Anna Maria Island, located in southwest Florida, is a prime example of some of Florida's natural beauty. A typical vacation in the Anna Maria area could entail pricey hotels and touristy kitsch, or you could take the time to explore some of Florida's natural beauty. Camping around Anna Maria offers a chance to explore Florida's history and natural beauty in its trails, beaches and public parks.
Camping and Hiking
There are no campsites on Anna Maria proper, but in nearby Cortez and Bradenton you can find sites that allow RVs, tents and offer rental cabins. These sites vary in focus, from retiree-oriented parks like Arbor Terrace to the family and pet-friendly Frog Creek Campground and RV Park. Nature trails abound in the Anna Maria area. Emerson Point Park offers bike and hiking trails and has a rich history as one of the oldest inhabited areas in Florida. A side trail will take you to the Portavant Ceremonial Mound, which is over 1,000 years old.
Florida Weather
Summertime visitors to Anna Maria Island should take Florida's weather patterns into account when planning activities. Summer is storm season, and Florida is the lightning capital of the United States; so if you hear rumbling, take cover indoors. Summer storm pattern is afternoon showers and thunderstorms, so plan outdoor activities in the morning when it's cooler. Even at the beach, summer in Florida is hot, with afternoon highs generally in the low to mid 90s. Mornings are cooler, but still humid, so if you're planning outdoor activities, wear sunscreen and keep hydrated. In contrast, winters are mild, and serious cold snaps don't begin until January or February. Even then, temperatures rarely dip below 30 degrees and don't stay there long. It's a perfect time of year for hiking, taking a run on the beach or engaging in a more leisurely activity like shelling.
Shelling
Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island is one of Tampa Bay's best shelling beaches. Natives and visitors alike flock to its shore, which is flecked with its namesake--tiny, colorful coquina shells. Guests should be aware that they should never take live animals off the beach, unless you have a saltwater fishing permit.
Water Sports
Anna Maria offers guests a wide variety of water sports. There are a variety of beautiful public beaches for swimming--Bradenton Beach and Coquina Beach are both popular options. If you want to para-sail, you can find it on Bradenton Beach. If that's not your thing, charter a boat and go scuba diving instead. Holmes Beach offers kayaking ecotours, on the relatively calm Gulf waters where visitors may see dolphins. Kayaking on Lido Key offers calm waters, mangrove tunnels and the chance to interact with manatees.
Yoga & Massage
For a relaxing retreat, head down to the Body & Sol Day Spa, which offers daily yoga classes and hot stone massage. Island Wellness, located on Bradenton Beach in the Silver Surf Resort, offers massages and yoga classes at a variety of experience levels right on the beach.
Member Comments