About the Anna Maria Island area

For many years Anna Maria was an undiscovered jewel of an island in the Gulf of Mexico on the west coast of Florida.

In recent months Conde Nast Traveller, The New York Times and the L.A. Times among many leading publications have urged their readers to discover this quiet backwater.

Lying 50 minutes south of Tampa International Airport or 20 minutes north of Sarasota International Airport the island is connected to the mainland and the neighbouring City of Bradenton by two bridges.

It is remarkable for Florida, boasting of no fast food outlets and no high rise buildings. The speed limit of 35mph typifies the tranquillity of the island. The island seems to sleep from 10p.m. but bright lights and rock and roll lie but 20 minutes away in Bradenton.

The two Starfish houses lie 50 paces from a ten mile white beach. Wildlife is everywhere - Pelicans, Dolphin, Turtles and Manatee plus the odd racoon. The beach offers safe bathing and stunning sunsets.

Fine dining is everywhere to suit every pocket - up market on the next island Longboat Key, while Bradenton offers a multiplicity of ethnic dining.

The shopping opportunities will drive husbands to drink especially the Ellenton Outlet Mall that is no more than 30 minutes drive.

Anna Maria is an Island that demands nothing of its visitors and yet gives so much. It is family friendly, no need to lock your doors and there is entertainment for everyone. Golf courses, tennis, Opera in Sarasota, Ringling North Circus Museum, again in Sarasota, Busch Gardens an hour away in Tampa and Orlando itself is just over 2 hours away.

The Island is a fishing centre, charters are always available.

The temperature averages over 70° and in high season there are usually over 20 days of sunshine per month.

Two outstanding months are November and December. The temperature is around 70° to 80° and there should be at least 20 sun filled days. This is not a traditional time for Americans to holiday so the island is uncluttered and restaurants are delighted to see you. Indeed many Europeans think this is the very best time to be in Florida.