater, history and other must-see events".
- Ringling International Arts Festival - Now an annual event, the Ringling International Arts Festival will be held Oct. 13-17 on the campus of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Arts and the FSU Center for the Performing Arts.
- Festival sARTee - The Festival sARTée expands the energy and excitement of the Ringling International Arts Festival (RIAF), planned for Sarasota-Manatee, on October 13-17, 2010.
- Spring and Winter Arts Festivals - The Anna Maria Island Art League was founded in 1989 by a group of artists and art lovers with a common desire to bring art to the island community.
- Studio at Gulf and Pine: Anna Maria Island's Premiere Cultural Facility - The Studio at Gulf and Pine, truly offers an eclectic array of exhibits, instructional classes, USF lectures and discussion groups (by reservation only), and serves as a salon where artists and art aficionados interact.
- Anna Maria Island Historical Society - With the help of the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, you can take a trip back in history with its beautifully restored complex interprets the Island's history through its museum, City Jail, Belle Haven Cottage and the Mangrove Walk's indigenous garden.
- The Artists Guild Gallery - The Artists' Guild Gallery is a unique art gallery featuring the work of local artists who are members of the Artists' Guild of Anna Maria Island, the gallery host.
- Island Gallery West - The gallery is staffed six days a week by member artists who welcome the opportunity to discuss their art with you. Stop by for a pleasant, relaxing visit and enjoy the many fine works of art on display in two exhibit areas.
- Community Theater - The Island Players are celebrating their 61st anniversary during the 2009-2010 season and are the oldest community theater in all Manatee County.
Visit Mote Marine
Laboratories, where you will come face to face with live sharks in a
135,000
gallon shark tank and learn about marine life.
Then there is the nearby South Florida Museum and aquarium, Ringling Museum of Art, Selby Gardens, Jungle Gardens, DeSoto National Park or the Manatee Players, the Asolo Center for the Performing Arts and many other venues.
Anna Maria Island and its neighboring cities offer plenty of mind-bending fun and intellectual stimulation. Visit the G-wiz science museum, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the Sarasota West Coast Symphony, Tampa’s Florida Aquarium and the renowned Dali Museum in nearby St. Petersburg.
Come enjoy Anna Maria Island's many attractions, and you will soon see why it's the number one vacation destination in America today!
Lots of Things to See and Do on Anna Maria Island
Whether its watersport or some other form of recreation, there is always lots of things to see, do and enjoy and Anna Maria Island.
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