Anna Maria Island Beaches

One of the best parts of Anna Maria Island is the beaches. This hidden gem of Florida is made up of three distinct cities, and each has a considerable amount of shoreline for you to take advantage of. The beaches can sometimes be confusing to newcomers, but this guide will help you make more sense of the cities and beaches on the island. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about the beaches when you’re staying in one of our Anna Maria vacation rentals.

About Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island contains three distinct cities: the city of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach. What often confuses guests is that there is technically no beach named after each one of the cities. Additionally, there is another city called Bradenton that is further inland, which many people get confused with Bradenton Beach. The city of Anna Maria is located at the north end of the island, Holmes Beach is in the middle, and Bradenton Beach is to the south.

Beaches in Anna Maria

The main beach in the city of Anna Maria is Anna Maria Bayfront Park. You’ll find tons of parking here and amenities for the entire family, making it the perfect place to bring your crew for a full day on the shore. There are playgrounds for your kids to explore, plenty of beach to get a tan or play some beach volleyball, and a pavilion to enjoy lunch. There a trolley right near the beach, so you don’t even have to walk there! And did we mention the trolley was free?

If you’re looking for something a bit more secluded, head to Bean Point Beach. You’ll be able to see where the Gulf meets the bay, making for an incredible photo op or the perfect place for a romantic picnic. There’s limited parking on the street, and there are no available bathrooms, so be sure to prepare ahead of time. If you choose Bean Point Beach, keep in mind that swimming is not recommended due to the high risk of strong currents and riptides.

Beaches in Holmes Beach

Since Holmes Beach is in the middle of the island, it is home to fewer beaches than its counterparts. However, you still don’t want to miss out on the incredibly popular Manatee County Public Beach. You will find many of the same amenities that are available at Anna Maria Bayfront Park. These include a convenient bus stop, plenty of open space, and room to play beach sports. In case you want something to eat, or you forget any of your equipment, there is a concession stand and gift shop at the beach. Manatee County Public Beach is also equipped with lifeguards on duty to ensure that you and your family will always be safe.

Beaches in Bradenton Beach

In Bradenton Beach, head to Coquina Beach for all of your amenities with few crowds. Bradenton Beach has tons of great amenities like restrooms, playgrounds, pavilions, a bus stop, and lifeguards on duty. There’s also a gift shop and concession stand and an excellent trail for hiking or biking. There are also tons of great shelling opportunities here!

Cortez Beach runs from the North Pier to the South Pier and is popular for fishermen. You won’t find any restrooms here, and you’ll have to park on the road, but it’s definitely worth it once you make it to one of the three piers. You can either try your hand at catching a fish for yourself or simply watch the waves go by while others fish around you. There are plenty of shade trees to sit under and enjoy a picnic lunch.

Insider tips

Anna Maria Island has strictly enforced parking ordinances, so be sure to only park your car in a designated area. Keep an eye out for pedestrians, especially on Gulf Drive. If you’re concerned, use the free island trolley to reach almost any of these beaches. Another big concern is turtles, as turtle season runs from May until October. Some areas may be restricted during these months, and you should be sure to take special precautions if you happen upon a group of turtles.