Is Anna Maria Island or Marco Island better?

Marco Island is a nearby spot popular with tourists, but Anna Maria Island will be for you if you want a more laid-back experience. You're likely to find high-rises and crowds on Marco Island, but on Anna Maria Island, beach cottages and quaint homes are all you'll see.



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With white-sand beaches, beautiful blue water, swaying sea oats, and incredible sunrises and sunsets, Florida's Anna Maria Island is one of the most scenic destinations in the state. Add to that the salt air and a plethora of waterfront restaurants serving up fresh seafood and you have a feast for all the senses.

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Most of the year, Anna Maria Island is hot and visitors can expect some degree of humidity. The best time to visit is January – March or in October because it's cooler on Anna Maria Island around then. These times of the year are also the quietest if you are looking for uncrowded beaches!

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The Gulf waters are usually warm, making for a lovely swimming experience. However, there are a couple of exceptions. The first is Bean Point, located at the extreme northern end of the island, where strong currents can make swimming dangerous.

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Anna Maria, Florida's cost of living is 6% higher than the national average.

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Whether you'd like to paint the town red or relax, Florida's Paradise Coast serves up much fun after sunset. In Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades, nightlife means sipping cocktails, drinking cold beer, listening to live music, trying your hand at poker, blackjack or slots, or dancing the night away.

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There are many restaurants and outdoor actives for everyone: golfing, boating, fishing, world class shelling, water sports and much, much more. However, it's Marco Island's sub-tropical climate, pristine white beaches, and legendary sunsets that attract vacationers from all over the world.

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Anna Maria Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Florida.

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Anna Maria Island rarely sees the same number of crowds that other touristy beaches get. There are no hotels on the island, only privately owned homes—many of which are right off of these more secluded beaches. It is a great place to rent an Airbnb for a few days.

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During winter months, average temperatures reach a high of 77 degrees and a low of 65. Here, it's completely normal to visit the beach in the middle of January for a swim. In fact, humidity is lower during winter months, so the weather is at its best!

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