We love our island. It’s really that simple. And our guests fall in love with it quickly. So it was no surprise to us when Anna Maria Island recently made the list of the Greatest Beach Towns in the US. In fact, Anna Maria Island was the only beach town in Florida to make the list!

Who Said It

Well, we’ve been saying it for years, but most recently it was the influential entertainment and travel website Thrillist. Starting in 2004, the Thrillist has become a go-to for people looking for recommendations on food, drink, travel, and local experiences.

Why Did They Say It

The editors at the Thrillist gave a number of reasons for the inclusion of our island. They described Anna Maria as “packed with so much old-Florida charm—from its sun-faded architecture and ice cream shops to beachside seafood shacks—it’s essentially a 1950s time warp.” If you want rest and relaxation, the editors said, “be prepared to blissfully check out on its pristine, quiet white sand beaches from sunrise to spectacular sunset.”

Activity Too

It’s not all just laying around The Thrillist pointed out the number of activities also available. There is plenty of family fun that you can enjoy during your stay at one of our luxury beach homes. If eco-tourism is something that grabs your attention, we have options that will surely appeal to you. There are hidden gems on Anna Maria Island if you want to go a little off the beaten path. Or you can just enjoy the stand-up paddleboards and kayaks included with your vacation home. Whatever level of activity you want, you can have.

Food and Drink

The Thrillist singled out two local restaurants for mention on their list of greatest beach towns. First was the unique local favorite, the Rod and Reel Pier. The grouper sandwich was the item they picked as their favorite. The mullet Reuben from the Sandbar was the other item the editors highlighted. The Sandbar is located at 100 Spring Avenue, Anna Maria, FL and the Rod and Reel Pier is at 875 N Shore Dr, Anna Maria, FL. For other options, check out our lists of breakfast spots, fine dining options or places to enjoy live music.

The Thing Not to Miss

For each town on the list, the editors chose something to tell you not to leave without doing or seeing. For Anna Maria Island, the “must do” was the beach at Bean Point. The editors suggested “Biking to Bean Point to frolic in the powder white sands of this lesser-known beach located at the northernmost tip of the island. If it wasn’t for the sweeping views of Tampa Bay and the iconic Sunshine Skyway bridge, you’d think you were in Castaway.” We would have to agree. Bean Point is gorgeous and several of our luxury vacation homes are in that area.

We are happy to see that the Thrillist found things they loved about Anna Maria Island, but we know the island even better. Contact our local experts to find out about restaurants, shops and activities that the editors missed. We would love to help you make your stay with us unforgettable.