Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island is a picturesque barrier island located along Florida’s Gulf Coast and featuring pristine, sandy beaches along with shops and galleries that make for a well-rounded beach vacation. The beaches are the primary draw of this island, offering soft, white sands and emerald-green waters that are calm enough for the whole family to enjoy a spot of bathing. Of course, those calm waters also mean it’s fairly easy to simply relax on the beach if you like. Given how much beachfront there is here, it’s easy to find a spot away from other people if you like.

Aside from the beach, travelers can also enjoy an array of shops and restaurants by the coast. The Coquina Boardwalk is more catered toward outdoor adventurers, but Historic Bridge Street has several shops to peruse and a few art galleries that showcase local artists inspired by the picturesque features of the island.