Florida's best kept secret - Anna Maria Island

The trouble with coastline is that, as with land generally, God stopped making it a long time ago. This is why prime waterfront properties usually command premium prices over similar residences inland. Nowhere is this more of a fact of life than in Florida where tourists and retirees flock to its shores. There doesn't seem to be quite so much demand for properties in the state's interior.

 The city of St. Petersburg occupies a peninsular forming the northern side of the entrance to Tampa Bay on the Gulf of Mexico and is a prime example of the magnetic pull of the ocean. Apart from having shoreline on 3 sides, it claims to enjoy sunshine for an average of 360 days a year (yes, that only leaves 5 days for more inclement weather!). Not surprisingly nicknamed The Sunshine City, it is home to some 250,000 souls but is unlikely to grow much further since its location is effectively built out with only the inland option available for further development.

Tampa Bay Skyline

Needless to say, the area is a big draw for visitors, particularly from northern climes, looking for guaranteed sunshine by a warm sea. There are plenty of big name hotels such as Loews Don Cesar but savvy vacationers usually opt to stay on the much less developed island of Anna Maria which lies just across the mouth of the bay from -St. Pete-.

Tampa bay st. Petersborough

This 15 mile long finger of sand is connected to the mainland by 3 bridges and is often referred to as Florida's best kept secret. It has a plethora of very high quality, low rise properties available for rental and most have direct access to the water via the beach or dock.

Anna Maria Island was discovered by local indian tribes the Timucan and Caloosan American Indian tribes and then by Spanish explorers (including Hernando DeSoto) in the name of the Spanish Crown. Hernando de Soto and his crew entered the mouth of Tampa Bay north of Anna Maria in May, 1539, but passed it by to make their landfall on the mainland.

Florida Beach

The Island consists of three town communities; Anna Maria City to the north end, which houses some of the largest residential homes. Holmes beach in the centre and Bradenton Beach in the south; with its fun shops and restaurants. However with only 8000 inhabitants on the Island, it is far from being crowded.

Anna Maria Island is located on Florida's west coast, only 40 miles south of Tampa International Airport. More information on Anna Maria Island Vacation Rentals