If you’re planning a Florida getaway, consider staying in the hidden gem of Anna Maria Island. Anna Maria Island, Florida, is the ultimate vacation destination if you’re looking for a place to truly unwind. You’ll get to miss out on the giant crowd of tourist cities like Orlando and Tampa. Instead, you can experience Florida to its fullest. With stunning beaches, mouth-watering cuisine, and friendly locals everywhere you turn, Anna Maria Island provides a little something for everyone. Here’s everything you need to know about planning your next vacation!
Where is Anna Maria Island?
So, the first thing you’re probably wondering is, “Where is Anna Maria Island?” Anna Maria Island sometimes referred to as AMI, is located on the west coast of Florida in Manatee County. When you’re on Anna Maria Island, you’ll find the Gulf of Mexico to the west, Longboat Pass to the south, Anna Maria Sound to the east, and Tampa Bay to the north. The closest major city is Sarasota, which you can reach in about 40 minutes by car. You’re just close enough to the city to access all the attractions, but you’re far enough away to enjoy the peace and quiet!
What Airports are Near Anna Maria Island?
If you’re traveling into AMI by plane, you want to know the most convenient airports near Anna Maria Island. The closest airport to the island is Sarasota/Bradenton (SRQ). If you fly into this airport, allow about 30 minutes to drive to Anna Maria Island. While this location is the most convenient, it is not your only option. You could also choose to fly into Tampa (TPA), Orlando (MCO), St. Petersburg (PIE), or Ft. Myers (RSW). Driving in from TPA takes about an hour, from MCO it takes 2 hours, from St. Petersburg takes about an hour, and traveling from Fort Myers takes around 2 hours.
Driving to Anna Maria Island
Now that you know how you can get into the area, you’ll probably want to know the driving conditions. Driving in from Sarasota is a pretty smooth journey. Your trip will mainly keep you on FL-789 and John Ringling Causeway. If you’re coming in from the Tampa area, you’ll spend most of your time on I-75. Be aware that you’ll probably encounter tolls along this journey. To get to Anna Maria Island from St. Petersburg, you’ll spend most of your time on I-275 and FL-64. Finally, if you travel from Fort Myers, much of your journey will be spent on I-75.
Once you actually get to Anna Maria Island, it’s pretty easy to navigate the seven-mile stretch of land. The two main entry points onto the island are the Cortez Bridge at the southern end and the Manatee Avenue Bridge in the center. During peak times, you might experience traffic coming on and off the island, but it’s generally relaxed throughout the day. If you really don’t want to drive, it’s easy to get wherever you want to go, thanks to the free Anna Maria Island trolley! Other transportation options include Uber, golf carts, biking, or walking.
If you’ve decided that Anna Maria Island sounds like the perfect place for your next vacation, you’ll need the ideal accommodations for your group.
Plan Your Anna Maria Vacation
Island Vacation Properties is owned by a husband and wife team who have a passion for introducing guests to the wonders of Anna Maria Island. Our team is always available to assist you during booking or during your stay, whether you have a question about your rental or you simply want a recommendation for dinner. Our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals are some of the best accommodations on the island, and we can’t wait to have you! Contact us today to learn more and to start planning your getaway.
Places to Stay
Island Vacation Properties is proud to manage almost 200 rentals on the island, so you can rest assured that you’ll find the perfect rental home. Whether you’re traveling solo or bringing the whole extended family along, we’ve got the perfect property for your party!
