Where is Anna Maria Island?

Anna Maria Island is one of Florida’s favorite tourist destinations. Visitors from all over the world come to the island to enjoy its beauty and variety of activities the island has to offer. The island is about seven miles long and is located less than one hour south of Tampa Bay and two hours southwest of Orlando. Anna Maria Island is a barrier island with beautiful white sandy beaches and an average temperature of 80 degrees year round. It is home to many types of sea animals including the Manatee, bottlenose dolphins and sea turtles.

Anna Maria Island consists of three cities: Bradenton Beach in the south, Holmes Beach in the center and Anna Maria in the north. These three cities have a combined total population of about 8,500. The island was first discovered by the Timucan and Caloosan American Indian tribes. Years later in 1513, explorer Ponce de Leon is said to have found the island on his quest for the Fountain of Youth.

It’s easy to find your way around the island using the free trolley-style bus that runs north and south on Gulf Drive, also known as Road 789. The Cortez Bridge and the Manatee Bridge connect Anna Maria Island to Sarasota, while the Holmes Beach area has a bridge connecting Anna Maria Island to its neighbor, Key Royale.

The island offers a variety of water sports, shopping, boating, fishing and restaurants. Hotels and numerous vacation rental homes provide guests with comfortable accommodations. Since the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce hosts a Wedding Festival every year, the island has earned the nickname as the “Wedding Capitol of Florida.” Wedding packages include a photographer, wedding official and beach ceremony.

With its picturesque landscape and charming boutiques, galleries and restaurants, Anna Maria Island is the ideal getaway for families and romantics.