Coffee Shops on AMI + Transport & Day Trip Tips

Favorite Coffee Shops on AMI

Looking for a taste of paradise to take your vacation to the next level? Or maybe your “work-cation” needs a caffeine boost to keep that workflow flowing? Perhaps you just need a mid-day pick-me-up, so you can keep shopping while out on the town? We get it. Good coffee is a must, and there is no shortage of sweet coffee spots on Anna Maria Island. Is the day even really worth it if you don’t start it with a good cup of coffee? Probably not. But don’t worry! We have put together a list of our favorite coffee shops on the island, and we are sure you’ll find your new favorite java joint during your stay on AMI. 

City of Anna Maria

North Shore Cafe

304 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria, Florida 34216, United States

North Shore Cafe has a little bit of everything. The Coffee/Esspresso menu keeps it simple and sticks to classics such as house coffees, lattes, and mochas. Other offerings include smoothies, pastries, and simple yet decadent breakfasts. (Looking at you, avocado toast.) They also offer wines and local craft beers later in the day to enjoy on their patio. The real stand-out stars, however, are the over 30 flavors of handcrafted popsicles, sure to be a hit with the whole family. 

Mademoiselle Paris 

9906 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria 

This isn’t the first time Mademoiselle Paris has made one of our lists. Or even the second. Settle in for some traditional French pastries or crepes paired with some of the most delicious coffee on the island. The simple coffee menu pairs deliciously with the delectable French delicacies that span the breakfast and lunch menus– truly a taste of Paris on our little island. For those of you feeling extra indulgent, they even offer a signature Cabernet Latte with chocolate and chantilly. 

Cool Beans AMI

 101 S Bay Blvd Unit A4, Anna Maria, FL 34216

The name says it all. This is one of the coolest coffee shops on AMI, focusing on sustainable and ethical organic coffee production. Care and love are brewed into every single cup of coffee made in this shop. They love their community and feature local art and artisan products that promote the creativity of AMI locals. Coffee and bakery items are available for people with dietary restrictions. 

Ginny’s and Jane Es Cafe

9807 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, FL 34216

Nestled in the groovy setting of Ginny and Jane E’s coastal store is this delightful cafe that is sure to brighten anyone’s day. Settle in for shop favorites like the Jamacain Me Crazy’ or a sweet, sweet caramel coconut latte that will follow you in your dreams for days. This unique setting offers breakfast and lunch dining options, while offering coffee all day with an abundance of flavor options for cold and iced drinks. It is the perfect place to refuel and find souvenirs for your loved ones. 

The Donut Experiment

210C Pine Ave, Anna Maria

The Donut Experient’s focus is definitely on the donuts, but is there really anything better to go with a good old classic cup of joe? We didn’t think so. The coffee is delicious and straightforward, and it is the perfect combo to go with the wild donut offerings you won’t find anywhere else. It is a unique bakery experience that should not be missed.

Bradenton Beach

Gulf Drive Cafe

900 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

Combine a delicious breakfast with an old fashioned cup of joe while you take in the beautiful Gulf Coast views. If you want the view to go with your morning no frills coffee, this is the spot for you. 

Coquina Beach Cafe

 2650 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

This casual beach view cafe offers delicious breakfasts with no frills coffee with an unbeatable atmosphere. 

Holmes Beach

Minnie’s Beach Cafe

5360 Gulf Dr. Holmes Beach, FL 34217

This cash-only brunch spot is a must visit. Minnie’s has been featured on America’s Best Restaurants, and for good reason. Get yourself a cup of joe and enjoy an ever-changing, unique menu that is full of character.

Blueberries Cafe & Wine

5337 Gulf Dr #300, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Known as a spectacular smoothie shop and healthy food option for breakfast, Blueberries Cafe also boasts a solid coffee and tea menu. With lattes crafted especially to energize and teas to revitalize, this is one shop, you will want to stop by again and again. 

Fifty Three Fifty- The Pourhouse

5350 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Fifty Three Fifty has coffee down to perfection. They use the best machines to brew some of the best coffee on the island. They offer a simplistic menu that needs no expansion. Their website claims delicious coffee, awesome food; and we are inclined to agree. 

Getting Around on AMI

Now that you have coffee in your system, it is time to plan just how you are going to get around during your stay on AMI. We have put together this handy guide on how to get around the island during your stay. 

Golf Carts

Serendipity rentals include golf carts. These carts are street legal and should be operated just as you would a rental car. Anna Maria Island is just seven miles long and these carts can go a long way to getting you to your next destination.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when using a golf cart on AMI: 

• All parking rules must be obeyed in order to avoid ticketing. 
• Street parking must be done in the direction of traffic.
• All wheels must be off street pavement when parked. 
• Park only where green signs allow free parking.
• Golf carts must remain within Anna Maria Island limits.
  • These carts can not be parked at Publix. Please use Instacart or Loaded Kitchen for Publix delivery instead.

Trolley

Don’t feel like walking or taking a cart? No worries. Anna Maria Island offers a free Trolley service to those looking to get around the island from 6 am to 9pm. The loop runs on 30 minute intervals and is also air conditioned for those warm Florida days. From December – April  there is also the ConneXion Shuttle that takes travelers back to the mainland. For more info on the trolley and service times click here. 

Monkey Bus

Monkey Bus is a shuttle service that has been serving AMI for almost 20 years. These buses are just as much a show as they are a shuttle! Drivers take song requests, answer trivia about the island, and are there to show you a good time, all for just $5 a ride. The Monkey Bus offers rides on Anna Maria Island, The Villiage of Cortez, and the Palma Sola Causeway. Kids under 10 ride free.  For more information on this fun way to get around, click here. 

Day Trip Adventures on AMI

You’ve got your coffee. You know how to get around the island. Now you just have to plan your perfect day trip for your AMI stay, but however will you choose? As locals, these are some of our favorite day trip suggestions for you while you call Anna Maria Island home. 

Bridge Street Pier

Bridge Street is a bustle of everything that makes AMI so wonderful– artisan shopping, live entertainment, a multitude of dining options and more.You could spend an entire day on Bridge Street and still not take everything in.Bridge Street is home to some of our favorite restaurants on the island, including the Anna Maria Oyster Bar and The Bridge Street Bistro. Just down the road a bit, you will find picturesque Coquina Beach, home to both breathtaking ocean views and the eclectic Coquina Market. 

North Longboat Key

Hop on the Monkey Bus and make your way to North Longboat Key for a day of true seaside relaxation. Dine in luxury at the delicious Shore Restuarunt or take in a casual meal at Whitney’s. North Longboat is also the perfect place for your romantic or family photoshoot with beautiful natural driftwood acting as prop and backdrop for your next photography masterpiece. 

Looking to spend sometime indoors and our of the heat, but don’t want to miss out on Florida’s ocean beauty? The Mote Marine Aquarium is a short ride away and a wonderful time for all ages. The aquarium offers a handful of unique guest tours and experiences that you won’t want to miss out on. 

St. Armands Circle

St. Armands was originally envisioned by John Ringling, as an upscale shopping retreat that radiated in a circle around a central park. Over a hundred years later from its original conception, it still stands as one of the most unique shopping experiences that Florida has to offer.

St. Armands Circle  is a delight for those who want to get out and have a truly special shopping experience. Artisan goods and gifts are available at any number of one of a kind boutiques or luxury shops found in the circle. When you are done shopping, there are a number of spa’s and spa service boutiques to ensure that you reach peak relaxation. From massage to acupuncture, you are sure to reach a peacefulness like no other. As for dining, there is something for everyone. From casual to fine dining, everyones’s palette will be pleased with the delectable offerents of the many restaurants that call the circle home. Just make sure to save room for dessert, because there are also a handful of sweet shops that you wont want to miss. 

To see everything that St. Armands Circle has to offer, click here.

Planning your trip to Anna Maria Island? Let us help. Conact Serendipity here to plan your perfect getaway.