Guest Hook Travel Guides Anna Maria Insider Guide | Page 12

TERRY & SANDY'S DAY TRIP IDEAS...

1

The Legendary Theme Parks...
If you're not in Florida for the beaches, you're likely here for the
amusement parks. The world's most famous park, Disney World, is 90
minutes away from Anna Maria Island; Busch Gardens is 60 minutes
away. A day trip to the Florida mainland makes for a best-of-it-all
vacation with beach-front relaxation and theme park adventure.
Disney Website | Map

2

Busch Gardens Website | Map

Robinson Preserve...
Tucked into the corner of northwest Bradenton, just a few minutes
outside of Anna Maria Island, this is 487 acres of coastal saltine, marsh,
and mangrove habitats. Bring your birding guides and binoculars—
these complex ecosystems attract rare birds like roseate spoonbills,
wood storks, white pelicans, bald eagles, and least terns. Climb the
40-foot observation tower for sweeping views.
Website | Map

3

Fishing Charters...
When it comes to fishing charters, Terry says there's only one
company you should contact: Stray Dogs Fishing Charters. Captain
Scott has 35 years' experience guiding offshore fishing trips out of
the docks at the Cortez Fishing Village. In that time, he's developed
a word-of-mouth reputation for consistent, quality catches, making
him one of the most popular fishing charter guides on the island.
Website | Map

Or a less intense half-day trip...
Golf Courses...

McKechnie Field...

Scuba Diving...

Like almost everywhere in Florida,
there are many good golf courses
to play on Anna Maria Island, and
it can be hard to pick the right
ones. Terry highly recommends
the Sarasota Golfer's Guide and
several area courses, including
Legacy Golf Club, Riverstrand
Golf, Rosedale Golf & Country
Club, Waterlefe Golf & River Club,
and Stoneybrook Golf Club.

Located just 20 minutes from
Anna Maria Island, McKechnie
Field is home to the Pittsburgh
Pirates' spring training facility and
Grape Fruit League. Renovations
to the field's Spanish architecture
include
upgraded
grounds,
concession stands, kiosks and
improved sight-lines, all while
maintaining the classic feel of an
American ballpark.

The Regina Sugar Barge, which
sank in a 1940s just off Bradenton
Beach, is the perfect location for
a shore dive. Although the wreck
has deteriorated it's still a great
dive. The site is sunk in 20 feet of
water about 75 yards off the coast.
The site is just north of Cortez
Road, one of three access points
to Anna Maria Island. Look out for
the buoys marking the site.