Going from Raleigh to Anna Maria Island just got easier

on Sep 18, 2026

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If Anna Maria Island is on your must-see destination list and you’re coming from Raleigh, the trip just got a whole lot easier. As of September 9, 2026, you can fly nonstop from Raleigh to Sarasota, FL, which is just a short drive from one of the most beautiful islands on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Orange sunset over calm water with the sun near the horizon, silhouetted land and trees in the background, and scattered clouds in the sky.

Hosted media stay courtesy of The Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

You can reach Bradenton on the mainland and Anna Maria Island by car, and once you’re there, you might not want to leave. Offering a variety of art, entertainment, scenery, and great food, this Florida hotspot has earned its popularity and then some.

A nonstop flight from Raleigh to Sarasota is about 2 hours and the drive to Anna Maria Island is just under 45 minutes. In about the same time it takes to drive from Raleigh to the Outer Banks, you could be enjoying a glorious Florida sunset. Say less.

Where to Stay – Anna Maria Island

The majority of lodging options on the island are private rentals (think VRBO or AirBnb), but if you’re looking for a hotel stay, you have options. I was hosted at the Compass Hotel by Margaritaville on the sound side of the bridge, and while I couldn’t walk right out my door and onto the sand, that was its only drawback.

Hotel room with a large bed, red pillow that says “WANDERER,” red chair, window with ocean view, and a beach aerial photo above the headboard.

The hotel is bright and clean, with a great pool, free breakfast, and a fun lobby bar with happy hour. Outside next to the pool deck is the separately owned Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar, serving food, great drinks, views, and live music with a tiki vibe.

A hand holds a white mug in front of a poolside scene with palm trees, blue sky, and lounge chairs near the water.

Sunset over a calm body of water with scattered clouds; a thatched roof is partially visible in the upper left corner.

My room overlooked the marina and had the most incredible sunset views. The Neal Preserve wetland habitat is also right across the street, so you can start your days with a nice walk and wildlife spotting.

The drive over the bridge from the hotel to free beach parking took me less than 10 minutes. Adding a beach shuttle would be a fantastic enhancement to this property, especially for those who want to spend an evening out without worrying about driving back late at night.

Things to do – Bradenton and Anna Maria Island

There is no shortage of activities in both Bradenton and on Anna Maria Island. On the mainland, spend a day wandering downtown Bradenton, where you can enjoy marina views and boutique shopping.

Outdoor shopping area with clothing racks, a chalkboard sign, and an open boutique door displaying shirts and dresses. Festive garland decorates the entry.

Then walk a couple of blocks to the Herrig Center of the Arts and browse a free curated art collection, which is a must-see if you ask me, and such a welcome break from the heat.

A modern art gallery with white walls, various colorful paintings, sculptures, and woven art displayed throughout the well-lit, polished space.

Art gallery with colorful paintings on white walls and a mixed-media sculpture displayed on a white pedestal in the foreground.

Artworks of varying styles and colors hang on a white gallery wall above a polished concrete floor.

On Anna Maria Island, spend a day at Holmes Beach in the powder-white sand and enjoy the gentle Gulf waves under the sun. Splurge on a beach umbrella setup from Beach Suites AMI, complete with chairs, games, a cooler full of ice, and even a Bluetooth speaker and battery bank for your phone.

Two blue beach chairs and a striped umbrella face the ocean on white sand, with a bucket and cooler nearby under a bright blue sky.

Spend another day strolling around and shopping at either end of the island. Choose between Pine Avenue and Bridge Street, or try both for the full experience. Parking is free at Holmes Beach, and a free trolley runs the length of the island, making it easy to get around.

A person walks on a wooden pier toward a tall observation tower with a clock, surrounded by palm trees and water under a partly cloudy sky.

Stacked wooden lobster traps with colorful buoys hanging on the side, set outdoors on a cloudy day with a brick walkway in front.

I also highly recommend taking a mixology class at Gulf Coast Bartender Co. These small-group classes are so fun and educational.

This mixology social club is run by a bartender who also owns Pink Coney Club, a hot dog joint by day that transforms into a cocktail class by night. It is so much fun. Everyone was friends by the end of the experience and I made my very first espresso martini! Yes, it was as delicious as it looks.

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A boardwalk with a storefront, window art of a blue van under palm trees, and a sign reading “Gulf Coast Barter Co” hanging above the walkway.

A frothy cocktail garnished with three coffee beans sits on a bar counter next to an orange, a small menu, and bar tools under a “Mixology Social” sign.

Where to Eat – Bradenton and Anna Maria Island

But what about the food? I’m happy to report you will not return home hungry. I had a variety of delicious meals from casual to upscale and enjoyed them all.

Taverna Toscana

Italian might not be your first thought when choosing a restaurant on the Florida coast, but don’t let that keep you from Taverna Toscana. This downtown Bradenton restaurant did not come to play.

Every dish, from the bread to the gelato, was mouthwateringly good. And I dare say, the French onion soup is the best I have had anywhere.

The Porch

Dinner at The Porch was cozy and inviting. This cottage-turned-restaurant is quite the hotspot. I ordered the grouper special with sides and I left so full. One of my favorite things to do while I travel is try the local beer. Extra points from me for offering local beer on draft.

A plate with grilled fish, mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and edible flowers, served with a glass of water and a glass of beer on a wooden table.

Grub Tropical BBQ

Having lived in North Carolina for nearly 30 years, I have had my fair share of barbecue. With that said, I can safely give Grub Tropical BBQ two thumbs up. The flavors were great, the meat was tender, and the fries were perfect.

Interior of a casual restaurant with turquoise bar stools, wooden tables, a soda fountain, and neon signs on the wall. Shelves display various decor items and kitchen equipment.

A plate with two glazed ribs, a serving of seasoned French fries in a bowl, a slice of cornbread, and plastic cutlery on the side.

A plate with shredded barbecue chicken, French fries, a piece of cornbread, and black plastic cutlery on a white tray.

The Sandbar

Talk about lunch with a view! The Sandbar is right on the beach and it was so pleasant, sitting outside with my cocktail and devouring my meal. I’m pretty sure I left no crumbs here. I even saw a wedding taking place in the distance, which was such a beautiful expression of love.

A tray with yellow tortilla chips and a small dish of baked cheese spinach dip, partially scooped, with a metal spoon.

A cold drink with a straw and lime sits on a wooden surface. The background shows a sandy beach, blue ocean, umbrellas, and a partly cloudy sky.

Tide Tables

Tide Tables is on the mainland and it’s a local favorite. This is the place you want to go for fried hushpuppies, conch fritters, and some darn good key lime cheesecake. Trust me on this one. The grouper sandwich is also popular, but I’ll have to try that one next time.

Outdoor seafood restaurant with a colorful “Local Seafood: Where the Natives Eat” sign, seating area, umbrellas, and various posted rules and seating policies.

Two baskets of fried seafood and hush puppies with lemon wedges and dipping sauces, served on parchment paper in red plastic baskets on a wooden surface.

A slice of pie with a graham cracker crust is served on a plate, topped and surrounded by several dollops of whipped cream.

The Doctor’s Office

The most unique experience award goes to my evening at The Doctor’s Office. I loved this place from the moment I arrived. Not only is it in an old doctor’s office building, but they also carry the theme through the whole restaurant, menus, and even a hidden speakeasy (more on that later).

My meal here was incredible. From the Lobstercargots appetizer to the perfect crab cakes, this was such a delicious evening. Spend time reading the drink menu too; it’s as entertaining as it is tasty.

White building labeled “The Doctors Office” with a large “Cocktails” sign on the roof, a chalkboard sign by the door, and two cars parked in front.

Three pieces of toasted bread are placed on a dish with baked escargot in compartments filled with herb butter.

A tall glass of a fizzy drink sits on a table next to a cocktail menu titled “The Clinical Trials,” with a bouquet of red and yellow roses and candles in the background.

The Doctor’s Study

Ask your server if there is room in the Doctor’s Study after your meal. It’s a speakeasy-style bar with low lights and a chilled-out environment that invites you to stay a while.

I decided to try a mocktail here and it was every bit as wonderful as my earlier cocktail. I’ll never say no to a speakeasy!

A wooden bookshelf filled with books partially opens to reveal itself as a hidden door in a wall.

A dimly lit lounge with people sitting on sofas and chairs, chatting and using phones. A floral image is displayed on a screen, and artwork hangs on the wall.

A tall glass of red berry cocktail with ice, mint, raspberries, and an orange flower garnish sits on a dark table next to a gold lamp.

Now that Raleigh has easy access to Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, I see more visits in my future, either alone, with friends, or with my family. Florida, what can I say? You’ve done it again.