Anna Maria Island, Florida

Meeshe

We are headed there for the first time in a month.  We've rented a house in Anna Maria, two couples, four kids total (ages 6.5 years-6 months).  Recommendation?  Places to eat, things to do with the kids, etc.  Thanks!

stuckinillinois

We love Anna Maria Island and have been going now for 2 wks every yr for the last 6 yrs, Oct 2014 will be yr 7.  Mote Marine Laboratory on City Island is fun and educational.  We went on 2 water excursions on the Le Barge out of Sarasota Bay, the Dolphin cruise was awesome.  There is also a water front restaurant there with live music that is good. The Rod n Reel restaurant (breakfast) is awesome on the North end of the island, we have seen all kinds of fun things while there, school of tarpin, a barracuda, monterey and many dolphins.  Also the Holmes Beach cafe has great food and live music on Friday nights. For a great evening meal we love the Mar Vista dock side on the Northern tip of Long Boat Key.  For a great burger there is a Five Guys in Bradenton very close to the island. I'm sure the kids would like a ride on the trolley. A day at Coquina Beach on the south end of the island will be great for your group, there is some shade if you want it, restaurant, picnic tables, nice play equipment, (we found a tiny seahorse in the water there one year (amazing), boats going in to the bay, bathrooms kept up nicely, outdoor showers. Don't know where in Anna Maria you are staying but beach access could be a bit tricky up there. Holmes Beach and Coquina have plenty of parking or you can easily access both by trolley.  Holmes Beach also has an area w/play equipment. Peaches, Rod n Reel and Minnie's Beach Cafe all have great breakfasts. The Big Bend Power station in Apollo Beach is the best place to see Manatee especially when the ocean is cooler, it's an hr drive and I would check w/the locals first before going because it might not be the best time of the yr to go. Of course the sunsets are beautiful and make for awesome pictures. Enjoy! We can't wait as usual.

Meeshe

Thanks for all the tips.  We're staying in the bay side in Anna Maria very near Rod n Reel (from my understanding, having not been there).  Looking forward to it!