Celebrate Easter on Anna Maria Island
Easter on Anna Maria Island is about more than egg hunts and candy. It is a way to spend the holiday with loved ones, and truly a cultural experience. Staying on Anna Maria Island during Easter means unique beachside church services, delicious brunches, community egg hunts, and so much more. If you are looking for the best way to spend Easter on Anna Maria Island, look no further.
Easter Sunday Services
Easter Sunday Service Anna Maria Island – Photo by AMI Chamber
Easter Sunrise Service at Manatee County Beach
While this may be an early service for families, it is worth it! This 6 AM beach service is non-denominational and a perfect way to be immersed in the culture of Anna Maria Island. This service is hosted by the Kiwanis Club, and typically has 1,200 – 2,000 attendees. Bring chairs and blankets to sit back and enjoy.
While there is parking for this event, the free trolley service starts at 6 AM, making it easy to get to and from without the worries of finding parking. The Anna Maria Beach Cafe also opens at 6:30 if you need a hot cup of coffee during the service. This island tradition is the perfect way to celebrate the memorable holiday.
If you are looking for a more traditional service, St. Bernard’s offers multiple services on Easter weekend. Saturday service starts at 4:00 PM, and Sunday service at 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM.
If you are in town for all of Holy Week and looking for various services, Roser Church is the place. From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, they have it covered. This is also a great option if you are looking for an online service. Check out their website for details on all of the celebrations and services happening.
Easter Brunch
After the morning festivities, be sure to stop by one of the many Easter brunches happening on Anna Maria Island! We suggest calling ahead to make a reservation since it is a holiday weekend.
This first-come, first-served brunch spot is an island favorite for a reason. Be sure to arrive early so that you can experience why it is so popular for yourself. Think lemonades, cinnamon rolls, and egg dishes all in a quirky cafe setting. With the casual atmosphere, it is the perfect place for families looking for a good bite.
This refined brunch location offers a blend of European traditions fused with coastal charm. Only available on Sundays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, it offers a variety of dishes made with fresh local ingredients, including Lobster Mac and cheese, the savory blackened mahi sandwich, and the decadent Crème Brûlée Pancakes.
Located on Bradenton Beach, this Cepererie brings a taste of France to the beach. With an array of sweet and savory crepes, freshly baked croissants, and other French-inspired breakfast and lunch options. The menu boasts 26 different dessert crepes, alongside salads, quiches, sandwiches, and appetizers.
While Zota is not located directly on Anna Maria Island, it’s just a short drive away to Longboat Key. The brunch menu includes a variety of options such as a chilled raw bar with jumbo shrimp cocktail, cold water oysters, and tuna crudo; salads like radicchio & spinach with raspberry and feta; and a chef’s carving board featuring whole grilled Faroe Island salmon and classic beef Wellington. Dessert offerings feature treats like blueberry sabayon and chocolate & banana bread pudding.
Easter Activities
Sandbar Annual Easter Hunt & Bonnet Contest – Photos by The Sandbar AMI
Each year, Anna Maria Island offers a number of Easter activities that are now a tradition. From the Sandbar Easter Egg Hunt to the Easter crafts at Pine Avenue, there is never a shortage of activities.
Sandbar Annual Easter Hunt & Bonnet Contest
One of the biggest traditions on the Island is the Easter egg hunt and bonnet contest hosted by the Sandbar. While official details for the event have not been released yet, attendees should expect festivities to start at around 9 AM. The event will have refreshments, an egg hunt, the egg roll and bonnet contest, and typically a visit from the Easter Bunny himself! If you want to jump right into the Anna Maria Island Easter experience, this is the place to start.
Trolley Ride
As always, the Trolley is a great way to spend some time while on the Island. It runs daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Operating along Gulf Drive, the trolley connects the Anna Maria City Pier at the northern end to Coquina Beach at the southern tip, with stops approximately every two to four blocks.
Easter Crafts Pine Avenue
As you stroll down Pine Avenue, watch for signs and chalkboards from the local businesses. Traditionally, a lot of them offer Easter crafts, cookie decorating, or other fun festive activities. It’s a great way to support local businesses and create a souvenir to take home!
Where To Stay
Sometimes the best way to spend Easter Sunday is by simply coming home, kicking off your shoes, and soaking in time with the people who matter most. At Island Dreams, our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals are designed to make your holiday both memorable and effortless. Whether you’re hosting a laid-back brunch, winding down after an egg hunt, or just watching the sunset together.
Book your Easter escape with Island Dreams and let us help you turn those little moments into lasting memories.
