COMMUNITY INFORMATION

ANNA MARIA ISLAND...a very special place

 
In case there are a few things in life you always wanted but didn't get.......we offer our little island.  
 
It is said that Anna Maria Island's number one activity is a quiet stroll on its beautiful "squeaky" white sand beaches...you can go for miles... listening to gently washing waves and the calls of gulls as they wheel and glide overhead. Porpoise frolic just offshore. Great Blue Heron and egrets rest peacefully while sandpipers scamper among the sea oats and pelicans plunge fearlessly in headlong dives for their dinner. Luscius mangrove and seagrape abound. Palms rustle softly in the tropical breeze. Nature is observed...and respected.
 
When your mood changes, try fishing from shoreline, pier or bridge. Charters are plentiful or bring your own boat. Gulf, bay, sound, river, canal...your choice. This is a water-lover's playground. Enjoy shopping and browsing? Boutiques, specialty shops, art galleries and craft exhibits will make your afternoon an adventure. Prefer more active pursuits?...try gold, tennis, bicycling, jogging, surfing, parasailing or jet-skiing. Do your thing!The Island offers a mind-boggling array of dining alternatives. Go casual in shorts or "dress-to-the-nines".
Within easy driving distance are many of Florida's most exciting attractions. For a glimpse of the "Old South", visit a genuine Civil War period sugar plantation. See world famous Ringling Museum of Art in nearby Sarasota and less than an hour's drive places you in the heart of Africa at Busch Gardens. Disney World, Epcot, SeaWorld, Universal Studios and Cypress Gardens are but two hours away.

Above all, don't miss our glorious sunsets. That huge red-orange ball really does drop right into the Gulf of Mexico...honest! One viewing will make your entire trip worthwhile. Yes, yours can be a wonderful day...or week...or a lifetime on Anna Maria Island. The natives say, "Once you get sand in your shoes, you're sure to return." Most do! Many, for the remainder of their lives.
 
We did!

The Island's winter season with its balmy days and cool, crisp evenings gives a delightful respite to our visitors from northern areas seeking relief from the cold, snow and ice. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60's to mid 70's and it is a rare day when the sun doesn't shine brightly. Many consider the fall to be one of the best times to visit the Island - temperatures moderate, allowing air conditioner to cease and windows to be opened to the pleasing outside air movement. Annual average temperature is 74.8F and the average rainfall is 55.67 inches.

Driving Directions to SMITH
Anna Maria Island is located some 40 miles south of Tampa, lying offshore from Bradenton in Manatee County. 7 1/2 miles long, the island is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico to the west, the entrance to Tampa Bay to the north, Anna Maria Sound to the east and Sarasota Bay to the south. I-75 offers three exits into Bradenton and direct routing via either Rt 64 or Rt 70.

Driving Directions to Island