Getting Around Anna Maria Island: Updated Transportation and Parking Guide
One thing visitors quickly discover about Anna Maria Island is that traffic can sometimes be heavy, and finding parking can be challenging. To help you navigate the island with ease, here’s an updated guide for getting around and finding parking.
Free Trolley Service on Anna Maria Island
Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) offers a free trolley service on Anna Maria Island that operates every day of the year. The trolleys run from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., with departures every 20 minutes. There are two trolleys in operation: one northbound and one southbound, ensuring that you can explore the island from end to end with convenience.
- Northbound Trolley: Departs from Coquina Beach with stops at key locations including Gulf Drive/Bridge Street and Manatee County Public Beach, before arriving at the Anna Maria City Pier.
- Southbound Trolley: Starts at the Anna Maria City Pier and makes stops at places like Gulf Drive/78th Street and the Island Shopping Center, before reaching Coquina Beach.
Bus Transportation to Longboat Key
For those looking to venture beyond Anna Maria Island, bus transportation to Longboat Key from Coquina Beach is available for a nominal fee.
Water Taxi Service: A New Way to Travel
A new water taxi service has been introduced, connecting downtown Bradenton, Palmetto, and Anna Maria Island. This service provides a scenic and traffic-free travel option, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Parking on Anna Maria Island
Finding free parking on the island is easier with these spots:
- Anna Maria Bayfront Park: Offers amenities and stunning views, located at 310 North Bay Blvd., Anna Maria.
- Coquina Beach: A well-equipped beach park at 2650 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach.
- Manatee County Public Beach: Full of facilities for a perfect beach day, located at 4000 State Road 64 and Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.
Explore Your Options
- The Feast Restaurant: Located at 5406 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217, offers seafood, steaks, pasta, pizza, and more. Plenty of parking is available.
Enjoy Your Visit
With these transportation and parking updates, your visit to Anna Maria Island is sure to be more relaxing and enjoyable. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the beach or exploring the local shops and restaurants, getting around is now a breeze.
Sources:
- Anna Maria Traffic and Road Conditions – LocalConditions.com
- Eyes on the road – 05-24-2023 – Anna Maria Islander
- Anna Maria Island Traffic – Facebook
- Anna Maria, FL Traffic Conditions and Accident Reports – Navbug
- Water taxi service Bradenton to Anna Maria Island – Bing Search
- Bradenton Taxicab
- Early Bird Taxi
- A Chauffeur 4 U
- Gulf Coast Water Taxi
- New Water Taxi Service Connects Downtown Bradenton to Anna Maria Island – Manatee Herald
- Water taxi connecting Anna Maria Island and Bradenton starts … – WFLA
- Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) – Manatee County
- Bus Routes and Maps – Manatee County
- Manatee County Area Transit, Sarasota – bus Schedules, Routes & Updates – Moovit
- 5 Manatee County Transit Bus – RideSchedules
- MCAT Route Changes Coming in December – Manatee County
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