Vacation mode acquired! The third part of our series on exploring Florida’s Gulf Coast takes us to the resort area of Anna Maria Island. Known for its bike-able roads, beautiful beaches, quaint shops, galleries and restaurants, it doesn’t take long to fall in love with the area and feel like a local.
Where To Stay
Anna Maria Island is a breath of fresh air and the Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club is like going home. This unique resort overlooking the water likes you to know that once you have arrived, you’re on island vacation time. It’s time to leave the real-world behind, embrace the island life and enjoy all this graceful hotel has to offer. The Waterline is where old world hospitality meets modern amenities. The Waterline offers a stunning array of accomodations that include large multiple bedroom suites perfect for couples who want to travel together or families who enjoy a little extra space. As you settle into your tranquil 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Suite complete with a family room, laundry facilities and kitchen, you may just feel like you’ve arrived at your new home away from home. Spend your day taking a swim in the seasonally heated pool, enjoying the complimentary bikes, or making use of the incredible Beach Club that is exclusive to guests at the Waterline Marina Resort. There’s even a fancy golf cart shuttle that runs you and yours from the hotel door right over to the beach and drops you at their swanky club. At the club house you will find someone to assist you with chairs and umbrellas, kayaks and paddleboards. Think you might want to spend the entire day on that beach? Spoil yourself by ordering a curated cooler with all the fixings to make the most of the day. Wrap up your day by watching the sunset from your private balcony before heading down to dinner at Eliza Ann’s for dinner. There’s so much to do at The Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club you may never want to leave!
Insider Tip: The kitchens in these suites have a full size refrigerator, dishwasher and all the dishes and glasses you might ever need. Treat yourself to a quiet night in by ordering in a pizza or picking up some groceries and whipping up a home cooked meal. Check out the video above for a closer look!
Location: 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL
What To Do
Approximately 20 minutes from Anna Maria Island, in Bradenton, is the Village of the Arts.
The Village of the Arts is a feast for the soul. This area is the largest live-work artist community in all of Florida and is comprised of over 200 mind-boggling homes. It’s an eclectic mix of early 20th century residential bungalows, Florida Cracker homes, and later additions all decorated with love and care by local artists. While perusing this vibrant neighbourhood don’t miss the unique bakeries and restaurants, the owners are just waiting to give you a warm welcome. Hours of operation for galleries, restaurants and shops are 11am-4pm unless otherwise noted.
Insider Tip: Grab your camera, and don’t forget your wallet as you search for a one of a kind treasure to take home.
Location: 1017 12th Avenue West, Bradenton.
Bridge Street Pier
A must see while in Bradenton Beach or while on Anna Maira Island is the historic Bridge Street Pier. Beyond being completly instagram worthy, the street leading to the pier itself is loaded with attractions including countless souvenir shops, clothing stores, restaurants and the opportunity to watch the fishermen bring in their catch of the day. Exploring this bustling area and taking in the water views is a lovely way to spend a leisurely afternoon.
Insider Tip: The Anna Maria Island trolley stops near here so you can explore the area without having to worry about parking.
Holmes Beach
Calling all beach lovers. Holmes Beach boasts three miles of sugar-white sand beaches. Grab a beach blanket and your picnic basket and prepare for a day with your toes in the ocean and watch the waves roll in.
Shopping on Pine Avenue
Time to walk and shop! Pine Avenue has something for everyone. Walk, drive or take the trolley to the shopping centre of Pine Ave. Here you will find a plethora of eateries, unique dessert shops, charming jewelry stores, art galleries, boutique clothing stores and gift shops.
Insider Tip: For a fun photo opportunity be sure to take a picture at the former location of the historic Anna Maria Jail.
Location: 201c Pine Avenue, Anna Maria
Where To Eat
Eliza Ann’s Coastal Kitchen
Located inside the doors of the Waterline Resort is Eliza Ann’s Costal Kitchen. This open kitchen restaurant with it’s warm inviting decor is a true hidden gem. The decor is unique featuring open spaces, a quirky “bubble” wall to one side and a sleek bar to the other. On the menu; Eliza Ann’s serves up fresh local favourites with flair. Plates are beautifully designed, portions are generous and meals are memorable.
Insider Tip: Not to be missed the unique S’more’s dessert – presented table side. A sublime way to end the evening.
Location: 5325 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
Donut Experiment
Pastry lovers rejoice, Anna Maria Island has a donut shop like no other. (Can we please get one of these in my town?) The Donut Experience is a treat and an experience. As you enter grab an order form and let your imagination run wild. Start with a fresh vanilla cake donut, pick your icing and topping and watch the donut be prepared in front of you. The possibilities are endless!
Insider Tip: Get at least two, one will never be enough!
Location: 201c Pine Avenue, Anna Maria
Poppo’s Tacqueria
Tacos! Poppo’s Taqueria is a family owned and operated and features Mexican inspired . This little gem features organic, locally grown ingredients, with lots of vegetarian options!
Insider Tip: Grab a couple of classic burritos to go and take them to the beach!
Location: 212c Pine Avenue, Anna Maria
Eat Here
Dine inside, dine outside, grab take-out, there’s no wrong way to “eat here”. This unpretentious restaurant just offers great food. Eat here features fresh, locally-caught seafood, local farm products, and inspired salads, tacos and wood fired pizza. Eat here also highlights craft beers and wines from family-owned vineyards and handcrafted, specialty wine- based cocktails.
Insider Tip: Be sure to make a reservation, this place gets packed.
Location: 5315 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach
Are you ready for a new adventure? When you’re ready to explore new places, take a peek at leg one and two of this journey, then let your next adventure begin. Soon you’ll see why it’s so easy to love Florida.
Disclosure: Accommodations and experiences were made in order to help provide this review. As always all opinions on this blog remain my own.
i really need to visit Florida soon, there is so much to explore! have a feeling Disney World will be my first experience but small places like this are quite charming!
This sounds like someplace that I just have to visit!
Burritos on the beach sounds so good! I would also really love the Village of the Arts!
This looks beautiful Im loving all the yummy food. travel and food is just awesome
I love that sandy beach photo. Those chair are saying come on down. Wish I could.
The village of the Arts looks like an amazing place to visit and do some shopping.
Great activities in the nice warm weather
Great article,sure enjoyed the video.It’s beautiful !
that sounds and looks like a great place to visit, so tired of snow
I haven’t heard of this place before but it looks and sounds oh so lovely.
I can see my name on one of the chairs sitting in the super white sand in the Holmes Beach pic!
Thanks very much for the review and Insider Tips.
Yes please. Would love to visit there.
I’ve never thought about seeing 2 or 3 different spots all in one trip. This is way more up my alley then just sitting on a beach for week. Thanks for the inspiration!
It looks like there’s lots to do. Would you take your kids here?
Take me away! I’d load up on donuts and sit in that room enjoying the view all day long.