Anna Maria Island Beyond the Best of Lists
A little recognition, three places to explore, and room to make the island your own.
Anna Maria Island makes you reach for your camera, then reminds you to put it down and soak in the moment. Take the longer walk. Let breakfast run late. Enjoy an afternoon without a deadline.
Anna Maria Island offers a setting with Old Florida character, from Pine Avenue’s colorful cottages to its beaches. Travel magazines have noticed the island’s charm, too. Here’s a closer look at the recognition it has earned.
Recognition through the years
2026: Southern Living ranked Anna Maria Island No. 16 in “The South’s Best Small Towns 2026.” The results came from an online reader survey conducted by Proof Insights in 2025.
2025: Southern Living placed Anna Maria Island No. 11 in “The 50 Best Beach Towns In The South,” based on a Proof Insights reader survey conducted in 2024.
2024: U.S. News & World Report ranked Anna Maria Island No. 2 in “Best Beaches in Florida,” according to contemporaneous Sarasota Magazine coverage. The assessment combined reader votes, aesthetics, atmosphere and convenience.
2018: The city of Anna Maria earned No. 6 in “The Coastal Living 2018 Top Ten Happiest Seaside Towns in America.” Editors selected ten finalists, then an online public vote determined their order.
Where to start
Bean Point: Head to the island’s tip for white sand and views across Tampa Bay toward the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Make this your pause for a shoreline stroll and a few photographs.
Coquina Beach: In Bradenton Beach, picnic areas, restrooms and a playground offer practical comforts for a family outing. Beach renourishment is underway, with completion anticipated in late October 2026. Check Manatee County’s project updates before visiting.
Pine Avenue: Browse shops, stop at a café, and explore local history at the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, 402 Pine Avenue. Leave a little space in the afternoon for whatever catches your eye.
A list can help you choose a destination. What we hope you take home is something smaller and more personal: an unhurried breakfast, a favorite photograph, a day you’re still talking about together.
Find your island home and book directly with AmIsland Properties at amislandproperties.com.