By VISIT FLORIDA staff

Shopping, fine dining, cultural activities and beaches near Sarasota.

Holmes Beach, the largest of Anna Maria Island's three municipalities, is located between the towns of Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria.

The community hosts many of the island's fine dining establishments, lodgings and shopping centers to delight your palette and soothe your soul. With tasty international cuisine prepared by chefs recognized locally and internationally, meals range from elegant to affordable, and always include a free view of one of Florida's famous Gulf sunsets.

Water-based activities abound - swimming, jet skiing, sailing, parasailing, or fishing can easily be a part of a day's itinerary and boat rentals are readily available to fit a variety of watercraft desires. The landlubber might choose a scenic picnic on either the bay or Gulf side of the island, a leisurely bicycle ride, a trolley trip to nearby St. Armand's Circle in Sarasota, or simply a barefoot walk in the powdery white sand along the shore. The cultural and recreational offerings of Bradenton and Sarasota await just across the bay, while the attractions of St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Orlando are all a short drive away.