Tampa Bay & Southwest Florida - Florida - page 917

Longboat Key ISLAND, BEACH
Once a quiet fishing village, the 12 long miles of Longboat Key are now lined with up-
scale resorts and condos. A few teeny-tiny public parking lots don't offer much access for
day-trippers. Beer Can Island (aka Greer Island), at the northern tip of Longboat, is one
of the area's prettiest beaches.
Anna Maria Island ISLAND, BEACH
The perfect antidote to party-loving Siesta Key, Anna Maria Island appears beached in a
1950s time warp, with sun-faded clapboard houses, teenagers hanging outside ice-cream
stores and a clutch of good seafood restaurants. The island is made up of three beach
towns: at the southern end is Bradenton Beach, mid-island is Holmes Beach, which is con-
sidered the hub, and at the northern tip is Anna Maria village.
The best beaches are to the south and north. Southern Coquina Beach has plenty of pa-
vilions, lifeguards and restrooms, and is backed by a stand of Australian pines through
which the Coquina Bay Walk meanders. To the north, Anna Maria Bayfront Park sits
on Tampa Bay, offering views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, a playground and re-
strooms. The latter is within walking distance of the City Pier and the center of Anna
Maria.
Siesta Sports Rentals CYCLING, KAYAKING
( 941-346-1797; www.siestasportsrentals.com ; 6551 Midnight Pass Rd; 9am-5pm)
South of Siesta Village, just south of the Stickney Point Bridge, this rental shop has bikes,
kayaks, scooters, four-person surreys, beach gear, baby equipment and more.