
Who says you need to leave home to enjoy a vacation? When you live near Anna Maria Island, staycations are just as fun as any exotic getaway. Whether you live on the island or want to rent a local property for your getaway, here are five things you can do around Anna Maria Island at any time during the year.
- Visit Coquina Beach
No Florida staycation is complete without a trip to the beach, and Coquina Beach is one of the best on Anna Maria Island. With everything from changing stations to picnic tables and grills and plenty of space for games like volleyball and Frisbee, you'll have everything you need for a full day of fun. When you're ready to wind down, you can stroll down Coquina Baywalk, a short, easy wheelchair-accessible trail that takes you on a picturesque journey along the island's coastline.
- Go Kayaking in the Mangroves
Florida's coastline is known for its uniquely beautiful mangrove forests. These marshy areas are filled with tall, densely rooted trees sprouting straight out of the slow-moving water, combining land and sea in a way that few other landscapes can match. Places like Bimini Bay and the Robinson Preserve are full of mangroves that are perfect for some quiet kayaking.
You're free to head out on your own, but guided tours are also available for people who want a bit more structure during their outing. Most of these tours include the cost of kayak rentals in the booking price, so they're a great option if you don't have a kayak of your own.

- Go Parasailing
After you've toured Anna Maria Island and sailed its surrounding waters, there's still one more way to explore this gorgeous place: by air. Parasailing is an easy and fun way to see the island from a whole new angle. It's thrilling to soar a few meters above the water, and most people find it much more approachable than similar activities like hang gliding.
There are many boat captains offering parasailing tours off the Anna Maria coastline, and some will even take you further into the Gulf of Mexico if you ask.
- Explore Bridge Street
When you need a break from the sun, you can head over to Anna Maria's famous Bridge Street. Take your time sightseeing among the beautiful old buildings, grab some lunch on a seaside patio, and stop into a shop or two.
There are also plenty of experiences to enjoy while exploring this area. The street contains several galleries filled with works by notable local artists, and many are free to enter. You can also visit The Fish Hole Miniature Golf to play a round of mini-golf that your whole family is sure to enjoy. Don't forget to stop by the street's 700-foot pier, the only place where you can enjoy a leisurely walk over the sea-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
- Take a Sunset Cruise
Want an unforgettable date night activity? A sunset cruise around Anna Maria Island may be just what you're looking for. There are many boats available for private and group evening tours around the 7-mile island. You'll enjoy fresh sea breezes, get a chance at spotting dolphins and manatees, and finish your ride with a view of a glorious sunset.
Life around Anna Maria Island is so blissful that it makes every day feel like a vacation. Contact us today to take a look at our roster of properties in this area, including many Sarasota homes for sale just 20 minutes away from Anna Maria Island. We'll help you make all your seaside dreams come true.