Discover Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, Florida This Summer

Charming. Laid-back. Slice of paradise.

And that’s just the beginning.

There are so many words and phrases visitors  use to describe Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, and perhaps this summer you can add to the list as well.

If you still haven’t decided on that all-important summer getaway, you might want to consider coming to the area.

Open for business and ready to welcome tourists, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key has seen no impact from the Gulf oil spill. Located approximately 490 miles southeast of the Florida Panhandle, according to the current NOAA trajectory models, the area is not under any immediate threat.

“Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key offer a great value for visitors this summer,” said Jessica Grace, marketing and public relations director with Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Our island accommodators, mostly smaller independently-owned properties, offer affordable summer rates and the Anna Maria Island Trolley provides free transportation for visitors.  We have fishing, paddle boarding, horse surfing and kayaking tours available.”

Whether you are visiting for a weekend or longer, you will discover how much this area has to offer.  For instance, in addition to relaxing on the beach or other outdoor activities, you can try your hand at net dipping at Emerson Point Preserve in Palmetto or explore South Florida Museum (map) in Bradenton. Enjoy a meal at Euphemia Hayes (map) in Longboat Key and take your time in the dessert room, or indulge in a ‘green flash shooter’ at Sun House Restaurant (map) in Bradenton Beach. And may I recommend the homemade Caribbean chips and salsa.

There’s a number of vacation packages available, including a few specifically for Florida residents.

Get out and discover Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key this summer, and after one visit, you’ll be planning a return visit as soon as possible.

photo credit: Anna Maria Island, courtesy of Bradenton Area CVB