A Traveler’s Guide On How To Get To Anna Maria Island
Published December 5, 2022
Anna Maria is known for its wide, scenic beaches and breathtaking views of nature. That’s why it’s one of the first things that come to mind when people talk about Florida tourism.
As such, it makes sense why you’d want to go to Anna Maria Island.
Alas, the Island is on the westmost part of Florida. Hence, it’s common for one to struggle to find their way to the island. If that sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place.
This article will guide you on your travels as we answer frequently asked questions about getting to Anna Maria Island. Let’s start with your options if you want to go by automobile.
How To Get To Anna Maria Island: By Automobile
Contrary to common belief, you can get to Anna Maria Island with only a car.
You have exactly three options if driving by automobile is your means of transport, as there are three bridges that connect to Anna Maria Island. Here’s a closer look at each option.
You Can Travel Along Florida State Road 64
The road goes through the counties of Highlands, Hardee, and Manatee.
Travel westward on this road until you find the Anna Maria Island Bridge. Once you see the bridge, you only have to cross it to get to the island. The road starts from Camp Arbuckle.
The first thing on the island you’ll find if you go this route is Holmes Beach.
For your reference, Florida State Road 64 is also known as Manatee Avenue.
You Can Travel Along Florida State Road 684
The road goes through the counties of Highlands, Hardee, and Manatee.
Travel westward on this road until you find the Anna Maria Island Bridge. Once you see the bridge, you only have to cross it to get to the island. The road starts from South Bradenton.
The first thing on the island you’ll find if you go this route is Bradenton Beach.
For your reference, Florida State Road 684 is also known as Cortez Road.
You Can Travel Along Florida State Road 64
The road goes through the islands of Bird Key, Lido Key, and Longboat Key.
In Golden Gate, Sarasota, you’ll find the John Ringling Causeway bridge. Travel southwest from there until you arrive at St. Armands in Lido Key. You’ll pass by Bird Key on the way.
At that point, you must drive northeast through the N Boulevard of the Presidents until you arrive in Lido Shores. From there, drive northeast, then once you find the New Pass Bridge, drive across it. You would have arrived in Longboat Key after passing the bridge.
Next, drive northwest for approximately 10 miles until you find the Longboat Pass Bridge. Drive across the drive, and after which, you should have arrived on Anna Maria Island.
One of the first things on the island you’ll find if you go this route is Coquina Beach. You may have to continue for three to four miles to reach the main attractions of the island.
For your reference, Florida State Road 789 is also known as Gulf Drive.
How To Get To Anna Maria Island: By Boat
If you’re going to Anna Maria Island by boat, you don’t really need a travel guide. Simply look for a company that would provide a private boat, and you should be good to go.
The boat should be able to dock off at any beach on the island.
How To Get To Anna Maria Island: By Airplane
If you’re coming from a particularly faraway place, it’s best to go by air.
Just schedule a flight to either the Orlando International Airport, Tampa International Airport, St. Pete–Clearwater Airport, or Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is the closest to Anna Maria Island, as it should be more or less a thirty-minute drive. Tampa International Airport and St. Pete–Clearwater Airport are equally great options, but they’re much farther than the airport in Sarasota.
At the very least, it’ll be a one-and-a-half-hour drive from the airport to Anna Maria Island.
Meanwhile, Orlando International Airport is the farthest but still viable option. Going by air may not get you directly to the island, but it’s the best choice for those from other states.
How To Get To Anna Maria Island: By Bus And Trolley
Interestingly, Anna Maria Island has a Free Trolley, which is essentially free transport that’ll take you to different parts of the islands. It’s not necessarily a way to get to Anna Maria Island, but it’s a handy service if you’re not coming from outside of the island.
The service is particularly handy if, for example, you have just arrived in Coquina Beach after crossing the Longboat Pass Bridge. If you take the Free Trolley from there, you can go to the main attractions of the island.
Similarly, if you take a bus and arrive at Bradenton Beach after crossing Cortez Bridge, you can get to the main attractions if you board the Free Trolley that stops near that beach.
Key Points
If you want to get to Anna Maria Island, you have four options: you can go (1) by automobile, (2) by boat, (3) by trolley, or (4) by airplane. The first three options will get you directly to the island, but it’s only viable if you’re in Florida. That’s not to say you can’t use these options if you come from other states, but just know it’ll be a very long ride.
You can go by air if you want to make the trip a lot shorter, but that won’t take you directly to the island. You have to ride a car or boat once you arrive at the airport.
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About The Author
Lenard Arceo is passionate about the outdoors and South Florida life. He is a professional blogger for several renowned publications and also loves learning how to code in his free time.
