For both islanders and visitors alike, Anna Maria Island piers are a place to catch the sun going down, reel in one of the many species of gamefish, and gather with friends and family. The island has three major public piers. Be sure to check them out on your next Anna Maria Island vacation.
Rod and Reel Pier
Location: 875 N. Shore Dr., Anna Maria Island, FL
The Rod and Reel Pier is about 350 feet long, stretching out into clear blue Tampa Bay waters. Its unfinished wood and hand-painted sign gives it a rustic feel, different from the other piers on Anna Maria Island.
At the end of this no-frills pier in the City of Anna Maria is The Rod and Reel Pier Restaurant, a two-story bar and grill serving up fresh seafood from morning to evening.
The crab cakes, mahi mahi sandwich, and grouper fish are a few favorites – and don’t forget a slice of Florida Key Lime Pie for dessert. Some say the breakfast is their favorite, touting the seafood omelet as a go-to.
Located on the northeast side of Anna Maria Island, the restaurant is popular among families, vacationers, and local fishermen – makes sense, as it’s a great spot to fish. Flounder, grouper and mackerel are just a few of the fish swimming in local waters, and the Rod and Reel Peer is the best place to try them.
If you’re not an angler, just hang out on the dock and people watch, or check out the water traffic sailing by. Everything from big ships to small fishing boats can be spotted during daylight hours.
The Anna Maria City Pier
Location: 100 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria Island, FL
This historic pier, originally built in the early 1900s, is a popular Anna Maria Island landmark. Located at the north end of the island off of Pine Avenue, this 700-foot-long pier has both beautiful views and a rich history.
A great place to watch the sun rise and set over the Gulf of Mexico, the City Pier has some of the best views of Tampa Bay and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The pier is also a great spot to watch birds – it’s a popular pelican hangout – and, if you’re lucky, marine life. Many visitors have reported seeing dolphins and manatees from the pier.
The pier is more than 100 years old, so it’s seen a lot of people go by and events unfold over the years. Check out the sign at the base of the bridge to learn a little bit about the pier’s history.
Fishing on Anna Maria Island is a popular activity on the City Pier, and to make it easy there’s a small shop that sells bait and other fishing supplies.
Due to damage from Hurricane Irma in September, the City Pier is closed for renovations until further notice. Even though you can’t walk its planks just yet, it’s still one of the most worthwhile attractions to see while on Anna Maria Island – one that many visitors say is a “must” on their annual Florida vacation.
Bridge Street Pier/Bradenton Beach Pier
Location: 200 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, FL
If you’re looking for an Old Florida-style experience, the Bridge Street Pier (also known as Bradenton Beach Pier) is a great place to spend an afternoon. Grab an ice cream cone from a nearby parlor and sit on the white painted benches while taking in its stunning views and quaint atmosphere.
This area is both a historic and modern hotspot. Originally built in the 1920s, the pier sits right off of Bradenton Beach, the southernmost community of Anna Maria Island.
For a time, the original structure served as the only access point to the island. Today, it is a historic site bustling with visitors and a popular destination for shopping, dining, and other activities. Boat tours, Segway rentals, parasailing adventures, and other tours depart near the pier.
The pier is home to a white-painted clock tower, a pavilion, a swing set, and, most importantly, the Anna Maria Island Oyster Bar, a counter-style rendition of their mainland restaurants, serving casual breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including a weekend brunch menu.
Contact our team at 941-778-4178 to learn more about our piers and other island attractions or how to find some exceptional local Anna Maria vacation rentals resting right on the water.
