Location: Florida South Central Gulf Coast < Florida < USA
Nearest Airport:
Sarasota or Tampa at 20
Miles
Car: recommended
Anna Maria Island is a barrier island located between Sarasota and St. Pete, about 2 hours South of Orlando and one hour from Tampa International Airport and Busch Gardens. Holmes Beach is in the middle of the island with Anna Maria to the North and Bradenton Beach to the South.
Shopping is a must in this area, even for the people who don't like shops! About one hour North is the International mall in Tampa with many high end shops. Just 30 mins north is the biggest outlet mall in the area... Prime Outlets in Ellenton.
South is Sarasota with a mix of shops, bars, clubs and a large waterfront area. St Armand's Circle is world famous for its many shops and is only 20 min. South of the island. Anna Maria Island is famous for its laid back paradise without an attitude and once here you will see why people just keep coming back! ... Or do what we did, arrive on holiday only to fall in love with the area and then move from the UK for good. We have never looked back!