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A popular island destination in Florida is getting the spotlight thanks to a new list from Thrillist.
The website rounded up the 20 best beach towns in the United States, "places where those sands give way to dreamy towns, where the locals vibe with the visitors, and the food and drink become the stuff of endless summer memories."
According to writers, Anna Maria Island earned its spot on the list! Located along Florida's Gulf Coast, this community is full of eateries, shops, broad beaches, and all kinds of fun activities. Here's why it was chosen:
"The northernmost of three cozy beach towns on a seven-mile-long island, Anna Maria is packed with so much old-Florida charm—from its sun-faded architecture and ice cream shops to beachside seafood shacks—it’s essentially a 1950s time warp. Outdoor adventurers will be happy with its array of paddle boarding and kayaking tours, plus snorkeling trips to nearby spots like Passage and Egmont Keys, where you can see stingrays, manatees, sharks, and dolphins. But at the end of the day, this is a bonafide sleepy town (the speed limits seldom exceed 35mph), so be prepared to blissfully check out on its pristine, quiet white sand beaches from sunrise to spectacular sunset."
Writers also recommend things to eat and drink as well as activities you have to do before leaving. To see all that, and the full list, visit Thrillist's website.