Anna Maria Island is all about a relaxing and fun vacation. You might want to lay on the beach, bike around, or go shopping, but there are lots of other things to do on Anna Maria Island. It’s a small enough place that you can easily walk or bike just about anywhere you want to go or hop on the free Anna Maria Island trolley if your final location is just a bit too far.
One thing you definitely don’t want to miss is a visit to one of the various Anna Maria Island piers.
Anna Maria Island City Pier
The Anna Maria Island City Pier is located at the end of Pine Ave on the Bay side of the island. It was reopened in 2020 after undergoing significant repairs and renovations as a result of Hurricane Irma’s damage. You can stand on the pier and enjoy watching wildlife like dolphins or local bird life. You can even see the Sunshine Skyway Bridge from this pier. At the end of the pier is City Pier Grill and Bait Shop, which offers burgers, tacos, and breakfast sandwiches, as well as beer, wine, and ice cream. Of course, they also serve as a bait shop selling your fish and tackle necessities. There is often outdoor music and entertainment on Anna Maria Island City Pier, especially during the high season beginning in March. At any time, though, it is just a great place to walk and take in the ocean views.
Book Your AMI Vacay Today
There’s never been a better time to escape your worries and retreat to the shores of Anna Maria Island. Book your stay and start relaxing today!
Rod and Reel Pier
The Rod and Reel Pier is several blocks north of Anna Maria Island City Pier, near the top tip of the island. The address for the Rod and Reel Pier is 875 N. Shore Dr. It’s a 350-foot-long walk to the end of the pier, where you will find the Rod and Reel Pier Restaurant serving the freshest seafood, traditional dishes, and local favorites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can rent a fishing rod and try to find your own catch of the day. Or look at the water and see the dolphins and manatees do their dolphin and manatee thing. Don’t forget to document your visit with a picture underneath the infamous Rod N Reel sign! Whether you’re looking for a bite to eat or to cast a line, make sure you don’t miss the Rod and Reel pier on your AMI vacation.
Bridge Street Pier
The Bridge Street Pier is at the southern end of the island on Historic Bridge Street, where you cross the Cortez Bridge to the mainland. There are many shopping and dining places on the Bridge Street Pier, so you can spend a great afternoon or evening taking a stroll to see what’s happening in the water, shopping, and grabbing some lunch or dinner.
The free Anna Maria Island trolley conveniently makes stops at both Anna Maria Island City Pier and the Bridge Street Pier, as well as Manatee Public Beach, directly adjacent to your accommodations at Mello.
Stay at Mello on the Beach
If you are looking for places to stay on Anna Maria Island, Mello on the Beach has your perfect accommodations. The art-deco decor paints a picture of fun, while the property itself offers a private pool, a lawn for games, bike rentals, and beach access.
The newly remodeled Mello on the Beach accepts reservations from April 2023 and beyond. You’ll love the retro, hip beachy colors and furnishings in all the rooms. All rooms have kitchens and laundry, and you can choose between 1, 2, and 3-bedroom accommodations. Hang out on the great terraces or patios just outside your room. There are 1 bedroom units that sleep up to four people and two and three-bedroom units for a large group of friends. For fun and affordable Anna Maria accommodation, contact Mello on the Beach. Committing to your Anna Maria Island vacation will be the best thing you do today.
