Anna Maria Island
- BrieannaLenhart
- May 11
- 5 min read
Oh, you know, just your casual jaunt down to one of Florida's quaintest beach towns, Anna Maria Island. Here, you can enjoy white sand beaches and cerulean waters, bike to local ice cream shops, and enjoy fresh seafood while watching that glorious West Coast sunset. Whether you come for a day or longer, you will know you've enjoyed an iconic piece of Florida.
Like I said, this is a quaint little town that is very bike-friendly. Once you hit the intercoastal island, there is only a two-lane road in and out. Just like in the Keys, traffic can get backed up here. It's best to mentally prepare and switch over to island time.
What I loved about driving through Anna Maria Island was its essence as an unassuming little beach town. A major difference from its neighboring St. Pete area, just across the channel.
Since I was treating myself to a little daycation, I used Resort Pass to book myself a day pass to the Bali Hai Resort, which had fabulous reviews both on the app and on Google.
The staff was welcoming and very nice, so were the other guests who were staying there, offering helpful tips on favorite restaurants and other things. There was a $25.00 parking fee not covered by the pass, but I wasn't shocked, seeing how small the island was and how limited parking was. But I was good from 9 am-9 pm with my Resort Pass, and I brought my bike so I could "tulle around town" later.
And if you don't have a bike, the resort has complimentary ones available.
With my pass, I had access to the lounge, which was lovely, with a bar and snacks available for purchase. The restrooms were nice and spacious.
The pool had cushioned lounge chairs, with towels available. Since it was a bit windy that morning, I started by the pool before moving to the beach later.
Near the pool is a freshwater outdoor shower/rinse station.
*full video of the pool and green space behind*
Behind the pool is a green lawn for activities like corn hole and lovely luxurious cabanas, which I would take full advantage of later ;)
Once the winds calmed down, I finally moved over to the beach. The water was much chillier than expected, but it felt refreshing when you got used to it. And to me, it seemed the water was much saltier than when I was in St. Pete not too long ago. Call me crazy, but I felt so much lighter and more buoyant, like I was in the Dead Sea.
What I love about the West Coast beaches is the lovely white sand. It feels so good beneath your feet and brushes off easily.
After fully enjoying the many amenities at this lovely hotel, I decided to take a break from sunning on the beach and explore the island by bike.
This island is very bike-friendly, with drivers generally mindful of cyclists, though it's still important to stay alert, and wide sidewalks that accommodate bikers.
I took myself north, following Gulf Drive up to Pine Avenue.
Along this route are several public beach access points. Again, parking is limited.
Grabbed myself some ice cream at this quirky beach joint called the AMI Beach Hut. They had so many fun flavors to choose from. I settled on a classic single scoop orange dreamsicle cone, which ended up literally being the size of my head!
*Note* Don't try to bike one-handed with a melting ice cream cone in the other. Your coordination will be tested, and your hand will end up very sticky.
Most of everything was closed because it was Easter, but some shops and places that are on my list for next time, due to local recommendations:
North Shore Cafe (for breakfast)
Two Scoops (another iconic place to grab ice cream)
The Waterfront Restaurant (this place was popping when I rode by)
Ginny's & Jane E's Cafe and Gift Store (get some delicious food and shopping all done at once)
Pine Ave eventually leads you to the Anna Maria Island Pier. The view was stunning, but due to the damage from Hurricane Milton, the pier bridge was destroyed.
I love living in Florida, but it is humbling and heartbreaking to see the damage that remains months later after a hurricane hits. We eventually rebuild, but it takes time.
But like I said, the view is stunning and a lovely place to set up camp and enjoy that ocean water.
The beach is very narrow to the right of the pier, you will have better luck on the left, where Bayfront Park is.
There is a little boardwalk path along the water, perpendicular to the pier you can stroll and benches to sit at, if you want to park it for a while and gaze upon the infinite beauty of the ocean.
I ended up biking back to the resort to get in some more beach time before getting cleaned up for dinner.
And I am glad I did because I met Kevin. A stunning Great Blue Heron, who was just standing there on the beach, looking out at the water, not allowing himself to be bothered by anyone. I will take with me the lesson Kevin displayed, to find your zen and to not let others interrupt it.
After a rinse and a costume change, I jumped in my car and drove to the Beach House Waterfront Restaurant, just 15 minutes south at Bradenton Beach. It came recommended by the hotel and one of the guests I ran into.
Parking is very crazy down in this area, so I just pulled up to the venue, which had complimentary valet parking.
The atmosphere was nice, with expansive seating indoors, at the bar inside, and on the patio. Service was slow, but I will attribute that to it being a holiday weekend. I got a Pine-Aperol Spritz (a fun tropical twist on a classic), the Clam Chowder (which I got a cup but I could have eaten a bowlful of because it was so tasty), and the Stuffed Combo (which came highly recommended by one of the staff member saying they eat it religiously and its the best thing on the menu). And I have to agree. If you want a seafood dish, it is the best bang for your buck, it is the best choice!
That concludes my quick little trip down to Anna Maria Island. Giving me a mere taste of this charming slice of paradise. I can’t wait to return for a deeper dive into its gorgeous beaches, friendly locals, delectable ice cream, and classic Florida charm.
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