The only place we have been in Florida is Key West. How does Ana Maria compare to Key West? The time will be one week in January for two relatively active seniors.
It was never quite warm enough to swim in January? Is it any warmer in Ana Maria Island? Any thoughts?

My sister in law and niece both live on Ana Maria Island and I have visited since 1987.

I see no similarity between it and Key West. AMI is on the gulf which means the water is very warm and calm. The beaches are flat, and the sand is fine, unlike rocky KW.

You can walk up and down the beach or take the trolley to restaurants and bars along the beach on AMI.

I like KW for what it is, but I prefer KW - unfortunately, more and more people agree and it is getting much busier and $$!

January is always "iffy" in FL...go to weather.com and check out the averages for the area.

I've always enjoyed Key West - for a few days!!

Now Anna Maria Island - that's a different story. It;'s old Florida, great beaches with sand like talcum powder. You can find another priced condo, hotel, or restaurant you'd like in the area.

If you like the arts - there's lots to be said for the area (including Sarasota with theatre, ballet, symphony).

However, we can't tell you the temperature in January - sometimes its in the high 80's and sometimes in the low 70's (or lower).
ost condos and hotels have heated pools and on occasion you can get in the gulf. Myself, I love to beach walk - it's phenomenal.

Anna Maria is a totally different experience although, in January, I wouldn't bother with a bathing suit. Great place, but way too far north till sometime in March.

In my response I wrote "I prefer KW"....not enough coffee when I responded - I actually prefer Ana Maria Island!

Agree with LN; I enjoy KW, but give me a week in Anna Maria Island. It has beautiful beaches, but I doubt you'd be able to swim there in January. Plenty of other things to do there though.

Thank you all for your very helpful comments. This is really a great site.

if you think key west is cold holmes beach is COOLER!
You can always walk on the beach and dip your feet!
But you never know it could be hot one day your hear... always pack at least one swimsuit... i would recommend going to the ringling museum and selby garden and mote marina! It's close enough! ringling prolly one day
and you can definitely do selby and mote in one day i would suggest selby in the morning and mote in the afternoon!