Seven Reasons Anna Maria Island Offers the Best Florida Beach Vacation
Anna Maria Island, Florida, is a seven-mile island located at the southern end of Tampa Bay in the Gulf of Mexico. For more than 100 years, it has been a favorite beach destination for Floridians. Here are seven reasons why AMI is widely considered Florida’s favorite Gulf Coast beach getaway:
1. SAND: Anna Maria’s powdery white sand is composed primarily of crushed quartz eroded from the Appalachian Mountains and washed into the Gulf of Mexico over several centuries. Unlike the typical white sand that forms from rocks and seashells, AMI sand is extremely soft and a poor conductor of heat. Which means you’re much less likely to get burned feet on Anna Maria Island.
2. SMALL BUSINESS: Florida was once the capital of America for beach getaways. Over time, corporations moved in to take advantage of the crowds of beach travelers with roller coasters, luxury resorts, and chain restaurants. But at AMI you’ll find only privately owned resorts and cabins, not over-processed chain restaurants or shops brimming with funky treasures for the soul.
3. WILDLIFE: The island is surrounded by many of the most captivating creatures in the sea. From the island’s docks, you’re likely to spot dolphins, eagle rays, and dozens of seabirds. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for manatees. The tame sea cows are densely populated in the Manatee River which opens northeast of Anna Maria Island.
4. ROMANCE: In all of Florida, there is no better place for lovers than Anna Maria. From secluded cabanas to ocean views to deserted beaches, romance abounds.
5. FOOD: National publications like the New York Times Y USA Today have touted AMI’s beach burger joints, Duffy’s Tavern and Skinny’s, among the best in America. Meanwhile, the fine dining at Beach Bistro and The Waterfront are widely named among the best in the state of Florida.
6 PERSONS: Local islanders embrace the classic Florida beach lifestyle. In fact, most of them are travelers who fell so in love with Anna Maria Island that they never left. You’ll find boat parades, fireworks over the water, and plenty of community events packed with people ready to celebrate this island oasis.
7. PRICE: With beachfront rentals available for less than $1,000 a week, most Americans can book an entire Anna Maria Island vacation for less than the cost of airfare to Hawaii or the Caribbean. With world-class beaches, exotic wildlife, great food, and friendly locals, why pay more when Anna Maria Island has the perfect beach getaway for pennies on the dollar?