The island is described as a paradise and one of the best tourist destinations on par with other sites located in countries such as Mexico, Italy, Spain and Costa Rica.
To obtain the list, more than 20 member editors of the magazine took into account categories such as: cultural immersion; food and drinks, big city thrills, moments on the water, nature lovers, beach vibes and adventurous travelers.
This hidden gem is located on the coast of Manatee Countyin Florida, stood out in the category beach vibes For its stunning white sand shores, crystal clear turquoise waters and old-fashioned small town feel that attract visitors from all over the world.
This island that according to Travel + Leisure “goes unnoticed”, but demanding and curious travelers should take as a vacation option next year, has only 8,500 inhabitants, more than 11 kilometers of beaches without skyscrapers and is full of history, incredible sunsets, art and culture.
This small coastal space located at the entrance to Tampa Bay and four hours by car from the city of Jacksonville offers its visitors the opportunity to have moments of peace and tranquility away from the busy pace of the city.
What to do on Anna Maria Island?
Furthermore, in this paradisiacal destination, tourists can live unique experiences such as enjoying thefishing, taking boat tours, renting water sports equipment, and exploring the island on horseback.
Among its main attractions is the pier of the small city with the same name, completely rebuilt after a storm damaged the old wooden structure in 2017.
Another unique way to enjoy is to take the tram that runs around the entire island, making stops at popular spots along the way.
The island has, in turn, great restaurants, shopping trips, museums, theaters, and a wide variety of accommodations to have a perfect vacation.
Restaurants like Sign of the Mermaid, Two Scoops, City Pier Restaurant, The Waterfront Restaurant, The Doctor’s Officea restaurant with a charming garden dining area and many others are part of its great gastronomic variety.
The report from the renowned travel magazine also highlighted some local establishments on the island such as the Joie Inn and Mello on the Beach resorts, which offer retro-style apartments along the Gulf of Mexico.
The island is home to three cities: Anna Maria in the north end, Holmes Beach in the center and Bradenton Beach in the south, which provide unique places to shop, eat and stay. Some of the best places to shop are the shops on Pine Avenue and Gulf Drive in Anna Maria and the colorful shops on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach.
Commitment to sustainable tourism
In addition to the natural beauty, tranquility and rich culture of the island, experts highlighted its growing trend in tourism and its responsibility with the preservation of its natural and cultural charm.
This recognition has shown its commitment to sustainability, which has achieved a balance between tourism development and the preservation of its distinctive character, seeking to minimize the environmental impact of tourism and promote practices that respect and protect its natural environment.
Travel + Leisure magazine mentioned that the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau signed a partnership with Leave No Trace, making the island the first destination in Florida to work with the organization, which has a mission to ensure a sustainable future for the outdoors and the planet.
The island has steered clear of the influence of large hotel and commercial chains, opting instead to promote holiday accommodation with a local touch and a variety of family-owned businesses.
How to get to Anna Maria Island?
“Getting there has become easier thanks to the growth of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airportwhich added non-stop flights to four new domestic destinations in 2023″, the experts said.
From other US cities you can fly to Tampa International Airport, just over 85 kilometers from the island, and then drive about an hour and a half south.
Bus travel time between Miami and Anna Maria Island is around 6 hours and covers a distance of approximately 291 miles. If you travel by private car, the duration of the trip can be approximately 4 hours.
Other places in the same category as Anna Maria Island were: Campania Coast, in Italy; Costa Rica; Dominican Republic; the island of Hawaii, in the United States; Los Cabos, Mexico and Mallorca, Spain.
@Lydr05
Source: With information from the travel magazine Travel + Leisure
