A shining jewel hugs the Sun Coast of Florida just a short distance from the place where Hernando DeSoto first landed on the shores he christened ‘Anna Maria’, hoping to discover gold. The Florida jungle proved too challenging in 1539 and DeSoto and his party left without any gold. What they missed was a small, 7 mile island jewel nestled in the Gulf of Mexico, where the multi-hued crystal-clear blue waters beckon visitors to relax and the white sandy beaches are beyond compare. Here, the true treasure of the island is the ‘golden’ sunshine, peace and tranquility in a unique sanctuary for man and beast. Nestled on Florida’s West Coast, our aquamarine waters lure worldwide visitors to restorative sugar sand beaches which have been a haven for a variety of Flora and fauna for centuries.

Anna Maria Island provides quaint, friendly laid back ambiance. Experience old world charm and natural beauty. It is no wonder this little paradise continuously gets top billing, including being rated 3^rd best island in the U.S. by Trip advisor, rated as one of the Top 30 islands and 3^rd best beach in the world by Conde Nast Traveler and the best beach in the world by Men’s Journal. Located just south of Tampa Bay, Florida – Anna Maria Island proves that size doesn’t matter when it comes to fun in paradise. Believe it or not, it has 3 cities full of activities for visitors of every age. 

Thinking of an eco-friendly outdoor island getaway?  With 7 miles of uninterrupted beach there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy fun in the sun and explore nature. We share our beach life with Florida’s abundant wildlife. If you crave a glimpse of the local wildlife you will find boundless opportunities: dolphin, manatee, turtles, seabirds and many exotic fish can be observed on, in or near the local waterways. Our island is has a nationally registered wildlife sanctuary where birds and turtles nest, manatees and dolphins play and people relax. Each year sea turtles nest on our island from May – November during our ‘turtle nesting season’. Should you be visiting during this time, be advised of the ‘lights out’ curfew and yellow light districts that keep nesting turtles heading toward the Gulf as they emerge from their police taped nests on the beaches. (Remember, state laws prohibit the feeding of all Florida wildlife.) These sanctuaries and estuaries make Anna Maria Island the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors. Nature friendly activities include kayaking, sailboat tours, paddle boarding, biking, walking and hiking. Don’t miss the eco-experiences Anna Maria Island offers.