Shell Queen here, eager to tell you about our visit to the lovely Anna Maria Island. Saturday was really a perfect beach day and a nice morning for a road trip for the King and I. We loaded up the car with our beach gear and headed about 100 miles North to Bradenton. It was a bit foggy as we were crossing the bridge to the island in the morning, but by noon the sun was shining and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky.

Unlike some of the island beaches in Southwest Florida, there was no toll to cross over into the island, and parking was free. Both nice surprises! The beach was really beautiful. Sugar white sand. A nice public area with a restaurant, gift shop and restrooms, chair and umbrella rentals and plenty of volleyball courts that filled up quickly. Very family friendly!

After we were settled in, the King made a beeline for the shore, rake in hand. The waves were rolling in, and the water was pretty chilly, but he was eager to find some keepers today. We found a few nice augers and minis, but mostly we found rocks and Venus Clams. Perhaps not the best shells on the beach today, but any day shelling is a good day.

If you are looking for a family friendly and relaxing beach, we recommend giving Anna Maria Island a visit.  We are both happy we did! A day of relaxation and sun is just what this royal couple needed.