Located just off the coast of Florida, Anna Maria Island is a picturesque barrier island that features gorgeous beaches, pristine parks, and breathtaking sunsets. The absolute best way to make the most out of your vacation on AMI is to max out your days of fun with our beautiful weather, plentiful outdoor activities and a relaxing atmosphere. It's no surprise that many travelers choose Anna Maria Island as their ideal vacation hotspot.
Our nightlife is nothing short of lively, exciting, and fun. If you’re looking for going out and about and exploring all that Anna Maria Island has to offer, you will fall head over heels for our island! The bars and pubs are the best local places to kick back, relax, listen to great music and meet new people.
Understandably, sometimes it can be difficult and rather annoying to search the web for interesting activities in an unfamiliar city, and often you find yourself disappointed with your search outcomes. To ease your mind - and stay- we're here to give you an inside look at some of the best nightlife hotspots on Anna Maria Island, and inspire you with some fresh innovative ideas beyond just visiting the beach. This quaint slice of heaven has a variety of bars and clubs that are open throughout the night. Whether you’re simply craving a tropical drink or want to dance the night away, there’s an abundance of places for you to choose from.
Consider this your local tour to Anna Maria Island’s top 5 nocturnal activities. Brace yourself. Once the sun goes down, there is a whole secret underground scene just waiting to be explored!
The Island Time Bar and Grill
In the mood for a colorful cocktail? Island Time Bar and Grill has the most wonderful atmosphere and delicious array of drinks. And we ought not to forget their mouth-watering menu that pairs heavenly with the cocktails. They’re beyond infamous for serving some of the best burgers in town with the juiciest patties, and they even offer vegetarian options. It’s quite the inclusive menu, including a wide selection of appetizers, entrees, salads and sandwiches along with a list of refreshing drinks. So eat your fill, grab a drink and dance to your heart’s content.
And did we forget to mention? Their trivia nights are insane! And don’t you dare think that it’s gonna be lame. It’s a different theme each night, and they’re mostly pop culture related. What better way to enjoy your night than with a drink in hand and either shouting out Friends trivia or listening to a live music show!
The Doctor’s Office
At first glance, you wouldn’t think this pub qualifies to be on our list of Anna Maria Island’s nightlife hotspots. But believe us when we say that it has more than earned its spot here with its cozy atmosphere, exceptional cocktails - oh and did we forget to mention - its completely original theme.
Back in the day, this pub was an actual doctor’s office - hence the name. So instead of completely refurbishing it and creating a pub with regular standard decorations, its new owners took a creative turn with this place, relying on its background to bring about its current ambiance, menu and even drinks. When stopping by, you’ll be able to spot the remnants of the old office, from the skeleton in the corner down to the unique cocktail names. Our personal favorites are their signature “PainKiller” and “Preferred Remedy”. You simply can’t miss out on the Doctor’s office. It gives a fun new twist to AMI’s nightlife.
Sharky's Sea Bar and Grill nights
Are you a beer enthusiast? Is happy hour your favorite time of the day? Are you looking for a good fun time? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, then we may have quite a lot in common. In addition to their incredible brew, you simply can’t miss out on their Shark Bite appetizers, shrimp and lobster pastas and the Chef's cut out prime rib!
Visiting Anna Maria Island, and looking to relish in the local cuisine and nighttime vibe? This is your optimal destination.
The Beach Bistro
This quaint bistro may not look like much on the outside, but once you step inside, its atmosphere alone will blow your mind. Locals boast of it being one of Anna Maria Island’s nightlife favorites, showcasing some of the best live music on the Island. Sure, they offer a wide array of delicious entrees, but believe us when we say that its clientele actually come for the drinks and live music. It’s important to note that all these factors, in addition to its welcoming and heartwarming ambiance, have earned it several awards due to its world-class dining experience.
So if you’re looking for a genuine Anna Maria Island experience, you can stop by the Beach Bistro during the day and enjoy its scrumptious dishes along with its pictorial beach view. But to truly fathom its impact on AMI’s nightlife, pass by after the sun sets to relish in its atmosphere, try out their signature drinks and dance the night away along to various cover songs performed live by local artists. You’ll never want to leave.
The Sandbar Restaurant
Take it from us, The Sandbar is your go-to spot for drinks, dinner and soulful live music every night of the week. It boasts a beach bar with a specific selection of drinks catering to both its daytime and evening clientele. And let’s not forget its renowned reputation for its exclusive fish dip with all its seafood menu dishes - all freshly caught of course! Trust us, you wouldn’t wanna miss out on this Anna Maria Island gem.
What we’re trying to say with this compiled list is that the nightlife in Anna Maria Island, Florida is full of all the ventures you could need on your beach vacation with its white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and the lively buzzing nightlife!
And an inside tip from a friendly local, if you’re looking for a place to stay when visiting Anna Maria Island, make sure to rent a vacation home by STAYAWHILE. They offer the best residences, perfect for laying back and relaxing after all the drinking and dancing! The real cherry on top of the icing!