Explore the Gulf Coast Heritage Trail

Looking for something new to do on Anna Maria Island?

The Gulf Coast Heritage Trail winds through the Island on its route from St. Petersburg’s Sunshine Skyway Bridge south to Englewood Beach.

Accessible by car, motorcycle, trolley, bicycle or on foot, 12 of the trail’s 117 stops are here on the Island, showcasing cultural, historic, and scenic areas.

Here are the stops from north to south:

Anna Maria

1. The path to Bean Point Beach at North Shore Drive and North Bay Boulevard marks the spot where the Island’s first homesteader, George Emerson Bean, settled 100 years ago.
2. Rod n’ Reel Pier, 875 North Shore Drive, was built in 1947 and offers fishing, a restaurant and views of Egmont Key and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

   

3. The Anna Maria City Pier at 100 Bay Blvd. in Anna Maria was built in 1911 as a dock for excursion boats from Tampa. It’s now under reconstruction, but you can enjoy the views of Egmont Key and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge from the beach.

   

4. Bayfront Park on North Bay Boulevard in between the two piers features a playground and picnic tables. 
5. The Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum at 402 Pine Ave. features exhibits of Island life, the Belle Haven Cottage, formerly attached to the Anna Maria City Pier, and the Old City Jail, built in 1927.

   

6. The Island Players at 10009 Gulf Drive N., founded in 1948, stages dramatic and musical productions.

   

Holmes Beach

7. The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island, 5414 Marina Drive, features an art gallery and free art demonstrations.(CLOSED)
8. Manatee Beach at Manatee Avenue and Gulf Drive has indoor and outdoor dining areas, a gift shop, restroom facilities with showers, lifeguards and beach equipment rentals.

   

Bradenton Beach

10. Historic Bridge Street once was connected to the mainland by the old Cortez Road bridge, now the Bradenton Beach Pier.

    

11. Coquina Beach, on the southern end of Anna Maria Island on the Gulf of Mexico, has lifeguards, picnic tables and covered pavilions, grills, shaded parking, restroom facilities with showers and a concession stand with outdoor dining.

    

12. Coquina Baywalk at Leffis Key, across Gulf Drive from Coquina Beach, is a 30-acre waterfront park featuring shell hiking paths, mangrove-shaded boardwalks and scenic overlooks on Sarasota Bay. Coquina Bayside Park to the south has a boat ramp and restroom facilities.