Anna Maria Island
- Lush Terrain and Exotic Animals
Florida is a major tourist destination and
more people are discovering one of its gems. Anna Maria Island, sitting
on the Gulf of Mexico offers stretches of perfect beach, outdoor sports,
wildlife and leisure and shopping amenities. The cuisine available on
the island is varied and there are some of the best restaurants and cozy
bistros. Seafood is a local specialty and diners can sample French,
Spanish, Asian and Italian food. There are also British outlets to cater
for the many British visitors who come here.
There is no shortage of things to do here for the active visitor or
those who just want to chill. Local shopping is noted for its jewelry
made by resident craftspeople and for its fine linen goods. There are
bicycles for hire to explore Anna Maria Island or different kinds of
boat. Fishing enthusiasts can charter a deep-sea boat. Bird watchers
love to come here to view the range of colourful, tropical birds.
Kayaking is popular and scuba divers are attracted to the beautifully
clear green waters. Golfers and tennis players like to come here too,
for the high standard of facilities and there are world famous golf and
tennis academies for anyone wanting to improve their game.
The area has several museums that will appeal to both adults and
children. The South Florida Museum and Aquarium has displays on the
history of settlement in the state and on the natural history and
geology of Florida. There are impressive light shows at the Planetarium
and the Aquarium is well known for its successful breeding program of
manatees. The nearby G-Wiz Science Museum is a must for families coming
to Anna Maria Island. It has interactive exhibits that teach about the
weather, electricity, robotics, magnetism, engineering and mechanics.
The natural world is proudly presented in Florida and tourists on an
Anna Maria Island vacation are in a good spot to visit the nearby
attractions. Selby Gardens are botanical gardens where orchids and flora
and fauna native to the rainforest thrive. The Jungle Gardens are
zoological gardens with a number of nature trails to take in the
tropical plants, flowers and trees. There are birds of prey, snakes and
crocodiles and other reptiles. Both these destinations give the visitor
the opportunity to learn how the Florida region got its lush terrain and
exotic animals. There is too much to see on just one vacation and many
visitors return again.