Page 44 - DreamScapes Magazine | Winter/Spring 2023

Tropical Vibes and Classic Florida-Feels on
ANNA MARIA ISLAND
BY SABRINA PIRILLO
Picture a laid-back coastal paradise void of crowds where massages on the beach are in a private tiki hut and getting around is eco-friendly. Welcome to the Beaches of Anna Maria Island.
It’s the norm for beach lovers here to rent a bike or golf cart or hop on a free island trolley service because everything you want is within walking distance.
Situated at the southern tip of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, this 11-kilometre island of white-sand beachfront boasts turquoise blue water with stunning sunsets where the tallest structures are the palm trees (no buildings over three stories here).
The northern end is calm and quiet, while the southern end is a hub of activity. With an average temperature of 23 Celsius, Anna Maria
Island offers a relaxing authentic Florida-feel with a nod to natural surrounds, indie-owned accommodations and fabulous local delights.
Here’s how to get your tropical island vibes:
HEAD TO A HIDDEN BEACH
Bean Point is a hidden beach off the northern tip. As you walk with your loved one on powder-soft white sand see views of Tampa Bay and the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge bask in the sunset. For sleepovers, the Anna Maria Motel Resort has Bean Point Beach in its backyard. Nearby, relish in authentic Florida charm at The Rod and Reel Pier, a restaurant that’s been serving famous fish specials since 1947. You can even fish right off the dock here.
GO FOR THE
FAMILY-FRIENDLY SPOTS
In the heart of Anna Maria Island lies one of the most popular beaches, Manatee Public Beach. Build sandcastles, go for beach dips, and for fun adventure kayaking and snorkelling are sure to result in big smiles at this family-friendly beach wonderland. For local dining, the family can stick their toes in the sand while enjoying fresh fare at The Sandbar Restaurant where farm-to-fork and Gulf-to-table menu items are served. For accommodations, indie motels and vacation home rental companies are your go-tos. Beach bungalows and premier waterfront homes can be rented from such holiday home rental com- panies as Once Upon a Beach or Paradise Vacation Rentals.
PHOTOS: BRADENTON AREA CVB
GO FOR THE NATURAL VIBES
Grab your favourite little beach explorer and head south to Coquina Beach, the number-one spot for shell hunters, or take a stroll through Gulfside Park and the Coquina Baywalk. Over by the acclaimed beach town of Bradenton Beach you can head to Bridge Street and enjoy the local shops and restaurants. DS
Travel Planner
For more information about the Beaches of Anna Maria Island see bradentongulfislands.com
44 DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2023