Sports & Fitness 🏃

Anna Maria

The island's primary pickleball hub with 6 courts — 3 indoor and 3 outdoor. Pickleball has been played here since 2010 with over 3,300 player check-ins annually. Multiple instructors offer lessons for beginners and experienced players alike.

• ✓6 courts (3 indoor + 3 outdoor)
• ✓Lessons available
• ✓Open play Saturdays
• ✓Since 2010

Holmes Beach

Two dedicated pickleball courts plus two tennis courts that can be used for pickleball, all located in the Holmes Beach City Field recreational area. Free to use with no reservation required. Restrooms, water, and lights on site.

• ✓2 dedicated courts
• ✓2 tennis/pickleball courts
• ✓Free to use
• ✓Lights & restrooms

Bradenton Beach

🚗 Bradenton Beach

A public pickleball court installed in 2015 by the Bradenton Beach CRA at Lou Barolo Park on Highland Avenue. Free to use, no reservation required. Herb Dolan Park on the north side of Bradenton Beach also has a basketball court striped for pickleball.

• ✓Public court
• ✓Free to use
• ✓Installed 2015
• ✓Near police station

Bradenton (off island, ~15 min)

🚗 Bradenton (off island, ~15 min)

A 140-acre world-class recreation complex just ~15 minutes from AMI. Includes 20 pickleball courts (14 covered, named one of the \

• ✓20 pickleball courts (14 covered)
• ✓Olympic aquatic center
• ✓Skatepark
• ✓disc golf & tennis

All of AMI

Anna Maria Island is flat and extremely bike-friendly. The main route runs along Gulf Drive through all three municipalities. Key stops: Gulf Front Park (beach access, picnic areas), City Pier Park (Pine Ave shops & restaurants nearby), Bayfront Park (bay views, grills, playground), and Rod & Reel Pier at the north end. Connects to 50+ miles of mainland trails. Rent bikes from Fun N More Rentals — free delivery to your vacation rental.

• ✓7 miles tip to tip
• ✓All skill levels
• ✓Gulf Drive path
• ✓Free bike delivery available

Just off AMI (Manatee Ave)

🚗 Just off AMI (Manatee Ave)

A spectacular 682-acre coastal preserve with 7.5 miles of dedicated biking and walking trails. Wind through mangroves, wetlands, and coastal habitats. Climb the 30-foot observation tower for sweeping bay views. Kayak launches available.

• ✓7.5 miles of trails
• ✓30-ft observation tower
• ✓Kayak launches
• ✓Free admission

Bradenton Beach (south end)

🚗 Bradenton Beach (south end)

A serene bayside nature walk at the southern tip of AMI. Short trails and boardwalks wind through mangroves and along the bay, with views of fiddler crabs, herons, and the Intracoastal Waterway. One of the best free nature experiences on the island.

• ✓Boardwalk trails
• ✓Bay & mangrove views
• ✓Fiddler crabs & herons
• ✓Free & on the island

Anna Maria (North Tip)

The wild, undeveloped northern tip of AMI where the Gulf of Mexico meets Tampa Bay. A short walk through native sea oats and dune vegetation leads to a secluded beach with excellent wildlife viewing — dolphins, shorebirds, and sea turtles frequent this area.

• ✓Undeveloped beach
• ✓Gulf meets Tampa Bay
• ✓Dolphins & sea turtles
• ✓Short walk from Pine Ave

Just off AMI (Manatee Ave)

🚗 Just off AMI (Manatee Ave)

A 120-acre coastal preserve just before the AMI bridge on Manatee Ave. Features a 20-foot observation tower, a 0.3-mile shell trail loop, and boardwalks through coastal habitats and oak hammock uplands. Excellent birding — look for roseate spoonbills and ospreys.

• ✓120 acres
• ✓Observation tower
• ✓Shell trail loop
• ✓Boardwalks & birding

Just off AMI (Perico Island)

🚗 Just off AMI (Perico Island)

A 130-acre preserve on Perico Island just off the AMI bridge with walking and biking trails through coastal scrub, mangroves, and wetlands. Over 100 bird species documented. Free parking. A quick detour on the way to or from the island.

• ✓130 acres
• ✓Biking & walking trails
• ✓100+ bird species
• ✓Free parking

Just off AMI (Manatee Ave)

🚗 Just off AMI (Manatee Ave)

The crown jewel of Manatee County's preserve system. 682 acres of coastal habitat with miles of trails for walking, biking, and paddling. Features a 30-foot observation tower, multiple kayak launches, and world-class birding. One of the top nature destinations in the region.

• ✓682 acres
• ✓30-ft observation tower
• ✓Kayak launches
• ✓World-class birding

Gulf of Mexico (accessible by boat/ferry)

A remote barrier island at the mouth of Tampa Bay, accessible only by boat or ferry from Fort De Soto. Egmont Key is both a National Wildlife Refuge and State Park — approximately 1/3 of the island is designated bird sanctuary. Home to nesting Loggerhead sea turtles, gopher tortoises, and hundreds of bird species. The south end bird sanctuary hosts nesting colonies of herons, egrets, spoonbills, and more. A bucket-list day trip from AMI.

• ✓National Wildlife Refuge
• ✓1/3 bird sanctuary
• ✓Sea turtle nesting
• ✓Accessible by boat/ferry

Bradenton (off island, ~15 min)

🚗 Bradenton (off island, ~15 min)

The only public pool option near Anna Maria Island. Part of the 140-acre G.T. Bray Recreation Center, the aquatic facility features an Olympic-sized pool, kiddie pool, and splash pad. The full complex also includes 20 pickleball courts, 8 clay tennis courts, a skatepark, fitness center, disc golf, and sports fields. About 15 minutes from AMI.

• ✓Olympic-sized pool
• ✓Kiddie pool & splash pad
• ✓20 pickleball courts
• ✓~15 min from AMI

Holmes Beach

Anna Maria Island's dedicated fitness center with 24/7 access. Vacation short-term passes available by the day, 3-day, week, 2-week, or month — no long-term commitment required. Each additional person on your pass is $10 off. Silver Sneakers, Tivity Prime, Renew Active, and One Pass Medicare programs accepted. Purchase passes online via the GymMaster App or in person during staff hours. Owned and operated by Jen Sekel — a true community fitness hub on Gulf Drive.

• ✓Day ($20) & Week ($70) passes
• ✓24/7 access included
• ✓$10 off each additional person
• ✓Medicare programs accepted

Anna Maria

The Center of Anna Maria Island is a full-service community recreation center with a public fitness center open to all. The Fitness Center includes a Cardio Center, Weight Center, Stretch & Mobility Room, and Specialty Fitness Room. Group fitness classes are included with any day pass ($25). Personal training, massage therapy, acupuncture, and InBody body composition analysis also available. View the current monthly class schedule at centerami.org/center-monthly-schedule.

• ✓$25 day pass
• ✓Cardio
• ✓weights & mobility
• ✓Group classes included

Bradenton (off island, ~15 min)

🚗 Bradenton (off island, ~15 min)

The state-of-the-art fitness center at GT Bray Recreation Center is open to the public with a low $5 drop-in fee per session. Features indoor and outdoor fitness equipment, group exercise classes ($10 drop-in), and access to the full 140-acre complex including 20 pickleball courts, Olympic pool, clay tennis courts, skatepark, and disc golf. One of the best fitness values near AMI.

• ✓$5 drop-in fee
• ✓Indoor & outdoor equipment
• ✓Group fitness classes
• ✓Full complex access

Holmes Beach (52nd Street Beach)

The most popular outdoor yoga experience on Anna Maria Island. Salty Buddha hosts weekly beach yoga classes at the 52nd Street Beach Access in Holmes Beach — right on the sand with the sound of the Gulf waves. Classes run Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at 8:30 AM. A perfect sunrise morning ritual for vacationers and locals alike. Classes are cancelled if no students have registered by 7am, or if temperature drops below 55°F or it is raining.

• ✓On the beach at 52nd St
• ✓Mon
• ✓Wed & Fri 8:30am
• ✓$20 per class

Anna Maria Island

A dedicated yoga studio serving Anna Maria Island with a variety of yoga classes and wellness offerings. Island Yoga Space provides a welcoming environment for all levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners. Check the website for the current class schedule, including any special events, workshops, or outdoor sessions.

• ✓All levels welcome
• ✓Multiple class styles
• ✓Workshops & events
• ✓Island-based studio

Holmes Beach

The island's own skatepark located at Veterans Park on Marina Drive, across from Duffy's Tavern. A compact micro-park with ramps and rails suitable for all skill levels. Free to use. Helmets and pads strongly recommended.

• ✓On the island
• ✓Free to use
• ✓All skill levels
• ✓10am–sunset daily

Bradenton (~15 min from AMI)

🚗 Bradenton (~15 min from AMI)

A full concrete skatepark inside the 140-acre GT Bray Recreation Center. Features ramps, rails, ledges, and a vert wall — suitable for all skill levels from beginners to advanced. Part of the same complex as the 20 pickleball courts, Olympic pool, and disc golf. Helmets and pads recommended.

• ✓Full concrete park
• ✓Ramps
• ✓rails & vert wall
• ✓All skill levels

Bradenton (off island, ~15 min)

🚗 Bradenton (off island, ~15 min)

A free disc golf course inside the 140-acre GT Bray Recreation Center. Multiple holes winding through the park's wooded and open areas. Part of the same complex as the 20 pickleball courts, Olympic pool, clay tennis courts, fitness center, and skatepark. Discs available at the recreation center. About 15 minutes from AMI.

• ✓Free to play
• ✓Multiple holes
• ✓Wooded & open terrain
• ✓Part of GT Bray complex

Cortez

One of the last remaining traditional commercial fishing villages on Florida's Gulf Coast. Cortez dates to the 1880s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Wander the docks, watch working fishing boats unload their catch, visit the waterfront restaurants, and explore the unique shops and galleries. A must-see slice of Old Florida just minutes from AMI.

• ✓National Historic Register
• ✓Working fishing docks
• ✓Waterfront dining
• ✓Old Florida atmosphere

Cortez

A museum dedicated to preserving the maritime heritage of Florida's Gulf Coast, with a focus on the historic fishing community of Cortez. The main building is currently closed for major renovation through late 2027, but the grounds remain open and special events are held periodically. Check the website for upcoming events and reopening updates.

• ✓Florida maritime heritage
• ✓Cortez fishing history
• ✓Grounds open during renovation
• ✓Special events ongoing

Cortez

A community arts and cultural center in historic Cortez Village showcasing local artists, rotating exhibitions, and cultural programming. The center hosts art shows, workshops, and events celebrating the heritage and creative spirit of the Cortez community. Free admission makes it an easy stop when exploring the village.

• ✓Local art exhibitions
• ✓Cultural programming
• ✓Workshops & events
• ✓Free admission

Cortez

A protected nature preserve in Cortez managed by FISH (Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage). Offers walking trails through coastal scrub and wetland habitats with excellent birding and wildlife viewing opportunities. A peaceful natural escape adjacent to the historic fishing village.

• ✓Walking trails
• ✓Birding & wildlife
• ✓Coastal scrub habitat
• ✓Free access

Cortez

An interactive pirate-themed boat adventure departing from Cortez Village. Kids (and adults!) dress up as pirates, search for treasure, fire water cannons at enemy ships, and enjoy a swashbuckling cruise on the waters around Anna Maria Island. One of the most popular family activities in the area. Advance booking recommended.

• ✓Interactive pirate adventure
• ✓Treasure hunt on the water
• ✓Water cannons
• ✓Great for families

Off Island (boat access only)

🚗 Off Island (boat access only)

A remote barrier island accessible only by boat, located at the mouth of Tampa Bay. Egmont Key is home to a historic lighthouse (1848), Civil War-era fort ruins, and one of Florida's largest gopher tortoise colonies. Crystal-clear water, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife make it a bucket-list day trip from AMI. Ferry service available from multiple operators.

• ✓Historic 1848 lighthouse
• ✓Civil War fort ruins
• ✓Gopher tortoise colony
• ✓Pristine beaches

Longboat Key (off island, ~15 min)

🚗 Longboat Key (off island, ~15 min)

A beloved waterfront restaurant and pub on Longboat Key with a rich history dating back to 1912. Mar Vista offers fresh Gulf seafood, casual waterfront dining, and a lively bar scene right on the water. The dockside setting, fresh fish, and laid-back Florida atmosphere make it a worthy short drive from AMI.

• ✓Waterfront dining
• ✓Fresh Gulf seafood
• ✓Historic building (1912)
• ✓Dockside bar

Longboat Key (off island, ~20 min)

🚗 Longboat Key (off island, ~20 min)

An upscale waterfront restaurant on Longboat Key offering refined Gulf Coast cuisine with stunning sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico. Shore is known for its fresh seafood, creative cocktails, and elegant atmosphere — a perfect choice for a special dinner during your AMI visit.

• ✓Gulf sunset views
• ✓Upscale Gulf Coast cuisine
• ✓Fresh seafood
• ✓Creative cocktails

Holmes Beach

Anna Maria Island's beloved mini golf course featuring 18 holes of island-themed adventure golf. The Fish Hole has been a family favorite for decades with creative holes, tropical landscaping, and a fun atmosphere for all ages. Located on Marina Drive in Holmes Beach — a perfect evening activity after dinner.

• ✓18 holes of adventure golf
• ✓Island-themed course
• ✓All ages welcome
• ✓Evening activity

Downtown Bradenton (off island, ~25 min)

🚗 Downtown Bradenton (off island, ~25 min)

A beautiful concrete skatepark right on the Manatee River waterfront. Open 24/7 with lighting for night skating. Larger than the island park with more variety of obstacles. Restrooms on site. Skate at your own risk.

• ✓Open 24/7
• ✓Lit for night skating
• ✓Concrete park
• ✓Waterfront location