Great family trips happen when you plan and picking the right places to visit can turn an ordinary vacation into one your family never stops talking about.
Got Anna Maria Island on your mind? That’s a winning choice. This seven-mile barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast gives you soft sandy beaches, tasty homemade meals, and exciting stops waiting around every bend.
Here’s the most exciting part. A golf cart rentallets you explore all the things to do on Anna Maria Islandwithout missing a single stop.
We put together 15 spots worth adding to your trip. Begin with hot, fresh donuts in the morning and finish by watching the sky turn golden over the pier at sunset. Everyone in your group will discover something they love. Ready to see what made the list? Let’s get started.
Things To Do on Anna Maria Island That Families Will Enjoy
In 2024, more than 143 million people visited Florida, and families keep picking the Gulf Coast when they want a beach vacation. AMI offers a take-it-easy feeling where nobody’s elbowing for beach space or blocking your view with high-rise hotels.
The island has kept its old Florida charm on purpose. Nothing towers over the horizon here. Chain restaurants and mega stores stayed on the mainland.
That easygoing lifestyle makes all the difference for families. Little ones can explore without worry. Parents can take a breath and enjoy themselves. And the whole group gets quality time together without the usual vacation chaos.
Best Beaches to Visit by Golf Cart
When it comes to beaches, AMI sits near the top in Florida and cruising around by golf cart makes your day at the shore even better. Parking is made easy and is close to the water at most spots.
Golf Cart Driving Guide:
AMI stretches roughly 7 miles from end to end. Bean Point sits at the northern tip, Holmes Beach fills the middle, and Coquina Beach marks the southern boundary. You can hit all four beaches below in one day with a cart.
1. Bean Point
You’ll find this sandy beach at the very north end of the island. Families who like soft waves, water shallow enough to walk right in, and a chill, easygoing vibe will love it here. Grab a good parking spot and look for dolphins swimming past.
Distance: Starting point for your beach day
2. Coquina Beach
Everything you want in a beach is right here. Picnic tables under the shade, restrooms, a café and big trees to duck under when you need a break from the heat. The gentle waves are great for small kids, and there’s tons of open sand for running around and playing.
Distance from Bean Point: About 6 miles south (15-20 minutes by cart)
3. Holmes Beach
Holmes Beachsits right in the heart of the island, so you’re never far from anything. Food spots and local shops are just steps away, which makes it easy to go back and forth between time on the beach and a quick walk through town.
Distance from Bean Point: About 3 miles south (8-10 minutes by cart)
4. Manatee Public Beach
You get parking at no cost and lifeguards keeping watch. A volleyball net is set up right on the beach. If your family wants to do a day tour here, this spot has everything you need from the moment you pull up.
Distance from Holmes Beach: About 1 mile south (3-5 minutes by cart)
Cruising from one beach to the next in a golf cart feels like a mini road trip. Toss in your towels, grab the cooler, lather on the sunscreen, and count how many beaches you can check off before sunset.
Local Eats and Island Treats
Amazing food can take a vacation from good to unforgettable, and AMI has plenty of places that hit the spot. All four of these restaurants welcome golf carts and stay busy with locals and tourists alike.
Golf Cart Driving Guide:
You’ll find most of these spots grouped around the north end (Pine Avenue area) and south end (Bridge Street and Bradenton Beach Pier). Map out a food tour from one end to the other, or camp out in one neighborhood and sample everything nearby.
5. The Donut Experiment
Start the day with a donut made just for you. Choose your glaze, pick your toppings, and watch the team build it right before your eyes. People line up early, so beat the rush and enjoy your treats while they’re still warm.
Location: Pine Avenue (north end of island)
6. The Sandbar Restaurant
Imagine digging your toes into the sand, the Gulf of Mexico spread out before you, and a plate of fresh seafood on the way. The Sandbar seats you right on the beach for a meal with a view. Watching the sunset here is one of the most loved Anna Maria Island activities, and the food matches the amazing scenery.
Distance from The Donut Experiment: About 2 miles (5-7 minutes by cart)
7. Rod & Reel Pier
This classic spot dishes out fish tacos alongside views of Tampa Bay. You can watch anglers pull in their catch while you dig into your meal. The vibe stays relaxed and friendly, and kids feel welcome from the moment you walk in.
Location: North end near Bean Point
8. Anna Maria Oyster Bar
Sitting right on the Bradenton Beach Pier, this restaurant serves fresh oysters, golden fried shrimp, and ice-cold drinks. You get big portions, fair prices, and a staff that keeps the energy high and the smiles coming.
Distance from Rod & Reel Pier: About 5 miles south (12-15 minutes by cart)
Hop in your cart, bring an empty stomach, and eat your way across the island from end to end. Now that’s the kind of day that sticks with you.
Shopping and Sightseeing Stops
There are a lot of things to do in AMI, more than sand and seafood. These three stops let you soak up the island’s personality and history.
Golf Cart Driving Guide:
Pine Avenue and Bridge Street are the two main shopping hubs, located about 5 miles apart (12-15 minutes by cart). The Historical Museum sits near Pine Avenue.
9. Pine Avenue
This pretty little street links the bay to the beach in just a few blocks. Walk past small boutiques, art galleries, and cozy coffee spots housed in bright, historic buildings. Grab a handmade necklace, a hand-painted seashell, or something that captures the island spirit.
Location: Town of Anna Maria (north end)
10. Bridge Street
Down in Bradenton Beach, this street brings that vintage Florida feel. Take a stroll along the pier, browse the local shops, and treat yourself to an ice cream cone. It’s a great place to stop and recharge between beach runs.
Distance from Pine Avenue: About 5 miles south (12-15 minutes by cart)
11. Anna Maria Island Historical Museum
Want to know what the island looked like a century ago? Head inside this museum, set in a restored 1920s icehouse, and browse old photographs, local artifacts, and stories about the island’s earliest days. The small jailhouse next door always gets a laugh from the kids.
Location: Near Pine Avenue (north end)
Golf cart tours Anna Maria Island style let you take your time at each stop. No rush, no stress.
Family-Friendly Fun
Traveling with kids? These four activities will have the whole family grinning from ear to ear.
Golf Cart Driving Guide:
The Fish Hole and dolphin tour departures are located near Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Coquina Baywalk and the City Pier are also in the southern half of the island, so you can knock out several of these in one afternoon.
12. The Fish Hole Mini Golf
This small course squeezes tons of fun into 18 holes. Look for waterfalls, colorful decorations, a pond stocked with koi fish, and shady spots that keep you cool. Don’t leave without taking a family photo next to the big fish sculpture.
Location: Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach
13. Dolphin Tours
Hop on a boat and glide across the bay while keeping your eyes peeled for dolphins. Most tour boats launch from areas you can reach by cart in minutes. Seeing dolphins up close from the water beats watching from shore every time.
Departure points: Various locations, most near Bridge Street or Holmes Beach
14. Coquina Baywalk
This 1.5-mile trail winds through a peaceful bayou where you might spot birds, lizards, and maybe even a manatee. The ground stays flat and smooth, and the path drops you right at a beach. Bring your swimsuit and turn it into a full afternoon.
Location: Across from Coquina Beach (south end)
15. Sunset at Anna Maria City Pier
End your day at the pier and watch the sky shift to orange, pink, and purple. Live music sometimes drifts over from nearby spots, adding to the magic. There’s no better way to close out a day on the island.
Location: Pine Avenue area (north end)Distance from Coquina Baywalk: About 6 miles north (15-20 minutes by cart)
With a golf cart rental, your Anna Maria Island itinerary can include all 15 spots without feeling rushed.
Ready to Roll?
Anna Maria Island just has a way of making you feel good. Clean beaches, friendly faces, and fun around every turn. Cruising by golf cart makes everything smoother and way more fun.
Now you’ve got your game plan. Fifteen must-see spots in AMI, all easy to reach by cart. All that’s left is to arrive and take it all in.
Want to reserve your ride? Contact ustoday and we’ll deliver a cart straight to your rental. Let’s make this your best island vacation yet.
