by Kate Johns

Created on: May 05, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Anna Maria Island, Florida is without a doubt the most enchanting treasure trove of old world style, class and a wonderful southern charm that creates a world unlike no other. Anna Maria Island has pristine, sugar white beaches and sparkling blue water to behold for miles as the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay blend together.

Along with the stunning beaches and the glorious water, there's a lot to do here, so let's get started:

LAND ACTIVITIES

There are several world- class golf courses here to tee up and get your best shot in. Everybody's golfing dream is waiting here and what better area to score as low as you can in an area where the average temperature is almost like bathwater.

The shopping is wonderful here on Anna Maria Island with many quaint shops, boutiques and antiques stores. You can literally buy everything here from t-shirts to more expensive gifty items, to a wonderful addition to your home. This area brims with local garage sales and the people are very friendly and fun to chat with. Holmes Beach has antiques shops, and Bradenton Beach offers many unique stores.

Take a stroll, ride a bike, putter around on a moped, or ride the free trolley here and view the million dollar homes to the colorful array of wildlife that calls it home on the island. You can see the spoonbills, the egrets, the pelicans, gorgeous parrots, and just enjoy the wonderful ambiance of this pristine island.

While you are here you will want to do some shelling. Florida has the most incredibly, beautiful shells, conches and starfish to behold, that have washed up onto her white sandy beaches. Just a warning though, they only want you to take two starfish and sand dollars because they are living creatures. Just going to any one of the beaches here will be a major highlight of your visit. Several are public beaches such as Manatee, Cortez and Coquina and offer shaded picnic areas, restrooms, and playgrounds and of course sparkling, sugar white sand.

WATER ACTIVITIES

The beautiful sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay will be calling you to engage in just about any activity known to man. And you can do it here without freezing, because the water is so warm and inviting. You can participate in para-sailing, windsurfing, boating, sailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. There's canoeing, kayaking jet skiing, and fishing.

You can fish on one of the area piers, with a boat charter, by renting a boat, or by surf fishing on the shore. By the way one of the restaurants located on one of the piers will cook your catch for you to eat. You may want to try scuba diving or snorkeling and take a look at an authentic shipwreck off of Bradenton Beach. A steel tanker sank here back in 1940 and is still visible in 12 to 20 feet of water.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS:

Wait, there's still more! On this stretch of paradise you will find Island Players Live Theater, Florida Museum and Aquarium, Ringling Museum of Art, Selby Gardens, Jungle Gardens, Mote Marine Aquarium and De Sot National Park. Nearby in neighboring cities there is the G-wiz science museum and Tampa's Busch Gardens.

Anna Maria Island has so many fun-filled activities you will be wondering if you can fit it all in. Or you could just take in the sights with a leisurely stroll, see the island wildlife, go golfing and enjoy all Anna Maria Island has to offer.

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