Area Activities

ANNA MARIA ISLAND ACTIVITIES

Anna Maria Island,FREE Trolley
(941) 749-7116, info@annamariaislanchamber.org.This free trolley ride has various stops every four or five blocks from the North End of Anna Maria Island to the South End of Anna Maria Island at designated benches. For more information visit the following website, www.co.manatee.fl.us

Adventure Kayak Outfitters
3230 East Bay Drive Ste. 125, Holmes Beach , 34217, (941) 779-7426, mailto:Info@adventurekayakoutfitters.com
We are your quality kayak outfitter for kayak tours and kayak rentals in Sarasota, Siesta Key Lido Key, Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island and the Myakka River. Discover a kayak tour or kayak rental. From the white sand beaches of Siesta Key to the beautiful beaches of Anna Maria Island our native Floridian guides will take you on a kayak adventure you and your family will forever remember.

Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures
P.O. Box 1610, Anna Maria , Florida 34216, 941-504-6296
info@kayakfl.com
Guided kayak eco tours locally and around the state. Guided kayak eco tours locally and around the state that illustrate some of Florida’s natural
habitats and ecosystems. Daily and weekly rentals avail. include free delivery.

AMI Health & Fitness Center
5364 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, Florida 34217, 941-778-5446
Anna Maria Island’s preferred fitness center. AMI Health and Fitness offers residents and guests access to group fitness classes, cardio equipment, circuit training, free weights & personal training. Visit our new location @ 5364 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

Beach Bums Rentals
427 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria Island, FL, (941) 778-3316, Fax (941) 778-8148. laurenmlorusso@aol.com
Explore Anna Maria Island’s natural treasures ona bike or kayak. Beach Bums is a full service rental company committed to satisfy your need for adventure. We also rent electric golf carts. Please visit their shop to see their large selection of recreational equipment and baby supplies.

4 Fun and More Rentals
P.O. Box 705, Anna Maria Island, FL, (941) 462-2719, Toll Free, (866) 931-9840, funandmorerentals@yahoo.com
Rental supplies for vacationer and friends. Baby Supply rentals, bikes, beach chairs, wagons, umbrellas and more.
Free Delivery and setup for arrival.

Island Scooter Rentals
1301 Gulf Drive, North, Bradenton Beach, FL, (941) 726-3163, Fax, (941) 778-4308, iscooters@hotmail.com
Bike and scooter rentals.

The Fishing Hole – Miniature Golf
117 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, FL., 34217, (941) 778-3400, Fax (941)778-3407
thefishhole@gmail.com Enjoy miniature adventure golf right on Anna Maria Island at historic Bridge Street.

Smuggler’s Cove Adventure Mini Golf
2000 Cortez Road, West, Bradenton, FL., 33710, (941) 756-0043 brainfo1@smugglersgolf.com
Adventure Golf Pirate Ship Theme. Live Gators!! 9 am – 11pm – Bring your camera!

Seg’s by the Sea, Inc.
9908 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria Island, FL, (888) 499-2503, Fax (703) 281-0062, info@segsbythesea.com
Seg’s by the sea provides Segway gliding tours on beautiful Anna Maria Island as well as Segway rentals with options by the hour, daily or weekly. Training is always provided and reservations are preferred. Call today and experience the exhilaration of “ Gliding” on a Segway.

Zegway by the Bay2501 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, FL, (941) 565-2082, zegwaybythebay@yahoo.comZoom around the island on a SEGWAY. Come tour with us and see breath taking views of the emerald Gulf of Mexico, our sugar white coastline, the sunshine Skyway Bridge, Tampa Bay, Anna Maria Sound and Sarasota Bay. During the tour we will visit historic Bridge Street, Coquina Beach, Longboat Pass and Leffis Key Park.

Anna Maria Island Community Center
407 Magnolia Avenue, Anna Maria Island, FL, (941) 778-1908 x 0, Fax (941) 778-9511
sarbanas@tampabay.rr.com

Beach Horses
8400 Manatee Avenue W., Bradenton, FL, (941) 907-7272, Fax (941)907-6709, Toll Free (800) 807-7656, ami@beachhorses.com
Treat yourself to an hour of bliss riding an absolutely beautiful and gentle horse along the lovely, palm-lined beaches of Palma Sola Bay. Then ride your horse as it wades and swims in the blue water! The beach experience is full customized to each guests. We can accommodate everyone from young children, age 3 to a disabled senior citizen. Our only restriction is that you must weigh under 240 lbs. No Exceptions

Cortez Fishing Fleet Fleet
4330-127th St. W. Bradenton, FL, (941) 794-1223 Fast, 65-foot boat with narrated cruises, beachcombing, shelling and trips to historic Egmont Key. Four, six and nine hour fishing trips with an electronic fish finder. License, bait and tackle included, keep your catch. Open 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. daily, reservations recommended.

Cortez Parasail
12507 Cortez Rd. W. Bradenton, FL, (941) 795-2700 Ride the “Flyin? Bandit!” Take off and land directly from the towing vessel. Eight years experience with U.S.C.G. licensed captains and crew. Open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.

Cortez Watercraft Rentals
4328-127th St. W. Bradenton, FL, (941) 792-5263 Wave runners (jet skis), pontoon boats, fishing boats for cruising the Bay and Intracoastal waterway. Great for reaching those isolated beaches. Open 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily.

Fun and Sun Parasail & Water sports
402 Church Avenue (Cortez Bridge), Bradenton, FL, (941) 795-1000, (888)778-8322, 0 feet, tandem or single. Fully insured and U.S. Coast Guard inspected. Open 7 days a week, call for hours. funsunparasail@aol.com

Pioneer Water Sports
S.W. end of Cortez Bridge Anna Maria Island, FL, (941) 778-9760, Wave runner rentals, safe family fun, daily & hourly rentals, eco-tours. Featuring the new Yamaha three-seater waveventures and Seadoo three-seater watercraft.

YOLO Parasail
4330-127th St. W. Bradenton, FL, (877) FLY-YOLO (359-9656), (941) 792-6000, Fax (941) 792-3553, parasailflorida@yahoo.com

A.M. Island Adventures
4334 127th Street West, Cortez, FL, (941) 792-6000, Toll Free, (877) FLY-yolo, parasailflorida@yahoo.com Just sit back, relax and enjoy our island wildlife. our USCG Captains have lifelong local knowledge of the area. During cruises we may visit small islands to snorkel, sandbars in search of the perfect sand dollar or sea shell, as well as cruising the waters for dolphin, turtles and manatees. On the evening cruise, you will enjoy the breathtaking sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. Our 21 passenger tour boa ensures a safe and comfortable ride for all passengers.Free Delivery and setup for arrival.

Anna Maria Sailing and Boat Rides
3018 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL, (941) 580-1502, octavio@annamariasailing.com Anna Maria Sailing, Power Boat Rides and A1 Rentals.

Sun Hovercraft Rides
12507 Cortez Rd. W. Bradenton, FL, (941) 792-1290 Propelling itself with air, the hovercraft is capable of sailing over water or land. The craft makes for an exceptionally smooth ride. Seating six comfortably, it provides a unique way to experience the beauty of Sarasota Bay. View Historic Cortez Village and the Kitchen Flats. Nature is observed up close at Bird Key Sanctuary Island in the Bay itself. Redfish, trout, Snook and mullet swim beneath while pelicans and herons fly above. Included in the tour are the local barrier islands of Longboat Key and Bradenton Beach. Based at the Cortez Fishing Center, enjoy these exciting excursions. Also, safety need not be a concern. The Hovercraft is regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard and operated by a licensed captain.

Longboat Pass Parasail
Bradenton, FL, (941) 792-1900 Take off from the back deck of the boat, land soft and dry. Long-time operation has flown thousands, the oldest was 93 years old! Coast Guard licensed crew. Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily.

Just 4 FUN – Watercraft Rentals
5358 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL, (941) 896-7884, Fax (941) 761-7382, rentjust4fun@aol.com, We rent boats, bikes, kayaks with free delivery and pick up service. Online booking at www.rentjust4fun.com.

Bradenton Beach Marina
402 Church Street, Bradenton Beach, FL (941) 778-2288, dockmaster@bradentonbeachmarina.com
Bradenton Beach Marina is a full service boat yard and marina featuring: Boat Repairs and Maintenance, Jet Ski and Boat Rentals, Inside High Dry Storage, Wet Slips including Transient Slips, Fuel and a Yacht Brokerage.

Mixon Fruit Farms
2712 26th Avenue East, Bradenton, FL., 34217, (941) 748-5829 ext 256, Toll Free (800) 608-2525, Fax (941)748-1085
info@mixon.com “Florida’s Sweetest Attraction” See how Florida’s finest citrus is grown and harvested. Warch Mixon’s packinghouse in operation from the visitors observation area. Bring your camera!

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL., 34236, (941) 388-4441Stingray Petting Tank, Shark Tank, Interactive shark movie, Manatees , 18 inch Giant Squid. Lots of Fun!

Ray’s Canoe Hideaway on the Manatee River
1247 Hagle Park Rd. Bradenton, FL, (941) 957-3909 Toll free: (888) 57-CANOE, Fax (941) 957-3031 Explore Bradenton’s “Singing River” by canoe or kayak. Year round, easy paddling adventures in a pristine, subtropical, jungle-like environment. Find secluded sandy river beaches to picnic, fish, sunbathe, observe wildlife, or hunt fossils on our lazy river. Florida State Canoe Trail, Gulf Coast Heritage Trail/Blueway site.

Manatee Airboat Tours
Address: 12310 Manatee Ave. West, Bradenton. Phone: (941) 795-5353.Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily, tours leave on the hour.If you’re looking for adventure and love exploring the natural side of Florida, Manatee Airboat tours offers just the ticket. Running daily from Perico Harbor Marine near Leverocks restaurant and Galati Marine on Manatee Avenue in Bradenton, the tour is a great way to introduce the kids to the wildlife of the area, or to enjoy viewing the areas beautiful birds and other creatures.

Adventure Island Water Park Tampa Bay
4500 E Bougainvillea Ave Tampa, FL 33617, (813) 987-5660, Toll Free (U.S.): 800-4-ADVENTURE Fax: 813/987-5443 Website: http://www.adventureisland.com A family water park featuring 25 acres of tropical entertainment including 17 water attractions and a championship volleyball complex. outdoor cafes, picnic and sunbathing areas. Guests can conquer speed slides, float along on a rambling river or take advantage of 12 beautiful white sand volleyball courts. Open March through October Hours: Hours vary by season.

Busch Gardens Theme Park Tampa Bay
3000 East Busch Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, (813) 987-5082 Part Zoo, Part Amusement Park. Busch Gardens brings together the best of both worlds with Rhino Rally, an off road safari adventure through five animal habitats that ends in a raging river thrill ride. Visitors can observe lions, giraffes, hippos, gorillas and other creatures from the safety of the Serengeti Railway or the Skyride. Busch Gardens Tampa Florida offers attractions based on African Continent, including safaris and thousands of animals.

Dinosaur World
5145 Harvey Tew Rd. Plant City, FL 33565, (813) 717-9865, Fax (813) 707-9776 Website: http://www.dinoworld.net E-mail: dinowrld@gtemail.net More than 100 life-sized model dinosaurs reflecting modern scientific theories are displayed in a natural landscape.

The Island Players
Address: corner of Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue in Anna Maria, is a small company that has loyal patrons and volunteers. Call 778-5755 for information.

Manatee Players’ Riverfront Theatre
Address:102 Old Main St., Bradenton Call 748-5875 for information. stages quality productions – from dramas to musicals, Sondheim to Shakespeare – that sometimes feature casts and sets almost as big as traveling Broadway shows

Desoto National Memorial
Address: North end of 75th Street, Bradenton. Phone: (941) 792-0458. Hours:9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Cost: Admission is free. Commemorating Hernando De Sotos landing in Florida, exhibits, nature tours and a visitor center depict the significance of his expedition in the history of North America. Be sure to catch the early weapons (crossbow and gunpowder rifle), blacksmithing and cooking demonstrations given by rangers dressed in period costume

South Florida Museum & Bishop Planetarium/Parker Aquarium
Address: 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. FL 34205-8604 Phone: 941/746-4131 Fax: 941/747-2556 Website: http://www.sfmbp.org/ E-mail: sfmbp@aol.com Phone: (941) 746-4131. Cultural and natural history exhibits, Star gazing, space exploration star shows and laser light shows in Bishop Planetarium, a well-equipped telescopic observatory and the Parker Manatee Aquarium. Home to Snooty the manatee. Hours: Star shows featuring the constellations of the season are held Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 2:45 PM. A “tonight show” is featured Friday and Saturday at 8 PM, followed by telescopic observing. The observatory is open Friday and Saturdays from 9 to 10 PM weather permitting. All ages will find something they’ll love here, from Snooty, the oldest manatee born in captivity to laser light shows set to rock music. The museum itself features prehistoric exhibits, Florida Native Americans, Spanish explorer artifacts and Cracker settler paraphernalia. Snooty, the 800-pound manatee, swims around in his huge, new aquarium. There is a feature show in the planetarium daily at 1:30 and 4 PM. Also, on Saturdays, children can view The Little Star that Could followed by hands-on museum activities. World-acclaimed laser light shows are an incredible treat for all . A sound system blasts you with your favorite tunes (rock, country, alternative and even Big Band) as you lean back in the reclined theater seats and witness a creative display of lighting wizardry.

Manatee Village Historical Park
Address: 604 15th St. East, Bradenton. Phone: (941) 749-7165. Hours: Monday through Friday 9 AM to 4:30 PM, Sunday 1:30 to 4:30 PM. From October through May, enjoy a guided tour, Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM. Cost: Admission is free. Visit Manatee County’s first courthouse, built in 1860, and a number of original historic structures including a settlers home, Wiggins Store, Bunker Hill schoolhouse and the newest addition, Potters Barn. You’ll find it tucked away just east of downtown; take Manatee Avenue, which turns into S.R. 64.

Art League of Manatee County
Address: 209 Ninth St. W., Bradenton.746-2862 A more traditional art setting – one that fits images of paintings hanging on walls and sculptures sitting on pedestals

Gamble Plantation State Historic Site – (Out near the Ellenton Outlet Mall)
3708 Patten Ave., Ellenton, FL (941) 723-4536. Hours: Open Thursday – Monday. Tours start at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m..This is the only Confederate memorial in the state. Highlights are the collection of antebellum furnishings and an 1890s farmhouse. The Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial at Gamble Plantation State Historic Site serves as a memorial to a way of life and an economic system that existed before the War Between the States. Gamble Mansion is the only surviving plantation house in south Florida. The mansion was the home of Major Robert Gamble and headquarters to an extensive sugar plantation of over 3,500 acres. It is believed that Confederate Secretary of State Judah P. Benjamin took refuge in the house after the fall of the Confederacy, until his safe passage to England could be secured. It was designated the Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial in 1925 to commemorate its significant history. In 1925, the mansion and 16 acres were saved by the United Daughters of the Confederacy and donated to the state. Today, it is furnished in the style of a successful mid-19th century plantation.

Myakka River State Park and Wildlife Tours Park–Welcome Address: S.R. 72 (Clark Rd.) 14 miles east of U.S. Hwy. 41, 9 miles east of I-75. Phone: (941) 361-6511. Hours: 8 a.m. – sunset. Cost: $2 per person or $4 for two to six people. Airboat and tram tours run $6 for adults, $3 for kids ages 6 to 12 If you can only fit in one attraction, this is probably the one to choose. You have the chance to glimpse local natural wonders in their most primitive state, such as bald eagles perched high in the moss-draped oaks or alligators sunning on the shores of the Myakka River. Land tours aboard a tram run December through May, and drivers give excellent narration of native plants. Airboat rides run all year you’ll learn all about the water birds and other water critters on these tours. The tours offer a good break from walking, biking or canoeing.

Herrmanns Lipizzan Ranch
Address: Singletary Rd., Myakka City. Phone: (941) 322-1501. Hours: Shows are at 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. Saturday. Cost: Free. From January through April, the Lipizzan stallions come home to entertain audiences free of charge! Actually, this is their training home, much like the baseball stars, before they travel the country performing.

Florida Gulf Coast Railroad Museum
Address: 12355 U.S. 301 North, Parrish. Phone: (941) 722-4272. Hours: Trains depart at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. on Saturdays, 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. on Sundays. Experience a blast from the past on this 1950s train excursion featuring air-conditioned lounge cars and open-window coaches. The round-trip through rural southern Florida lasts about an hour.

Canoe Outpost
Peace River 2816 NW County Rd 6611 Arcadia, FL 34266 Phone: 941/494-1215 Toll free: 800/268-0083 , Fax: 941/494-4391 Web Site: http://www.canoeoutpost.com Paddle the beautiful Peace River and enjoy wildlife viewing, fishing, swimming, hiking, camping, fossil hunting, along with canoeing and kayaking on Florida’s most popular State Canoe Trail. Half day, full day, and overnight wilderness trips. See the true Florida with Canoe Outpost, Florida’s oldest & largest outfitter. Be a Peace Paddler

South Florida Museum
201 10th Street West, Bradenton, FL., 34205, (941) 746-4131

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
811 S Palm Ave Sarasota, FL 34236-7726 Phone: 941/366-5731 (941) 366-5730 Fax: 941/366-9807 Website: http://www.selby.org E-mail: gadkins@virtu.sar.usf.edu Nine bay front acres, more than 20,000 tropical plants, including an outstanding collection of orchids and bromeliads; museum; hands-on learning center; greenhouse; and 20 distinct garden areas. Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.. every day, closed Christmas. Cost: $6 for adults, $3 for children older than 5. This flower-lovers oasis on Sarasota Bay features one of the world’s largest collections of orchids (more than 5,000) and is the only botanical garden in the world that specializes in epiphytic plants (plants that live on moisture in the air). A couple of short walking trails and 20,000 plants, including bromeliads, bamboo and banyans, are featured along with the historic Selby mansion (now a gift shop) and a Museum of Botany and the Arts. Scientists here are responsible for saving species from extinction. Resident kids and adults should check out the ongoing horticultural-related classes; don’t miss the once-a-year plant sale.

PELICAN MAN BIRD SANCTUARY
1708 Ken Thompson Pkwy Sarasota, Florida 34236, (941) 388-4444 Fax: (941) 388-3258 Email: pelican@pelicanman.com Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily. Cost: Admission is free. What started as one mans mission to save injured pelicans has developed into a full-scale sanctuary operation for more than 200 species of injured birds. Dale Shields, known around here as the “Pelican Man,” welcomes donations but doesn’t charge admission. Its a good chance to get up close to our native birds, providing another important lesson for the kids . Take your time and look for the unusual like the crow that talks.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens
3701 Bayshore Rd. Sarasota, FL 34234-5211 Phone: 941/355-1112 Toll Free (U.S.): 877/861-6547 Fax: 941/355-1222 Website: http://www.sarasotajunglegardens.com/ E-mail: sarasotajg@aol.com Acres of beautiful gardens and nature trails for leisurely strolls and picture taking. Jungle animal exhibits, reptile encounters and bird shows, Gardens of Christ, shell museum, kiddie jungle and cafe. Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.

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