Lucky for us. Today, Anna Maria Island, a twig-shaped scrap of beach and mangrove swamp near Bradenton, retains its barefoot, laid-back Old Florida charm. And it’s still little-known.

Also absent on Anna Maria are high-rise condos and chain hotels. You'll have to drive off-island for a McDonald's or Starbucks fix. "We've been all over Florida ... love the laid-back, friendly ...

Anna Maria Island is known for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a laid-back atmosphere that ... love with Anna Maria Island, Florida! Don’t forget to like ...

Photo Credit: Bradenton Area Visitors Bureau Anna Maria Island ... bus and a desire to preserve the charm of what the tourist office calls "authentic Florida." That has grown increasing elusive ...

"The northernmost of three cozy beach towns on a seven-mile-long island, Anna Maria is packed with so much old-Florida charm—from its ... dating back to 1947, is another Instagram-worthy ...

Related: Resilient Sarasota, Florida, rebounds after back-to-back hurricanes ... this was my first visit to Anna Maria Island, and I immediately understood its charms. Known for its gorgeous ...

This laid-back beach ... Trip to Florida's Sanibel Island — With Charming Inns, Beautiful Beaches, and a 190-mile Paddling Trail How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Florida's Anna Maria Island ...

Step back in time on this barrier island where strict regulations govern the type of buildings and businesses allowed. Situated between the Gulf of Mexico and Florida's main peninsula, Anna Maria ...

A week after Hurricane Helene’s storm surge swept ashore and devastated Anna Maria Island, the popular Southwest Florida tourist ... to piece Anna Maria Island back together again.

They are lured by the white-sugar cool sand, turquoise waters and Old Florida charm. Also appealing to beach-goers is that parking is free on Anna Maria Island — known by locals as just “the ...