Just a hop, skip and a jump away from downtown Sarasota and St. Pete, Anna Maria Island is a quick escape to paradise. The island has vacation rentals, gift shops, ice cream parlors, live music and tiki bars.
The island gives off laid-back vibes as opposed to the surrounding beaches of Siesta Key, Lido Key and St. Pete, offering activities like sunset yoga on Sundays and Tuesdays or beach volleyball any day of the week at Manatee Public Beach.
Photo 94075264 © Javier Cruz Acosta | Dreamstime.com
The bright turquoise water outlines the long, soft beach, which makes it one of my favorite spots to not only look for shells but also to walk a few miles while soaking in the sun’s Vitamin C. If you don’t want to walk the beach, there is a trolley that runs from one end to the other, making it easy for guests to see the entire island.
Whether vacationing or residing in Sarasota, Tampa or St. Petersburg, I recommend escaping to this island for a day to relax. If you do, here are some of my recommendations:
- The Donut Experiment: Build your donut from scratch
- Island Scoops: Dipped waffle cones and excellent ice cream
- Wicked Cantina: Tacos and margaritas with live music and occasional karaoke
- Ugly Grouper: Live music, great seafood selection, drinking games, merchandise and giant ugly fish metal sculpture
- Anna Maria Beach Café: Get a cup and enjoy cheap frozen adult beverages all day
- Shiny Fish Emporium: Unique gift shop
- Bean Point Beach: Relaxing local spot known as the beach great for sunset views and finding sea treasures
- The Real BeachHorses & C Ponies Beach Horseback Rides: Offered on the connecting bridge on Manatee Ave W.
- Robinson Preserve: Hiking and running trails, bike trails, kayaking, picnics and camping
— Christyn Pek, account executive
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Aug 17, 2026Raffles Hotel in Cambodia Unveils Immersive History Tour, Book
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, the luxury heritage hotel on the doorstep of ancient Khmer archeological sites in Cambodia, has unveiled an immersive new Path of History tour featuring rare photographs, video footage, architectural drawings and other vintage artifacts, all highlighting a golden age of travel in Southeast Asia.
Sponsored Content
Global Traveler Hosted Trip on the Transcend Connect
JOIN GLOBAL TRAVELER ON ITS NEXT TRIP!
Slideshow
Aug 17, 20268 Trains Around the World to Put on Your Travel List
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey of these trains with us.
Daily
Aug 17, 2026Visit London’s Newest Destination for Dining, Culture and Entertainment
London’s West Kensington is a burgeoning neighborhood in the city and, with the newly transformed Olympia, the area brings even more hospitality, dining and cultural experiences to the neighborhood. From mornings exploring gardens and galleries to evenings of live music and rooftop cocktails, Olympia gives you everything you’d ever want for a long weekend escape in the great city.
Sponsored Content
The World Awaits with Turkish Airlines’ Global Access
Turkish Airlines enjoys the unique position as the airline flying to more countries than any other airline. Its unrivaled global reach is only the beginning of the experience that awaits passengers with Turkish Airlines.
August 2026
Aug 15, 2026St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, Unveils New Appearance
St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, London, completed extensive renovations, revealing a new appearance across its entrance and ground and first floors. The hotel also boasts a new established bar, 1897 The Bar & Cigar Lounge, as well as new lounges and other multipurpose rooms, and expanded Taj the Chambers Club and ballroom.
MGallery Collection Debuts in the Maldives
Daily
Aug 14, 2026Take Along These Essentials, Wherever You Go
August 2026
Aug 14, 20264 U.S. Fall Foliage and Leaf-Peeping Destinations
Daily
Aug 13, 2026Daily
Aug 13, 2026Gaylord Hotels Expands to West Coast
Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center redefines West Coast hospitality as the newest member of the Gaylord Hotels brand, part of Marriott Bonvoy. Nestled along stunning San Diego Bay and Chula Vista Marina, the resort showcases 1,600 elegant guestrooms (including 89 suites); 477,000 square feet of event space; and 12 dining venues celebrating the region's coastal flavors. Highlights include a glass atrium, Relâche Spa & Salon, and a 4.25-acre water park, creating a dynamic destination where relaxation meets entertainment.
Sponsored Content
Luxury Travel in Chilean Patagonia: Where Refinement Meets the Wild Edge
At the gateway to Chilean Patagonia, Los Lagos opens a landscape in constant motion. Volcanic peaks rise sharply above glacial lakes, mist moves through dense forests, and light shifts across every horizon. Here, luxury travel in Chilean Patagonia unfolds moment by moment, balancing raw energy with seamless comfort.
Daily
Aug 13, 2026La Dolce Vita Orient Express Announces Istanbul-to-Rome Route
La Dolce Vita Orient Express recently announced a five-day, four-night journey from Istanbul to Rome, connecting the historic crossroads of Istanbul with the Eternal City.
ShareThis