Anna Maria Island Retains 'Old Florida' Feel

Longboat is high-rise, upscale and gated. Anna Maria Island is low-key, low-rise and open.

[rosa]

I been to anna maria island many time is breath taking

[catlady]

I live in Sarasota and havce been up to Anna Maria Island a few times. It is really a quaint and eclectic place. I love the beaches down here and the whole lifestyle. I doubt CT will see me again.

[ricbee]

catlady wrote:

I live in Sarasota and havce been up to Anna Maria Island a few times. It is really a quaint and eclectic place. I love the beaches down here and the whole lifestyle. I doubt CT will see me again.

You've convinced me-I'm on the way!

[Buzz]

never been there but it sounds almost too good to be true in this day and age. We have stayed at 4 star places and no star places and prefer the simpler way of life. Our next visit to Florida will probably include a stop at what sounds like a little bit of paradise.

[Mudville Pundit]

I was there for a sunset. Nice place, friendly people.

[D Man]

You can't beat the Sandbar, sipping a cocktail, while watching the sun set into the Gulf of Mexico.

[Ron]

Careful vacationers - I just checked one of the places they mentioned in the article (Harrington House) and they only allow 12 yr olds and older to stay there.

[girl]

I have been there several times a few years back when i was 21-23 years old. What I enjoyed was the tranquility-it wasn't real touristy-not a party beach by any means, the beautiful beach, and It was just wonderful. We rented a condo, and were able to cook a lot.
I would highly recommend the crab cakes from the Sandbar (Restaurant). And the view while you are sitting there dining at the Sandbar-setting over the ocean is breathtaking. Nearby just beyond Longboat Key, around Sarasota is a really cool aquarium-the Manatee aquarium--It's small, but very educational and a neat place for kids and adults-I went back there 3 years in a row.

[Richard Ouellett]

Great story, It's sounds like Florida's secret jem!

Thanks

[Judy Turcotte]

We have been going to Anna Maria Island for more than ten years and the place is like a paradise. A wonderful place to let go of the stress and just relax.

[Judy Turcotte]

There are plenty of places to stay with children on the island or near by. The beaches are full of people with thier small children.

[texasguy]

my granddaughter was married on the island a few yrs. back. Lovely setting!! have a daughter in bradenton close by the beach, unfortunately, have not been there in 4 yrs But!!! for sure plan to go back..

[Earl Caller]

This article truly describes The Island. We live here and we rarely see an article that is more factual and complete than this one.

[Neil - Wales]

If you're looking for some really nice affordable condos on the island then I suggest Runaway Bay. We stayed at Number 127...

[Ann in England]

I spent 20 years holidaying on Crescent Beach, Siesta Key from 1967 and watched it slowly change. Visited Anna Maria in April 2008 for the first time and bought a house on the canal a week later. A piece of paradise. I love watching the sun rise over Tampa Bay and seeing it set over the Gulf of Mexico. The best thing is you do not need a car once you are there!

[Islandjohnny]

For many years residents worried that it would become overcrowded. So far, it's truly remained a paradise except for some extremely wealthy (ocean view property) cranks who are always fighting to keep visitors away from their tourist routines.