A two-and-a-half-hour drive from Orlando and a one hour drive from Tampa is a little beach town along the west coast of Florida called Anna Maria Island. With its white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and quaint shops; Anna Maria Island is quickly becoming the beach destination for tourists and Floridians looking for a beach getaway. 

   The breathtaking Anna Maria Island is a seven mile stretch of beach off the Gulf Coast. This little beach town is rich in interesting history. In the year 1821, a pirate shipwrecked onto the shores of Anna Maria named Jean LaFitte. Around this time, the town now known for its beautiful beaches began to grow. A tavern was opened around a decade later from the arrival of Jean LaFitte and the continued to grow and grow from there. 

   Additionally, in the 1800’s, there were hunters and fishermen frequently visiting the island. Fishing is still a big part of the island’s community, and is part of the attraction to the town for many tourists.

   On Anna Maria Island there are three well known fishing piers.

   First is the City Pier. It is the longest on the island. It measures about 700 feet out into the Gulf waters and offers ample space for fishing and spectacular views of the turquoise blue waters. 

   The second is the Rod and Reel Pier. It is located at the northern tip of the island. This pier provides a dining and fishing experience with a restaurant serving local seafood at the end of the pier.

   The third is the Bridge Street Pier. It is located in Anna Maria Island’s bustling shopping and dining area, offering a historic and picturesque pier on the bay side of the island. 

   In addition to fishing, there is a multitude of aquatic life available to view all over the island. When swimming in the sea along the island, it is common to find bunches and bunches of sand dollars at the ocean floor. It is also likely to spot various different species of fish such as mackerel, snook, trout, redfish, amberjack, snapper, grouper, cobia, mahi, and many more.

   Larger aquatic life can also be viewed around Anna Maria Island. Since there are warmer, shallower waters in the harbor, manatees tend to hang around those areas and are frequent spots around the island. Dolphins have also been seen traveling and playing in groups around piers. 

   Apart from fishing and wildlife, there are various beach shops and restaurants all around the island. There is a shop for everyone for every need. They have trinket shops, jewelry stores, kayak rentals, crystal stores, an Italian market, and even an Anna Maria Henna shop. For restaurants, they have the well-known Sandbar, along with Ginny’s and Jane E’s Café and Coastal store for brunch, Pizza Social, and much more along Bridgestreet and Park Ave.

   Anna Maria Island is a go to destination for families and people of all ages for holidays, special events, or even just a quick day getaway.