Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, and the Manatee County, Florida beaches are a glorious throwback to Old Florida, when charming little beach towns were the rule and not the delightful exception they are today. The blue-green Gulf coast beaches edge a colorful canvas of beach towels, umbrellas, lifeguards, pick-up volleyball games and cookouts. Shore-side activities include nature trails, fishing piers, and plenty of beachcombing for shells, shark teeth and sea turtle nests. Visitors can even find a spot for Spot to cool off with three dog-friendly locales. So kick off your shoes and sink your toes into one of our local favorites.
