Anna Maria Island:
Old Florida
that still exists.
No high-rises. No crowds. Just the Gulf.
Most of Florida's coastline has been paved over with high-rise hotels and mass tourism. Anna Maria Island is the radical exception - the Florida that existed in 1960, preserved and waiting for you, just 2h45 from Orlando.
Why It's Worth the Drive
The Florida of 1960. Preserved.
Most of Florida's beaches have been completely developed over the past few decades - towering condos, giant hotels, and the kind of mass-tourism atmosphere you came to escape.
Anna Maria Island is the exception. In the 1990s, residents voted to ban buildings over three stories tall. They kept the "Old Florida" feel of the 1950s and 60s: colorful beach cottages, a tight-knit community, bikes instead of cars, family-run shops, and spectacular Gulf sunsets.
The result is one of the most authentic beach experiences in the entire United States - a unique vibe you simply won't find on any other Florida beach, set against calm Gulf of Mexico waters and just 2h45 from Orlando. Perfect for couples and for families with young kids, and refreshingly pet-friendly.
Know the Island
The island's three towns
Anna Maria Island runs about 7 miles end to end and is home to three small towns, each with its own personality.
North - the most charming
Anna Maria
The most 'Old Florida' of the three. Pine Avenue is the main street, lined with one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, and a bakery. The historic 1911 pier offers fishing and a restaurant, and Bayfront Park has views over Tampa Bay. Families have owned cottages here for generations.
Best for: couples seeking the most authentic feel.
Center - the lively hub
Holmes Beach
The busiest town on the island and a great central base. Manatee Public Beach is the main beach, with another access point at Anna Maria Island Beach. You'll find the most restaurants, shops, and hotels here.
Best for: first-time families and a central island base.
South - the vibrant one
Bradenton Beach
Home to Coquina Beach (one of the island's best) and Bridge Street, the main drag packed with bars and restaurants. The Cortez Bridge links it to mainland Bradenton, and there's a modest but real nightlife scene.
Best for: couples without kids looking for balance.
The Beach Itself
7 miles of white sand.
Anna Maria Island has beaches along its entire length - more than 7 miles of white-tan sand. The water is calm Gulf of Mexico, with shallow stretches that are ideal for kids, and with no high-rises on the horizon (the only tropical Florida beach like it), the sunsets over the Gulf are unforgettable. Public access points are scattered all along the island.
Manatee Public Beach
Holmes Beach
The best-known central beach. Free parking, cabanas, showers, an on-site restaurant, and lifeguards.
Coquina Beach
Bradenton Beach
The locals' favorite. More natural and tree-lined, with free parking and a trail connecting to mainland Bradenton.
Anna Maria Beach
North end
Quieter and more residential, with fewer tourists and views of the colorful cottages.
What to Do
Things to do on the island
Bike the island
The single best way to explore. Flat, low-traffic, and only 7 miles end to end - rideable in about an hour. Rentals at most hotels run $15-25/day.
Free island trolley
The Anna Maria Island Trolley runs the full length of the island, every 20 minutes, completely free, stopping at all the main sights. Use it instead of your car.
Boat tours
Dolphin tours, sunset cruises, and offshore fishing. Roughly $40-150 per person, with a near-guaranteed dolphin sighting.
Kayak & paddleboard
Rentals all along the island, around $25-40/hour. Calm bay waters make it easy for beginners.
Pier fishing
Drop a line at the historic Anna Maria City Pier or the iconic Rod and Reel Pier - a must for photos.
Shop Pine Avenue
One-of-a-kind, non-chain stores like Anna Maria Island Pottery, Two Sisters Boutique, and a handful of antique shops.
Where to Eat
Restaurants on the island
No chains - everything here is local. Reservations are essential at the top spots in peak season.
Plan Your Trip
Optimized itineraries
Beach + lunch + sunset
Day trip (1 day)
GS Recommended
Overnight (2-3 days)
Honeymooning? Pair 3 nights on Anna Maria Island (quiet and romantic) with Siesta Key (upscale) and Sanibel Island (seashells) for a full beach week.
Good to Know
Practical tips
Bike, don't drive on the island
Island traffic clogs up in high season. Bikes plus the free trolley are the perfect combo.
Parking
There are several free lots along the island. Arrive early in peak season to get a spot.
Don't miss the sunset
The Gulf Coast means the sun sets over the water. The Anna Maria Pier and Coquina Beach are the best vantage points.
Book restaurants ahead
Beach Bistro and The Beach House sell out in high season. Reserve at least two weeks in advance.
No chains
There's no McDonald's, Starbucks, or Walmart on the island. Everything is local.
Sea turtle nesting (May-Oct)
Loggerhead turtles nest here in marked areas. Don't disturb the nests, and keep beachfront lights low at night.
How to get there from Orlando
Manatee Public Beach is at 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217 - about 2h45 from Orlando, and toll-free (I-75 has no tolls on this route).
- I-4 West until you reach I-75
- I-75 South toward Sarasota
- Exit 220 (FL-64 West)
- Cortez Road heading to Anna Maria Island
- Cross the Cortez Bridge onto the island
The GS Difference
The right car for your island getaway.
Family with kids
Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica
Roomy and comfortable for the 2h45 drive and all the beach gear.
Couple
Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Tucson
Efficient and easy to drive.
Honeymoon arrival
Cadillac Lyriq, Mustang Convertible
Pull up to the island in style.
Bringing your own bikes
Sienna, Pacifica
Plenty of cargo room for bikes and coolers.
International visitors choose GS Car Rental for the personal service the big-name companies can't match: free airport delivery (MCO, MIA, FLL, SFB), an active SunPass in every vehicle, no underage driver fees for 21+, and real human support over WhatsApp from booking to return. We can even point you to the best rental homes on Anna Maria and put together a custom route.
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