WTR Explores · Destination spotlight

A Day on Anna Maria Island: Penny-an-Inch Kids Meals & Crystal Clear Water

By Kendra · Anna Maria Island & Bradenton Beach, Florida

Kendra and her daughter smiling in the clear green Gulf water — So clear, we could see right to the bottom.

The water was so clear, we could see right to the bottom. That’s the first thing I want you to know about Anna Maria Island. The second thing is lunch, because we found a spot where the kids ate for a penny an inch.

The vibe

Old Florida, easy and sunny. This is one of those spots where one stop turns into a whole afternoon, without driving all over the place. If you’re visiting Anna Maria Island with kids, save this one.

Where we ate: Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier

It’s right on the Bridge Street Pier in Bradenton Beach. Come by car, or arrive by boat. You can fish right off the pier, and you can rent a fishing pole and grab bait before you start, so you don’t even have to come prepared.

Then there’s the kids’ menu, which is the hook. Sunday through Thursday, kids eat for pennies: their meals are one cent per inch of your child’s height. My daughter’s entire kids meal was only 53¢. Tell me where else you’re getting a kids meal for 53 cents. I’m still not over it.

Good to know: Deals change, so check with the restaurant for current days, meals and terms before you go.

Welcome sign for the Bradenton Beach Pier with Anna Maria Oyster Bar and the pink Pier Cheer bar — The Bradenton Beach Pier: Anna Maria Oyster Bar, with the pink Pier Cheer bar next door.

After lunch: the beach

When you’re done eating and fishing, walk across Bridge Street to the Gulf beach. It’s SO close. The water was absolutely gorgeous and crystal clear when we were there.

Colorful shells lined up along an arm over clear green water — The shell haul, lined up on my arm.

Horseback riding in the water

This was the surprise of the trip: riding horses right into the water with Florida Beach Horses. We took the horses out into the shallows, and the views were unreal. My daughter made a new friend, and I did too.

Kendra on a chestnut horse standing in shallow water — Me and my chestnut buddy.

Kendra's daughter leaning down to pet a dark horse standing in shallow water — My daughter making a new friend.

Kendra and her daughter on horseback in the shallow water, arms raised — Riding horses right into the water. Yes, really.

Florida Beach Horses: they're on Palma Sola Bay in Bradenton (8400 Manatee Ave. W.) and offer guided rides in the water. Their website has the ride options, ages and how to book: floridabeachhorses.com. Rides, ages and availability change, so check with them before you go.
See Florida Beach Horses →

Also on the island

The Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar (Bradenton Beach): a little piece of Wisconsin in paradise. Packers and Badgers flags fly out front, there’s a snowmobile by the door (my daughter had to pose with it), and inside you’ll find 18 TVs, sports packages and Packers memorabilia, plus free Jell-O shots when the Packers score. If you’re a Packers or Badgers fan missing home, this one’s for you. Promos can change, so ask when you visit.

Kendra's daughter posing with a sticker-covered snowmobile under a palm tree outside the Packers bar — Wisconsin, but make it Florida.

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Good to know

Plan ahead on busy days, since popular waterfront spots fill up.
Bring sunscreen and a hat if you plan to fish or walk the pier and beach.
Confirm the penny-an-inch details and your ride details with Florida Beach Horses before you go.

Explore more on WTR

Planning a Gulf Coast day? See waterfront places on the map, or browse what’s happening this month.

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This story reflects Kendra’s own visit. Sponsored spots are always labeled. Prices, deals and hours can change.