is an unspoiled paradise just one hour south of Tampa, at the mouth of Tampa Bay.  It is far enough from the city to be un-crowded, yet close enough to take advantage of the amenities of a City, like major league sports, theatre etc.  Anna Maria is a 7 1/2 mile long barrier island.   It is very unlike some tourist areas of Florida that are typified by endless rows of high rise apartment buildings and hotels.  Anna Maria is an island of single family homes and small resorts.
What is there to do on the Island?

Walk the beach There are 7 1/2 miles of white sand beach, all of it open to the public.  With it's fine white sugar sand, it's one of the finest beaches in the United States or anywhere else for that matter

Swim or snorkel in the crystal clear Gulf of Mexico, just steps from your door.  

Sunbathe on the beach or in our courtyard

Collect shells - they are plentiful

 

Build a sand castle - This is one heck of a sand castle.  It was built at the public beach near Anna Maria Beach Place
The castle below was probably just as much fun to build.  Note the parasail straight out into the gulf

Fish from shore and off-shore - Fishing is great!  You can chose from four public fishing piers.  You could fish the surf or you could go on a charter fishing trip off-shore with one of the many Charter captains. 

Take a sunset cruise on the Gulf of Mexico - Seafood Shack Showboat Cruise & Dinner

Boat - Boats can be rented from several of the local marinas.  

Shop - There are many interesting little shops on the island that you will enjoy.  For more up-scale shopping, try St Armand's Circle on Longboat Key a few miles to the south. There, you will find fine clothing shops, galleries and great restaurants

Watch the wildlife - Dolphins are plentiful and can be seen around the piers and bays.  Sea turtles and manatee also live in our waters and can be seen during some seasons. Thousands of types of birds are everywhere.

Golf - Some of the finest golf courses in southern Florida are within easy driving distance of Coconuts. 

Bicycle -   Bicycles can be rented at several shops near Coconuts.

Play tennis - There are two public courts on the island.  

Parasail - Several Parasail boats operate from the Cortez Village just across the bridge.  If you are adventurous, you can go single or tandem parasailing.

Jet ski or Kayak - Jet skis or kayaks can be rented at several local marinas and outfitters.

This is me, the owner of #111 & 112.  Just look how clear and beautiful the water is!

This is a friend and I last Christmas. Note the Christmas lights strung on the boat! We had a very warm Christmas that year.

Money magazine named our neighboring city, Bradenton, in it's choice of the top five cities to retire in.  Now that's an honor! 

Just in case that is not enough.... There are lots of fun things to do within easy driving distance

Bradenton/Sarasota area
  • Mote Marine Laboratories and Aquarium
  • The world renowned John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art
  • Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
  • South Florida Museum
  • Bishop Planetarium
  • Parker Manatee Aquarium
  • Sarasota Jungle Gardens
  • Gamble Plantation State Historic Site
  • Historic Cortez Fishing Village
 Orlando area (21/2 hr hour drive)
  • Walt Disney World
  • Epcot Center
  • MGM Studios
  • Universal Studios
  • Seaworld
  •  Wet 'n Wild
  • Gator Land
  • Cypress Garden
  • Kennedy Space Center (another hour from Disney)

Tampa

  • Busch Gardens (Tampa 1 1/2 hour drive)

Island Weather

 See what Southern Living Magazine has to say about our island

 Minneapolis Star Tribune article about Anna Maria Island

 Cincinnati Enquirer article about Anna Maria Island

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Other sites with good information on the island:
Anna Maria Net
Anna Maria Chamber of Commerce