Local Guides
-
No-See-Ums on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide
If you have ever come in from a beautiful evening on the beach covered in tiny, itchy bites with no idea what got you, chances are you have had your first encounter with no-see-ums. They are one of those things nobody warns you about before visiting Anna Maria Island, and by the time you notice…
-
Best Shrimp and Grits on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide
On Anna Maria Island, shrimp and grits are more than just a meal. They are a celebration of coastal flavors and Southern comfort, and no two versions are exactly alike. From creamy cheese grits to smoky gouda and crispy grit cakes, from blackened Gulf shrimp to chorizo gravies and chow chow, every restaurant on this…
-
Water Activities on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide
Anna Maria Island is seven miles of Gulf Coast surrounded by water on every side. The Gulf sits to the west, Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay to the east, and in between are mangrove channels, sandbars, and shallow flats that define everything about the island experience. Here, the water is not a backdrop. It is…
-
Films Shot on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide
Anna Maria Island has always had a way of stopping people in their tracks. The light, the water, the unhurried pace — it turns out Hollywood noticed long before Instagram did. Two films were shot here, decades apart and worlds apart in style. One brought MGM royalty to a remote barrier island in 1947. The…
-
Best Fish and Chips on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide
Crispy, golden, and best enjoyed with a salty Gulf breeze, fish and chips on Anna Maria Island is one of those meals that just makes sense here. This guide rounds up the best spots on and around the island, from casual beach cafes to dockside tiki bars, so you know exactly where to go when…
-
Best Boat Rentals on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide
If you want to experience Anna Maria Island beyond the beaches, renting a boat is one of the best ways to do it. Out on the water, you’ll find quiet sandbars, clear back bays, and frequent dolphin sightings. Boat rentals on Anna Maria Island are simple, beginner-friendly, and designed for relaxed cruising. Whether you choose…
-
The Historic Cortez Fishing Village: My Insider Guide
Just minutes from Anna Maria Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Cortez is one of the last authentic working fishing villages in the state. Shrimp boats still head out at sunrise here, fresh Gulf seafood comes straight off the docks, and the laid-back pace delivers a true Old Florida experience that feels worlds away from the…
-
Bachelorette Parties on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide
Planning a bachelorette party on Anna Maria Island is one of the best decisions you can make for the bride-to-be. Powdery white sand beaches, pastel beach cottages, Gulf sunsets, and a pace that never feels rushed make this charming barrier island the kind of place where a girls’ getaway feels exactly right without any effort.…
-
How to Make the Most of an Anna Maria Island Day Pass: My Insider Guide
An Anna Maria Island day pass gives you access to beachfront pools, private cabanas, and full resort amenities for the day. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or planning a local staycation, it’s one of the easiest ways to experience the island like a resort guest. Check day pass availability to see what’s open…
-
Best Short-Stay Accommodations on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide
Planning a quick escape to Anna Maria Island but don’t want to book a full week? You’re in luck. From cozy motels and boutique inns to beachfront resorts, the island offers plenty of short-stay options for one night, a weekend, or a midweek getaway. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous beach trip, a romantic weekend, or…
