Anna Maria Island: A Bit of Old Florida

Most people come to Anna Maria Island for the beach. The island is surrounded by miles of powdery white sand, and the waters of the Gulf of Mexico are warm, calm and blissfully quiet, meaning you can swim in the sea without the buzz of jet skis roaring by.

This being Florida, fishing is a big activity. Take a cue from the locals and head to the Rod and Reel Pier at the northern end of the island and cast a line. Depending on the season, you might catch mackerel, pompano or snook. You can buy all your bait there, and the pier also has a decent restaurant (try the fried grouper sandwich). Or simply stand waist-deep in the water and cast off. I caught a baby shark and a few mackerel this way.

If you'd rather fish for the big ones, like tarpon, plenty of local companies offer deep sea fishing trips, or you can rent your own boat. And to ease any shoulder pain from casting, unwind with a massage at the local Aveda salon, Acqua.

For something farther afield, head inland to Myakka River State Park, and hop on one of the world's largest airboats for an alligator-spotting cruise in the lake (tickets are $10 per person). Or take the kids to the nearby Parker Manatee Aquarium to see and feed manatees. If you'd rather see them in their own environment, head north to the Crystal River area and book a manatee tour. Also, nearby Sarasota is home to the excellent Ringling Museum of Art or the Sarasota Classic Car Museum.