7.5-mile long Anna Maria Island is home to a trio of family-oriented beach communities – Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, and Anna Maria. There are 4 county-run, gulf facing beach parks (Anna Maria Bayfront Park, Coquina, Cortez, and Manatee), all with rest rooms, picnic areas, and free parking. There is also small beach along Palma Sola Causeway. Two bridges – Cortez at SR 684 and the Palma Sola Causeway at SR 64 – connect Anna Maria island to the mainland city of Bradenton. The beachfront is fairly consistent, with powdery white sand backed by anchoring vegetation, including tree breaks, that runs the length of the island. One of the most popular dining places, Café on the Beach, located at Manatee Beach. (you can take advantage of all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast special). The best beachfront cuisine is at the Beach Bistro , , winner of a Golden Spoon award as one of Florida’s top place for dining and is said to have "the best food on the Gulf Coast" (very expensive, though). Another unique waterfront setting for lunch is Anna Maria Oyster Bar at 100 Bay Boulevard South. Located at the end of 750-foot Anna Maria City Pier, just south of Anna Maria Bayfront Park, it offers great seafood. Visitors also enjoy an extraordinary view of Tampa Bay, including Egmont Key and the Skyway bridge on the horizon.