Anna Maria Island is one of the most beautiful of the Florida west coast keys. A key is a barrier island and there are two groups in Florida, the other one being the string that runs down from Miami to Key West. We went down to Key West a few years ago and took the small boat. We went snorkelling, exploring the waterways down through the islands, and had so much fun. However, it is not such a great vacation destination as Anna Maria Island. Anna Maria wins hands down for quality of accommodation, things to do such as golf courses, tennis, shopping, theaters, museums and exhibitions, theme parks and state parks. it is also my opinion that the beaches are superior. However Key West is worth a brief visit just to take in the Hemingway ambiance.

As you drive across one of the bridges to Anna Maria Island you just know that you are about the have the vacation of a lifetime. The intercoastal waterways span out in all directions, dotted with sailboats, dolphins and pelicans. Majestic huge motorboats chunter by taking their millionaire owners to the local restaurants or out to sea, up to nearby Tampa or up the Manatee River estuary. There is no better way to experience all of this than to look up annamaria.com and make a reservation for one of their beautiful houses with private swimming pools or direct beachfront condos.