The Beach Guide
Our favourite?
Located at the northern tip of the Island, Bean Point is where the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico meet the Tampa Bay. Sunset aside this is generally the quietest beach due to the lack of public parking and facilities.
— Bean Point, Anna Maria Island
Planning where to park?
Parking rules and options differ by beach and city. Check the parking guide before heading out, and follow posted signs when you arrive.
Explore the Anna Maria Island parking guideAnna Maria Island is blessed with 7 glorious miles of beach to the West of the Island, all of which is equally stunning and accessible to the public. The East side of the island (to the estuary) is largely populated with houses and less accessible.
Those 7 miles are split into distinct areas from North to South; Bean Point, Holmes Beach, Manatee Public Beach, Bradenton Beach, and Coquina Beach. With so many options, which to choose?
Travelling with Children? Located centrally on the island, Manatee Public Beach features active lifeguard towers, nearby parking and casual waterfront dining.
Warning! Take note of the rip tide warnings. The rip tides are real. If caught in one, try to swim parallel to the shore to move out of the current.
Anna Maria Island beaches
Bean Point
Northernmost tip
Secluded, shell-rich. No dedicated parking lot — walk or bike. Best for shells, solitude, and dramatic sunsets.
Bean Point feels like the island's best-kept secret. It's a bit of a trek with no facilities, but the reward is empty sand, world-class shelling, and sunsets where the Gulf meets the bay.
Bay Front
North End Bay Side
Historic 700-foot pier. Fishing, dolphin watching, iconic views. Rebuilt after Hurricane Irma. Small bait shop and snack bar at the end.
Strolling out over the bay at golden hour is pure Old Florida magic. Great for fishing and almost-guaranteed dolphin sightings, with a snack bar waiting at the end.
Manatee Public Beach
Holmes Beach
Lifeguards, nearby parking, restrooms, volleyball, food truck area. A convenient family-friendly beach on the island.
The island's most convenient beach day — lifeguards, real restrooms, shade, and a café right on the sand. It gets busy, but for families it's tough to beat.
Holmes Beach
Central Island
Quiet residential stretch between the main public beaches. Limited public access points. Peaceful, local vibe.
A calm, residential stretch where you can actually find a quiet patch of sand. The limited access keeps crowds away — perfect for a low-key swim or a long walk.
Coquina Beach
Bradenton Beach (South)
Wide, beautiful, volleyball, pavilion, showers, large parking area. Great for groups and picnics under the Australian pines.
Wide, shady, and well-equipped, with towering pines for picnics and nearby parking. A laid-back spot for big groups and lazy afternoons.
Cortez Beach
Bradenton Beach (Near Bridge St)
Quiet end of Bradenton Beach near Bridge Street. Laid-back, local favorite with three old wooden piers breaking the surf.
A mellow local favorite with old wooden groins that draw surfers and photographers. Less polished than the big beaches — and that's exactly the charm.
Essential Beach Tips
Bring Shade
There is almost no natural shade on the Gulf beaches. An umbrella or beach tent is essential for a full day in the sun.
Water Shoes
The sand is famously soft and white (mostly quartz), which keeps it cool, but water shoes are nice for shell-heavy areas.
No Alcohol
Alcohol is strictly prohibited on all public beaches on Anna Maria Island. Local police patrol regularly.
Dog Rules
Dogs are allowed leashed at most beaches ONLY before 9:00 AM and after 5:00 PM. Clean up after your pets.
Leave the Shore Ready for Tonight
Take every chair, umbrella, toy, and piece of trash with you. Fill holes and flatten sandcastles before sunset so people and nesting wildlife have a clear path.