Florida island with sugar-white sand beaches makes world’s top 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024

ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fla. — The sound of rolling waves nestles softly onto the sugar-white sand beaches. The water is turquoise and a consistent 80 degrees. A flock of pelicans fly by, low to the beach in V formation.

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This is not some faraway island in the South Pacific. It’s Anna Maria Island in Manatee County, Florida, about a four-hour drive from Jacksonville.

The island at the entrance to Tampa Bay was voted one of 50 top locations to visit by Travel + Leisure. More than 20 staffers created a list of where travelers should pack their bags and venture to in 2024.

According to the travel magazine for Best Beach Vibes, “Anna Maria Island is a place where most people tool around by gold cart or beach cruiser, and almost all the sherbet-hued clapboard homes are vacation rentals.”

You won’t find high-rise condos or hotels at this beachside paradise. There are no corporate restaurants or outlet malls. This is a destination defined by mom-and-pop storefronts and funky to elegant eateries.

Outdoor activities including fishing, boat tours, water sport rentals, and horseback riding can all be booked prior to arriving.

Visit Florida has listed the island as home to three cities: Anna Maria on the north end, Holmes Beach toward the middle, and Bradenton Beach to the south, which all offer unique places to shop, eat, and stay.

If you’re looking for a mellow, laid-back, secluded destination out of the way from the hustle and bustle Anna Maria Island should be on your immediate vacation list.

Below pictures and video from Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce.

Drive to paradise Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce said, "heading out this way... you know exactly what's next." (Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce)

End of the road This old railroad track ends right into the Gulf of Mexico in Anna Maria Island. (Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce)

Right near the beach Where one beach ends another begins. (Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce)

One of Florida's best sunsets Florida is known for its beautiful sunsets and Anna Maria Island doesn't disappoint. (taisamiranda_/Anna Maria Chamber of Commerce/Facebook)

Shinning light Another beautiful sunset making it's way past the Gulf of Mexico in Anna Maria Island. (deejaykutz/Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce)

'Pelicans fly, come on, pelicans' Anna Maria Island is known for it's beautiful array of birds from all over.

Long walks Take a long walk over the ocean on this Anna Maria Beach pier. Fishing welcomed of course. (The Center of Anna Maria Island/Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce)

Slack line Fishing is a year round sport at Anna Maria Island. (Anna Maria Chamber of Commerce/Facebook)

Beauty all around Anna Maria Island is surrounded by the tranquil ocean of the Gulf. (Anna Maria Chamber of Commerce/Facebook)

Fire sky One of many Anna Maria Island's fire sunsets with distinctive orange hues. (Flickr)

From beach to beach Another view of Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island. (Flickr)

Take me there Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island is one of the many beaches to explore on the island. (Picasa/Flickr)

Sugar-sand One of the many views to see from beachside at Anna Maria Island. (Flickr)

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