Updated: June 2026
If you are wandering through Holmes Beach, you might hear them before you see them, bright, chatty parrots perched outside the Sun and Surf Beach Shop, holding court on the sidewalk like they own the place. It is one of those unexpected island moments that catches you off guard in the best way.
The Shop
Sun and Surf Beach Shop sits in the Island Shopping Center in Holmes Beach, stocked with all the coastal favorites, T-shirts, cover-ups, souvenirs, swimwear, and beach decor. It is a solid beach shop stop on its own. But the real reason to visit is right outside on the sidewalk.
Meet the Feathered Locals
Romeo says hello.
Romeo says hello.
Along the front of the shop, a flock of colorful parrots has become one of Anna Maria Island’s most beloved unofficial landmarks. African grey parrots, macaws, and other exotic birds, each with its own name, its own personality, and its own agenda.
Some are calm observers. Others are bold and playful. A few are full-on entertainers who clearly enjoy the attention. And then there is Romeo, who might just surprise you with a loud and completely unprompted “hello.”
Locals say the birds have been part of the Island Shopping Center for decades, quietly becoming one of those you-just-have-to-see-it Anna Maria Island experiences. They are also one of the most fun photo stops on the island. If you are traveling with kids, they make my list of the Best Family Activities on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide as one of those easy, no-plan stops the whole group enjoys. And if you are watching your budget, you will find them in my Free Things to Do on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide too since stopping by costs nothing but a few minutes and a smile.
A Word of Warning
They do come with a warning!
They do come with a warning.
Each bird has its name displayed on its cage alongside a very honest reminder: “I will bite.” Macaws in particular are incredibly strong birds, so admire from a respectful distance while they chat, squawk, and show off their colors. The entertainment value is high. The risk of ignoring the warning is real.
New & Updated Parrot Signs
The parrots outside Sun & Surf are not just colorful, they each have their own little bio posted right on their cages. The newly updated signs share details like their names, hatch dates, personalities, diet, and even how long they are expected to live.
It is a small touch, but it turns a quick stop into something people linger over, reading, comparing, and inevitably picking a favorite.
When to Visit
The birds are outside during store hours and brought indoors safely at closing time. Morning visits tend to be quieter and the birds are often at their most talkative. Stop in, browse the shop, and let the parrots do the rest.
Coastal Close
If Anna Maria Island has a mascot, Romeo might just be it. The parrots outside Sun & Surf are one of those small, unexpected island moments that stick with you long after you have headed home. For more wildlife and nature spots around the island, my Birdwatching on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide is worth a read. And if you are still planning where to eat while you are here, my Anna Maria Island Restaurant Guide on Etsy is the resource I put together for exactly that.
— izzy