Plan a Day Trip to Anna Maria Island to visit the many Piers and Enjoy a Waterfront Bite to Eat

When you’re on a Siesta Key vacation, you’re not restricted to just this location. In fact, many guests opt to take at least one day to explore the nearby destination of Anna Maria Island. Has that local, special Anna Maria Island city pier always caught your eye, yet you never got to learn more on it? Anna Maria Island piers have some truly has breathtaking views, perfect for spending the day with your family.

It’s the ideal way to enjoy an evening away from your Siesta Key beach rental. 

Make the Trip to Anna Maria Island from Siesta Key 

You are looking at about a 29 mile, or 48-minute, trip each way between Anna Maria Island and Siesta Key. The fastest known route that you can take there would be none other than FL 789 N. Make sure to, get on Midnight Pass Rd northbound for Alt County Rd 789. Take it right and then left on S Osprey Ave. In about half a mile, you’ll see McClellan Pkwy, and once you see it, go left. 

When you see Mound St pop up, do the same. It’ll turn into Bayfront Dr in just a bit, so keep your eyes peeled to ensure that you are still on the right path to your destination. Continue on it, and it’ll later become John Ringling Causeway Blvd after about 3 more miles. 

Then, exit the traffic circle at the point where it says “Gulf Drive S,” going left on Manatee Avenue. Go right once more on Gulf Dr, then left on 50th street. Continue and you should be on Anna Maria Island! 

Rod N Reel Pier 

For fishing and eating, this is the local ‘sweet spot’ of many. This place is open at 9 each morning and does not close its doors until 8 each night, every single day of the week. So, you can even eat there 3 times a day! This place is one of the tastiest around with one of the most diverse menus, and the price on everything is very reasonable as well. 

The food here includes main courses and sandwiches. On the side, soups, salads, beverages, and a breakfast menu of its own, a dessert menu, and of course, meals for kids. So a whole family can come in here and have a great time and eat well. We recommend perhaps starting off with some basic, a la carte style sides (like fries, coleslaw, or baked potatoes), sandwiches, soups, or salads.

Once you’re done dining at the restaurant, head out onto the pier itself. You’ll get an amazing view of the water from all around! You can simply enjoy relaxing on the pier or you can bring a fishing rod to cast your line and try to reel in a fish of your own. Don’t have your own fishing gear? You can rent it right on site!

Bridge Street Pier 

Interested in the pier and exploring Bridge Street, in general? Innovation made this whole pier possible in 1921, so many still thank the people of that time for it. Engineers connected a drawbridge and more to the area so that people could navigate to AMI by other means than a boat!

A new drawbridge was constructed in the 1960s, connected from 5th Bridge St North. Today, Bridge Street and its pier serve the greater Historic Old Town District, offering plenty for your group to experience while you’re in Anna Maria Island. One may walk up and down Bridge Street today with all the ease and comfort in the world. It is a top tourist spot in Anna Maria Island and offers many shops and restaurants to explore in addition to the pier itself. Enjoy a delicious ice cream treat, get a unique souvenir, or simply enjoy feeling the ocean breeze on your face from your seat on the pier.

Anna Maria City Pier 

Another great sweet spot for fishing and eating, here you have the one and only illustrious Anna Maria City Pier. You might also enjoy getting a bite to eat at Scott’s Deli, where you can find options like the Italian Breakfast Sandwich to begin your day.

Of course, you’ll want to then head out onto the pier itself. The pier and its surrounding area are fully open for the public practically all day long, so you get to decide how long you want to stay there. Take a whole day, if you can, as many have said that it’s worth it! Be sure to bring your fishing pole, as this area is said to be one of the best fishing spots on the entire island. By the way, the official address for the pier is 100 N Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL 34216. It’s quite easy to get to from any of our Siesta Key rentals.

Return to Your Siesta Key Luxury Rental

After you’ve enjoyed your day trip to Anna Maria Island, you can make the drive back to unwind for the evening in your Siesta Key Beach rental. Now that you have some basic insight on the pier and the waterfront, and much else in the way of fishing and exploring, it’s time to settle in meaning, of course, taking a serious look into where you are going to call “home” while you’re in the area. Of course, proper Siesta Key waterfront rentals made available through SKLRP are the likeliest way to go, as our experts here know the area inside and out. 

We take pride in making sure that your vacation rental isn’t just another part of your trip, but rather, it’s an experience in and of itself. You’ll be provided with the most breathtaking properties featuring stylish, modern interiors, gourmet kitchens, high-speed Internet, spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, and so much more. If you’re traveling with your furry friend, be sure to ask about our wide range of Siesta Key pet-friendly rental options.