When planning a family vacation to the sunshine state, parents often immediately think about certain theme-parked laden areas before they begin the booking process. However, Anna Maria Island, located off of Florida’s west coast and often considered a hidden jewel by locals, provides an outstanding choice for the next family excursion, and is well within driving distance to the major attractions. With its gorgeous beaches, year round tropical climate and abundance of exciting and diverse activities, an Anna Maria vacation offers an easily accessible getaway for any size budget sure to please children of all ages.

The Beaches of Anna Maria Island

Kids and parents alike love exploring the 7 miles of pristine white sands on any one of the island’s 6 beach locations. Coquina, Manatee, and Cortez Beaches all offer various free services such as parking, on duty lifeguards, outdoor eating tables and public restrooms. Coquina even boasts a playground to entertain the youngest of travelers during a visit seaside.

Bradenton, Holmes and Anna Maria Beaches don't offer as many public amenities as some more touristy beaches, but more than compensate with quiet and secluded beach beauty. Families looking to soak in the sun, play in the sand and enjoy a less crowded ocean outing with the kids will certainly find a perfect oasis at these locations.

Abundance of Family Friendly Activities

In addition to gorgeous shorelines, an Anna Maria Island vacation can include endless activities to fill an entire trip itinerary customized with everyone’s personal interests in mind. Travelers can partake in any of the various Anna Maria island rentals and charter a sailboat or participate in a guided adventure kayak tour. Often, these exciting family events will yield both outdoor fun as well as sightings of dolphins, manatees, and other indigenous wildlife in their natural habitats. Families determined to spot a Floridian creature up close and personal can even participate in an alligator sightseeing expedition.

Parents and young adults looking for a small adrenaline thrill can enjoy a day parasailing to indulge in an aerial viewing of the island’s gorgeous landscapes. Younger clan members, while perhaps unable to get airborne, can still watch all the activities safely on land to cheer older siblings on.

One of the newest and most popular attractions on the island are guided Segway tours. These fun outdoor tours get you up-close and personal with the natural beauty of the island while also cruising on a vehicle that seems to almost defy gravity. In addition to taking a guided tour, your family can also rent Segways to blaze your own trail.

An Anna Maria vacation is also a dream destination for the fishing family. Bring a tackle box and enough bait for everyone and enjoy the region’s world-renowned fishing reputation. Anglers can either opt for a chartered boat or simply drop a line right off any of the district’s four public wharfs.

Families hoping to embrace a little retail therapy will love perusing all the shops, boutiques and restaurants historic Bridge Street has to offer. Whether window shopping, trolling for a simple vacation keepsake or hoping to make a more expensive purchase, this neighborhood will certainly please consumers of all ages.

For a more laid back approach, spend the day taking a relaxed scenic tour with the children or even partake in the free trolley service offered throughout the isle’s three cities. End each evening happily weary from earlier activities by watching a spectacular island sunset as a family.

Finding The Perfect Central Location

Many Anna Maria island rentals provide a great "home away from home" that families truly appreciate in comparison to a traditional cramped hotel room. Offering amenities like private swimming pools, fully functioning kitchens, tennis courts and even beachside rooms, visitors can easily find family-friendly accommodations to meet the needs of the entire traveling party.