Anna Maria Island is the kind of place where summer feels endless. Warm breezes, turquoise waters and a laid-back pace define life on this seven-mile barrier island off Florida’s Gulf Coast. It’s where locals know the value of a slow morning and visitors quickly adopt the art of unwinding. Whether you’re here for a family vacation, a romantic escape or a solo getaway, the summer season brings out the very best of Anna Maria Island. The key to making the most of it lies in knowing where to go, what to do and how to enjoy every moment. From sun-soaked beaches to small-town charm, here are the top Florida summer activities you’ll want to plan for during your stay.
Beach Days at Manatee Public Beach
If you’re looking to soak up the sun, there’s no better place to start than Manatee Public Beach. Located in Holmes Beach, this centrally located spot is one of the most popular beaches on the island and for good reason. The soft white sand stretches wide, the Gulf waters are shallow and clear and the amenities make it easy to settle in for a full day. Families love it for the safe swimming areas and convenient picnic tables while couples appreciate the open space and quiet corners farther from the crowd. Lifeguards are on duty, which adds peace of mind, and there’s a nearby café if you decide to stay longer than you planned, which is often the case.
You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas if you don’t want to bring your own, and there’s plenty of space to toss a frisbee or relax with a good book. Mornings here are peaceful, with gentle waves and smaller crowds. In the late afternoon, the atmosphere shifts slightly as the beach becomes a favorite spot for watching the sunset. Locals and visitors gather with coolers and cameras to catch the sky changing colors over the water. It’s low-key, beautiful and exactly what a summer evening should feel like. Manatee Public Beach is also close to shops and ice cream stops, so it fits easily into any kind of beach day, whether spontaneous or carefully planned.
If you’re spending a full day here, take advantage of the shaded picnic pavilions and well-maintained restrooms, which make it easier to stay comfortable even as the temperatures rise. Nearby beachside restaurants offer convenient options for grabbing a meal without having to leave the beach, and the beachfront playground keeps younger visitors entertained between swims. You’ll also find a volleyball court and space for beach games, making it easy to stay active. Whether you’re in the mood to swim, sunbathe or simply unwind with your feet in the sand, Manatee Public Beach delivers that classic Florida beach experience in a way that’s approachable, family-friendly and effortlessly fun.
Explore Pine Avenue
For a different kind of summer adventure, spend a day strolling down Pine Avenue in the City of Anna Maria. Known as the “greenest little main street in America,” this charming stretch is home to boutique shops, small cafes, historic sites and locally owned businesses. You won’t find chain stores or fast food here. Instead, expect hand-poured candles, custom jewelry, coastal decor and one-of-a-kind gifts. It’s the perfect place to shop for something special or just take a relaxed walk while browsing window displays.
Start with a morning coffee from a local café, then make your way slowly down the avenue. Many of the shops are run by the owners themselves, and they’re happy to chat about their goods, the island or give you tips on where to go next. There’s a friendly, small-town vibe that makes every interaction feel warm and personal. If you’re traveling with kids, there’s a toy shop and an old-fashioned donut stand that will likely earn repeat visits. Couples will enjoy the art galleries and wine bars that invite you to linger longer than planned.
At the far end of Pine Avenue, you’ll reach the Anna Maria City Pier, which stretches out into Tampa Bay. It’s a great place to pause and enjoy the breeze or watch pelicans dive into the water. In the summer months, you might even spot dolphins playing near the pier. Exploring Pine Avenue is all about stepping into the heart of the island, where history and hospitality meet in the most charming way.
In addition to shopping and dining, Pine Avenue is a great place to connect with the island’s culture. Local events and small-scale performances often pop up during the summer months, creating opportunities for spontaneous entertainment. Art lovers will appreciate the rotating exhibits in the area’s galleries, which showcase work from both regional and nationally recognized artists. The avenue also includes access points to nearby beaches, so you can easily combine your outing with a beach break. Whether you’re spending an hour or an afternoon, Pine Avenue captures the spirit of Anna Maria Island.
Kayaking the Mangroves
For a quiet but unforgettable summer activity, take a kayak out into the mangrove tunnels of Anna Maria Sound. These protected areas are teeming with wildlife and offer a peaceful escape from the more populated beach spots. Kayaking gives you a front-row seat to some of the island’s most beautiful and delicate ecosystems. It’s not unusual to spot herons, egrets, manatees and even the occasional sea turtle as you glide through the water.
There are several local outfitters on the island that offer kayak rentals and guided eco tours. If it’s your first time, a tour can add context to what you’re seeing and make the experience even more rewarding. The mangroves offer natural shade, which makes this an ideal activity during the hotter hours of the day. It’s also an activity that doesn’t require a lot of planning. Rentals are often by the hour or half-day, so you can decide on the fly when to go.
The slow, steady rhythm of paddling is therapeutic, and the quiet of the mangroves helps you reset. It’s a different kind of adventure—one that doesn’t rush you and doesn’t need to be loud to be exciting. Whether you go solo, with a partner or bring the whole family along, kayaking offers a different view of Anna Maria Island and one that stays with you long after you return home.
Experienced paddlers may want to chart a longer route, exploring the more remote inlets and connecting waterways that give a true sense of the region’s natural layout. Many of these tours offer waterproof maps and route suggestions to help you make the most of your time on the water. Don’t forget to bring a waterproof camera or phone case—you’ll want to capture the beauty of the surroundings. Kayaking through the mangroves feels like entering another world, one that’s quiet, connected and refreshingly wild. It’s a summer experience that reminds you to slow down and notice the little things.
Sunset Cruise Along the Gulf
There’s something about a summer sunset over the Gulf of Mexico that never gets old. Add a boat, a cool drink and a light breeze, and you’ve got one of the most memorable experiences Anna Maria Island can offer. Sunset cruises depart regularly from the island and nearby areas, offering a front-row seat to the horizon and a relaxed way to end the day. Most charters include light refreshments and allow you to bring your own beverages or snacks.
Cruises vary in style. Some are small-group sailing trips with intimate vibes while others are larger vessels with multiple decks and open seating. Whichever you choose, the view is the main event. The sun dips low, the sky glows with pinks and oranges and the water turns glassy as evening settles in. It’s a time when conversation quiets and everyone, for a few minutes, just takes in the beauty.
For couples, it’s an easy and romantic outing. For families, it’s a calm way to get out on the water without the logistics of renting your own boat. The captains often know the best spots for dolphin sightings, and on the calmest nights, you may even see stingrays skimming just below the surface. The boat slowly coasts back to shore after sunset, and you return to your rental feeling relaxed, full of fresh air and with a memory that defines summer on Anna Maria Island.
You can also choose themed or specialty cruises for added enjoyment. Some charters include live music, tapas-style dining or narrated tours that share a bit of the area’s maritime history. Don’t forget to bring a light jacket or sweater—the breeze can pick up once the sun goes down, even in summer. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to close out the day on a high note, a sunset cruise delivers one of the most peaceful and picturesque moments of your vacation. It’s a perfect reminder of why you chose Anna Maria Island in the first place.
Book Your Summer Rental with Anna Maria Life Vacation Rentals
Making the most of your summer on Anna Maria Island starts with choosing the right place to stay. At Anna Maria Life Vacation Rentals, we offer a curated collection of homes that match every kind of vacation. Whether you want a breezy one-bedroom by the sea or a multi-level beach house with space for the whole family, we have something for every guest. Our properties are hand-picked for comfort and convenience, often featuring private pools, rooftop terraces, chef-worthy kitchens and quick beach access.
Each home is designed to let you live like a local, with full kitchens, spacious living areas and the kind of amenities that make your stay feel seamless. Our local team is available to help with everything from restaurant recommendations to last-minute activity bookings, so you never miss a beat. Browse our collection today and find your perfect summer escape.
Make Every Moment Count This Summer
Anna Maria Island in the summer is about simplicity, sunshine and slowing down enough to enjoy the details. Whether it’s a beach day, a quiet kayak paddle or a sunset cruise with friends, the island offers a mix of relaxation and activity that fits whatever kind of trip you’re planning. With the right rental, all of these activities on Anna Maria Island are just steps away. Let this summer be the one you remember for how easy it felt, how much you saw and how well you lived it. Start planning today and let Anna Maria Island do the rest!
