The Anna Maria center is approximately 2 miles southeast of Sandbar Restaurant and 4 miles west of DeSoto National Memorial.
While Anna Maria is a great place to visit year-round, narrowing down the best time to visit depends on your priorities. Even though Anna Maria is close to the water, summers are still hot and humid. The average high temperatures from June to August are in the upper 80s and 90s Fahrenheit. While the heat and hurricane season, which runs from June to November, may discourage you from traveling here during summer, keep in mind that this portion of the year is when hotel rates are low, and several exciting festivals also happen during this time.
Fall in Anna Maria starts to bring some relief from the heat. While September still has average highs in the upper 80s, by November, temperatures have dropped to the upper 70s. This shoulder season is a good time to plan a trip. Hotels haven't started raising rates for the busy season, and you'll still have plenty of sunshine to enjoy some time at the beach.
Winter is the most popular time to visit Anna Maria. From December to February, the area sees average highs in the upper 60s and low 70s. Since plenty of people choose these months to escape the cold and snow, hotels generally raise rates. If you're planning your trip for winter, make sure you book your hotel room in advance to guarantee a place to stay.
The first part of spring is still a popular time for visitors in Anna Maria, especially as families and college students on spring break come to the area to spend time on the beach. While the average highs in March are in the mid-70s, temperatures start to creep up during this time of year. By May, temperatures have reached the mid-80s, and the humidity also starts to come back. However, if you're looking for a hotel deal, by May, prices generally start to go back down.
You'll find several hotels around Anna Maria that offer great discounts to help you save money during your stay. At Best Western Plus Bradenton Gateway Hotel, 13 miles from Anna Maria, AAA and CAA members can save 10 percent or more on the best available rates. AARP members and guests 55 years and older are also eligible to receive a discount of 10 percent or more. If you're a current member of the military, veteran, or qualified government personnel, make sure you take advantage of the 10 percent or more savings offered at Best Western Plus Bradenton Gateway Hotel.
Ramada Sarasota, 16 miles from Anna Maria, also has several great offers to help you save money. AARP members and auto club members can enjoy 10 percent or more off the best available rate. Additionally, seniors 60 and older are eligible for special rates during their stay at the hotel. Government employees can also get special per diem rates. Even if you can't take advantage of these savings, Ramada Sarasota can help you save money by offering free wireless internet access and a complimentary breakfast to its guests.
For convenient amenities at a comfortable price, consider the value option hotels in Anna Maria. Sunrise Garden Resort is located on a quiet street and offers an eight-minute walk to Bayfront Park and a five-minute walk to the Anna Maria Island Historical Society. Your accommodation options include a studio, one-bedroom suite, or two-bedroom suite. The studio includes a mini-fridge and microwave, and the suites have a fully equipped kitchen and a living room. No matter which type of room you select, you'll enjoy free wireless internet access, a heated outdoor swimming pool, tropical patios, and free laundry.
The Rod & Reel Motel is a private resort conveniently located next to the Rod and Reel Pier. Since the resort offers eight individual suites and a maximum of 30 guests, it's a relaxing place where you can enjoy your privacy. Each spacious suite comes with an efficiency kitchen, television, wireless internet access, and a marble bath. Outside you'll find a large pool and spa, a terrace that offers views of the water, a lounge deck, and a gazebo with an outdoor television. You're also only a five-minute walk from the beach.
While Anna Maria offers plenty of attractions to enjoy, by far the most popular destination is the beach. The island offers one 7-mile stretch of sand and six distinct beaches. The closest to Anna Maria is Anna Maria Beach. While you won't find any facilities here, you will find a tranquil area of sand that's the ideal place to put down a chair and umbrella to relax. You can also head over to the opposite side of the island to find Bayfront Park. This small park offers a playground, picnic tables, pavilions, grills, and restrooms.
If you're looking for some of the best shopping and dining opportunities in Anna Maria, you need to head to Pine Avenue. This street begins at Anna Maria Beach and stretches less than a mile across the island to end at the Anna Maria City Pier. Along the way you'll pass several distinctive restaurants and stores that are worth exploring during your stay. You can get a sweet treat at Hometown Desserts or indulge your palate at The Donut Experiment. You can also stop by the Anna Maria Island Historical Society to discover more about the area's past and have your picture taken in the Old City Jail.
No matter what type of beach getaway you're interested in, you can find it when you head to the memorable shores of Anna Maria.
Below are reviews of the city of Anna Maria, FL from an actual visitor's perspective.
Loved the choices of beaches! Visited 5 different beaches during our stay. Restaurants on the island were great! Anna Maria Oyster Bar on Bridge street was terrific!
A beautiful area to visit or stay!
Great beaches and great restaurants.
Beautiful beach and must return to the island. Amazing!
The entire island is a charm!
Great place to get married.