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Anna Maria Bayfront Park is an ideal place to put things in perspective. From any vantage point, you get a sweeping view of Tampa Bay and the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge, but the best lookout is arguably from the end of the century-old Anna Maria City Pier. There you can have a drink and a sandwich while watching fisherman reel one in. You may also spot dolphins or manatees. This… Continue Reading Anna Maria Bayfront Park

Whether you are sitting on the beach or kayaking near the still water’s edge at Fort De Soto, you find yourself absorbed in the abundance of natural beauty for as far as the eye can see. The complexity of the ecology is not immediately apparent, but the park offers the greatest diversity of systems just about anywhere. Emerging from the wealth of bird life, sea life, wild life and plant… Continue Reading Fort De Soto Park

Rent a boat from Bradenton Boat Rental LLC and see the crystal clear blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Water Way! Bradenton Boat Rental LLC prides itself in offering some of the lowest prices in boat rentals in the Bradenton, Sarasota, Anna Maria Island, Siesta Key, Lido Key and Longboat Key areas! Bradenton Boat Rental LLC does not rent pontoon boats which are slow and unstable,… Continue Reading Bradenton Boat Rental LLC

Open sunrise to sunset, Neal Preserve, is a 120-acre ecological gem that overlooks Sarasota Bay. Located on the south side of Manatee Avenue just a few minutes from Anna Maria Island, the preserve features passive outdoor recreation opportunities including a 20 foot tall observation tower, shell trails, and boardwalks that wind through the coastal environment. Neal Preserve is a very historically significant site. As you walk, imagine the active Native… Continue Reading Neal Preserve

Hunsader Farms got its start in 1967 when three Hunsader Brothers left their Wisconsin dairy farm to try their hand at growing vegetables in the sunny south. The brothers cleared the land by hand and planted their first crop of 80 acres of tomatoes in the fall of 1967. Through the years the farm has added many events and activities, including a barn-style farmer’s market, a petting zoo, playground, an… Continue Reading Hunsader Farms

Kick back and relax island style with a personal cruise on the beautiful waters that surround Anna Maria Island with Captain Frank on the M/V Minnow. Offering excursions to Egmont Key, dolphin watches, sunset cruises and private charters. Captain Frank discovered Anna Maria Island over 10 years ago when he and his wife stumbled upon their slice of paradise while visiting friends. His passion for the water and boating has… Continue Reading Captain Frank | M/V Minnow

As part of the South Florida Museum, the Bishop Planetarium is the region’s premier astronomy education facility, as well as a multimedia theater for films, lectures, live music and digital art performances. Continue Reading Bishop Planetarium

As part of the South Florida Museum, the Parker Manatee Aquarium, is designed to house three adult manatees and holds nearly 60,000 gallons of water, including a medical pool. The pool offers both deep and shallow water, allowing the manatees to maintain natural feeding behaviors. An exhibit area within the facility helps to educate the public about manatee anatomy and offers above and below water viewing. Manatee Care specialists provide… Continue Reading Parker Manatee Aquarium

The Island Branch Library in Holmes Beach is one of six locations in Manatee County’s Library System that serve the public. The MCPLS seeks to offer all citizens of Manatee County a responsive, proactive, innovative program of library service, capable of upgrading the educational, cultural, and recreational quality of life in the community. Hours: Sunday and Monday: Closed Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Wednesday: Noon… Continue Reading Island Branch Library

Join Captain Kasay Gunter and Coastline Dolphin & Snorkeling Excursions for a wonderful day out on the beautiful waters of Anna Maria and you may even see dolphins and manatees up close and personal! You’ll set sail in a new, 22-foot, fast and sturdy Boston Whaler with a center console. It is a very dry, comfortable boat that provides comfy seating and dry storage for personal items. There is a… Continue Reading Coastline Dolphin & Snorkeling Excursions