In today’s hectic world, vacations are a non-negotiable. After months of grinding away at your desk, your mind and body need tender loving care. Taking a holiday is a bonafide way of getting that much-needed peace and tranquility away from the stresses of suburbia. The picturesque barrier island of Anna Maria on Florida’s west coast has a reputation for being one of the state’s best vacation spots, drawing nearly four million visitors annually. One of the strongest appeal of this stunning destination is its abundance of outdoor Anna Maria Island activities. Here’s what you can do on this Sunshine State gem.
Hit the Beach for a Swim
Anna Maria Island features roughly 1,200 miles of coastline, white sandy beaches, and warm emerald waters. Combine those factors with the soothing, almost-year-long sunshine and get the perfect spot for a relaxing swim. Manatee Beach, Bayfront Park Beach, and Coquina Beach offer access to the public and are ideal for a wholesome family day out. Manatee Beach has a pleasant cafe serving breakfast and lunch alongside other nearby restaurants, making it the perfect spot for taking your kids. Bayfront Beach is excellent if you’re vacationing with your dog and offers tables, pavilions, grills, and playgrounds for your little ones, while Coquine Beach offers beautiful wildlife views as you swim, including dolphins. If you’re looking for a more secluded place to hit the water, private beaches such as Bean Point Beach, Holmes Beach, Cortez Beach, and Bradenton Beach are the best go-to.
Experience a Parasailing Excursion
Picture the wind blowing in your face as you rise 250 feet, enjoying the gorgeous sights of the Mexican Gulf. That’s what parasailing offers. The principle behind parasailing is simple. Two or three of you get strapped into a safety harness attached to a parachute and a towline controlled by a crank system. Once the boat starts moving, the wind picks up and fills the parachute, causing the winch to let out the line and rise a few hundred feet. Parasailing offers unparalleled views of the Gulf while increasing your heart rate for a thrilling cardio session. Carry a GoPro while you’re up there and take memorable shots of the adventure. Some of Anna Maria’s best parasailing tour companies include YOLO Parasailing & Adventures, Bradenton Beach Parasailing, and Sea Rocket Gulf Coast Parasail. All these companies work with professional, certified staff with years of experience, ensuring you and your loved ones enjoy a safe parasailing adventure.
Enjoy a Boat Tour
The waters off Anna Maria Island offer a serene setting for a relaxing boat tour. The island has several renowned boat tour companies offering exhilarating excursions of the Mexican Gulf. Paradise Boat Tours is a favorite among vacationers and features a 28-passenger catamaran with comfortable seating. They run daily tours and almost certainly guarantee that you’ll see dolphins. Anna Maria Island Dolphin Tours offers two-hour guided eco-tours of the Gulf alongside a scenic sunset tour. Get close to marine species, including sea turtles, spoonbills, osprey, and manatees. Gulf Island Adventures provide a be-your-own-boss two-seater Catamaran tour where you and a partner take turns driving and navigating. Experience the beauty of the ocean uniquely as you explore and play in the water.
Go for a Hike
Anna Maria Island has a collection of beautiful preserves that offer excellent hiking opportunities. Neal Preserve covers over 120 acres and features some of the island’s best nature trails. Apart from the splendor of nature, the preserve serves as a historical site, housing refurbished burial mounds dating back thousands of years. Robinson Reserve lies to the Northwest of Bradenton and is one of Anna Maria’s most renowned hiking spots. The preserve stretches over 650 acres and features a 1.5-mile pedestrian-only hiking trail. The preserve opens daily and offers restrooms, picnic areas, and educational areas. Leffis Key Preserve is a restored estuary with a 26-foot hill in the middle, offering panoramic views of Sarasota Bay and the Mexican Gulf. The preserve has numerous footpaths, benches, and 1,500 feet of boardwalks cutting through the mangroves. The platforms offer excellent views of the local animal and plant species, making for a fun-filled experience for you and your loved ones.
Secure Your Anna Maria Island Vacation Rental
Anna Maria Island is one of Florida’s most renowned holiday spots and gets droves of visitors looking for a relaxing escape. There are numerous awesome outdoor Anna Maria Island activities, including water sports, hiking trails, and boat tours for a wholesome getaway experience. As you look forward to your Anna Maria Island vacation, ensure you have quality accommodation for a stress-free stay. At Anna Maria Life Vacation Rentals, we offer comfortable rentals with numerous amenities for the ultimate island getaway experience. Contact us today and choose from our expansive list of homes, including beachfront rentals, water-view rentals, Bradenton Beach vacation rentals, Holmes Beach vacation rentals, and pet-friendly rentals.
Always remember that no matter what season of the year you plan to travel to this beautiful destination, our Anna Maria Island seasonal rentals are the best place to stay for you and your loved ones.
