Picture this: warm salt air, no roof over your head, a cooler in the back, and the whole island stretched out in front of you at an easy, breezy pace. On Anna Maria Island, a golf cart is not just how you get around, it is the best seat in the house for soaking up everything the island has to offer.
Whether you are here for a long weekend or a full week, this stop-by-stop guide covers the best things to do on the island by cart, plus a ready-made island day you can follow. Grab your Anna Maria golf cart rental and let’s go.
Why a Golf Cart Is the Best Way to Explore Anna Maria Island
The island is only about seven miles from tip to tip, which makes it perfect for slow, open-air cruising. You can reach the beaches, the piers, and Pine Avenue without the parking headache that comes with a car, and you will see more of the island along the way. For families and groups, it is simply more fun than any other way to get around. If you have not booked yet, start with our golf cart rentals.
The Best Things to Do on Anna Maria Island by Golf Cart
Here are the stops worth building your days around, all easy to reach by cart.
Cruise Pine Avenue
Known as the island’s main street, Pine Avenue is packed with local shops, galleries, and restaurants, and it sits right in the heart of Anna Maria. It is the perfect place to start, park the cart, browse, and grab a bite.
Catch the Sunset at Bean Point
At the northern tip of the island, Bean Point is where the Gulf of Mexico meets Tampa Bay. It is quiet, scenic, and a local favorite for watching the sun go down. There is no parking lot, so a cart makes reaching it much easier.
Explore Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach
Head south to Bridge Street, a historic strip full of shops and eateries that leads down to the Bridge Street Pier. It is a great spot to stretch your legs and watch the boats go by.
Beach-Hop Around the Island
One of the joys of a cart is bouncing between beaches. Try Manatee Public Beach for amenities and food, Coquina Beach for its wide sands and shade, and Cortez Beach for a quieter scene. Each has easy cart parking nearby.
Visit the Rod and Reel Pier
This iconic little pier on the north end is a beloved spot for a casual meal over the water, some fishing, and a classic island photo.
Stop by the Anna Maria City Pier
Rebuilt and welcoming, the City Pier offers lovely bay views and a laid-back place to take it all in.
Treat Yourself to Ice Cream
No island day is complete without a sweet stop. Cruise to a local ice cream or treat shop and enjoy it in the shade.
Ride the Length of Gulf Drive
When in doubt, just drive. Gulf Drive runs the length of the island and makes for a beautiful, breezy cruise from one end to the other.
Turn It Into the Perfect Island Day
Not sure how to string it together? Here is a simple day that hits the highlights:
- Morning: Load up the cart with beach gear and head to Manatee Public Beach for a swim before it gets busy
- Midday: Cruise to Pine Avenue for lunch and a little shopping
- Afternoon: Roll down to Bridge Street and the Bridge Street Pier
- Evening: Point the cart north and end the day watching the sunset at Bean Point
Want to add water time or a beach setup to the plan? Grab our beach gear rentals for the morning and our kayak rentals for an afternoon paddle.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Golf Cart
- Book early, especially in peak season, since carts go fast
- Take advantage of free delivery so your cart is waiting at your rental
- Pack sun protection, because carts are open to the sunshine
- Mix it up by adding bikes for the days you want a slower pace
Rent Your Cart From a Local Island Shop
Crabby Joe’s is family-owned and island-local, which means we know these stops firsthand and we are always happy to share a tip. We offer free delivery and pickup anywhere on the island, and we are a one-stop shop for carts, e-bikes, kayaks, and beach gear. Find us on Pine Avenue in the heart of Anna Maria, or book online in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do on Anna Maria Island?
Top picks include cruising Pine Avenue, catching the sunset at Bean Point, exploring Bridge Street and its pier, beach-hopping between Manatee and Coquina beaches, and visiting the Rod and Reel Pier. A golf cart makes reaching all of them easy.
Is a golf cart the best way to get around Anna Maria Island?
For most visitors, yes. The island is small, parking is limited, and a cart lets you reach beaches, shops, and piers in the open air without the hassle of a car. It is also more fun for families and groups.
Can you drive a golf cart to the beach on Anna Maria Island?
You can drive a street-legal cart to the beach access points and park nearby, then walk onto the sand. Carts are not permitted on the beach itself.
How long does it take to drive around Anna Maria Island?
The island is only about seven miles long, so you can drive from one end to the other in well under half an hour at cart speeds, with plenty of stops along the way.
Do you need a golf cart on Anna Maria Island?
You do not strictly need one, but most visitors find it is the easiest and most enjoyable way to get around, especially with limited parking near the beaches and Pine Avenue.
Start Your Island Adventure
The best way to experience Anna Maria Island is behind the wheel of a cart with the whole crew along for the ride. Reserve your golf cart rental on Anna Maria Island today, or call 855-272-2295, and we will have it ready and waiting when you arrive.
