If you’re planning a trip to Anna Maria Island, you’re visiting one of the most beautiful and relaxing destinations on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Known for its turquoise waters, white sand beaches, wildlife, and laid-back charm, the island offers unforgettable adventures both on land and on the water.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or a full vacation, here are 25 of the best things to do on Anna Maria Island in 2026.

One of the most exciting experiences on Anna Maria Island is spotting wild dolphins swimming freely in the surrounding waters.

Boat tours give visitors the chance to see dolphins up close while cruising through scenic coastal waters and nearby islands.

Just a short boat ride away lies Egmont Key, home to a historic lighthouse built in 1858 and the fascinating ruins of Fort Dade.

Visitors can explore historic structures, walk secluded beaches, and enjoy some of the best shelling in the area.

Located at the northern tip of the island, Bean Point offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico.

This quiet beach is known for its peaceful atmosphere and incredible sunsets.

One of the best local secrets is visiting the shallow turquoise sandbars around Jewfish Key.

These natural swimming pools appear during calm tides and are perfect for relaxing in waist-deep water.

Sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico are legendary. A sunset boat tour provides front-row views of colorful skies reflecting over the water.

Many visitors say this becomes the highlight of their entire trip.

The iconic Anna Maria City Pier is one of the most photographed spots on the island.

Visitors love fishing, dolphin spotting, and enjoying panoramic views of Tampa Bay.

The waters surrounding Egmont Key are great for snorkeling. You may see tropical fish, shells, and occasionally rays gliding across the sandy bottom.

Coquina Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island, featuring shaded picnic areas, walking trails, and crystal-clear water.

Accessible mainly by boat, Beer Can Island features beautiful driftwood trees and secluded shoreline perfect for exploring.

Shallow sandbars around the island are perfect for finding sand dollars and unique shells during low tide.

Anna Maria Island is extremely bike-friendly. Renting bikes allows visitors to explore beaches, shops, and restaurants at a relaxed pace.

Pine Avenue is the historic shopping street on the island featuring charming boutiques, cafes, and art galleries.

Paddleboarding is popular in the calm waters of the bay side of the island.

Private boat tours allow visitors to customize their trip, explore hidden islands, and experience dolphin encounters away from crowded beaches.

Passage Key is a protected island known for bird nesting and pristine white sand.

The waters surrounding Anna Maria Island are famous for excellent fishing opportunities.

Kayaking through mangrove tunnels offers a peaceful way to see birds and marine life.

Dolphins are frequently spotted swimming along the beaches, especially early in the morning.

Many boat tours visit shallow sandbars where visitors can swim, relax, and enjoy crystal-clear Gulf water.

Fresh Gulf seafood is one of the highlights of visiting the island.

Pelicans, herons, and ospreys are commonly seen around the island.

Sunrise walks on the beach offer peaceful views and excellent shelling opportunities.

The waters near Longboat Pass are a beautiful area where boats, wildlife, and sandbars come together.

Sometimes the best activity is simply relaxing on the soft white sand and listening to the waves.

A guided boat tour allows visitors to explore the most scenic locations around the island, including hidden sandbars, wildlife areas, and historic destinations.

While the beaches are beautiful, many of the most incredible places near Anna Maria Island are only accessible by boat.

Boat tours allow visitors to:

• See wild dolphins
• Visit historic islands like Egmont Key
• Explore remote sandbars
• Swim in clear Gulf waters
• Experience unforgettable Florida sunsets

For many travelers, getting out on the water becomes the highlight of their entire Anna Maria Island vacation.