Anna Maria Island Beaches You Need to Visit
In Florida, there are two major attractions. And we know you’re not here for Disney World. If we had to pick just one way to describe Anna Maria Island (AMI), which is just a short drive from Sarasota, we’d say “spectacular beaches.” We’re talking soft white sands that you can’t wait to sink your toes into. Picture-perfect golden beaches around our island promise fantastic shelling, glorious sunbathing, and take-your-breath-away views.
With 1,200 miles of coastline and nearly perfect weather, Florida beaches consistently receive awards. And yet, even amidst such an excellent (and competitive) company, Anna Maria Island is superlative. So, book your island condo and let’s get into it: Here are the best beaches to explore on your Anna Maria Island vacation.
Bean Point Beach
793 N Shore Dr, Anna Maria, FL
Bean Point is known as one of the quietest and most peaceful beaches on Anna Maria Island and is located right where the waters from the Gulf of Mexico meet the Tampa Bay.
Bean Point sits on the north tip of the Island, but you won’t find a parking lot or any signs to direct you there. To find Bean Point, head north on North Bay Blvd. from the Anna Maria City Pier, and you’ll find it at the intersection of North Bay Blvd and North Shore Dr.
Parking at Bean Point is limited, but can be found at either of the two beach access signs nearby. The beach access points are at the intersections of Fern St & North Shore Dr and at the corner of Gladiolus St & North Shore Dr.
Once you’ve made it to Bean Point, you’ll immediately know why it’s so special. The water is a beautiful turquoise blue, and the sand is soft to the touch. When the tide is low, you can wade through the warm waters out to the sandbar for some of the best shelling on Anna Maria Island.
If you don’t feel like getting wet, Bean Point is a beautiful, calming spot to stroll, sunbathe, or even build sand castles. Be sure to stick around for sunset at Bean Point, it’s one of the best viewing spots on the entire island.
Eat Nearby
While Bean Point Beach is one of the most peaceful and secluded spots on Anna Maria Island, you’re still just a short walk or quick bike ride from some excellent places to eat. Head south toward Pine Avenue, where you’ll find favorites like The Donut Experiment for custom donuts and fresh coffee, Ginny’s & Jane E’s for hearty breakfasts and baked goods in a quirky island café.
Bayfront Park
316 N Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL
Bayfront Park offers direct access to a stretch of sandy white beach, and the shallow waters are calm enough for families. There are several shaded picnic areas with first-come, first-served picnic tables, so bring along some lunch to make a day of it.
This popular park is not too touristy, a well-known fishing spot, and a great place to see dolphins and manatees from the beach. For an extra special end to a day at Bayfront Park, head to Rod and Reel Pier, where you can enjoy a bite to eat and spectacular views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
To get here, follow Gulf Drive North. When you arrive, you’ll see the park on the right-hand side with plenty of free parking available. There’s also a free trolley service that runs up and down the island if you’d prefer not to drive.
Eat Nearby
This spot is perfectly positioned near some great places to grab a bite after a morning on the sand or a relaxing stroll along Tampa Bay. Just down the street, The Waterfront Restaurant serves fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and coastal-inspired dishes with beautiful bay views. For something quick and casual, stop by Two Scoops for sandwiches, coffee, and ice cream—perfect for cooling off after exploring the park.
Manatee Public Beach
4000 State Road 64 and Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL
Manatee Public Beach is Anna Maria Island’s most popular beach, so make sure you set out nice and early to claim your spot on this wide, white sandy beach. Located in Holmes Beach, Manatee Beach can be accessed from 29th, 41st, or 42nd Street, and parking is available at the free parking lot located near the main beach entrance at Manatee Avenue and Gulf Drive.
Families love visiting Manatee Beach for its convenient amenities and walkable beach. You’ll find public restrooms before the beach entrance, as well as showers to wash off after a long day in the sand. The beach itself is well-maintained and very clean, and lifeguards are on duty during peak hours to give parents some peace of mind. There’s also a great picnic area with grills so you can enjoy a barbecue with friends and family.
Just beyond the sand of Manatee Beach, you’ll find gift shops, restaurants, and other amenities typical of any beach town. Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe is a popular restaurant located just steps from Manatee Beach and offers beachfront dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There’s even a full-service bar serving some of the best drinks on the island. If you need to rent any beach equipment, such as umbrellas or beach chairs, they have you covered.
Eat Nearby
Manatee Public Beach is surrounded by great spots to refuel after a morning swim, a relaxing shoreline stroll, or a scenic bike ride along the coast. Start your day with fresh-brewed coffee and breakfast at the Anna Maria Island Beach Café, located right on the sand.
For something heartier, head up the road to Skinny’s Place for classic beach burgers, or stop by The Ugly Grouper for island-inspired dishes and live music.
Cortez Beach
698 Gulf Dr. S, Bradenton Beach, FL
Cortez Beach lies south of Bradenton Beach town and is a hidden gem that is the perfect place to spend a tranquil day by the glistening Gulf Coast.
In terms of amenities and activities, it's a fantastic place for swimming and sunbathing, which are the main attractions at this quiet beach, and you won’t find the picnic areas and beach volleyball courts that are common on our other beaches.
However, there’s plenty to do if you enjoy watersports. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available to rent, or you can try kitesurfing if you happen to be there on a breezy day. Snorkeling is also a popular pursuit thanks to the calm, clear waters. Cortez Pier lies to the south of the beach and is particularly popular for kids’ activities, so check it out if you’re in AMI with your family.
There’s limited free parking available, but this tends to fill up quite quickly, so if you can, we recommend using the free trolley service instead.
Eat Nearby
Cortez Beach sits just minutes from some of the best bites on the south end of Anna Maria Island. Walk or drive over to Bridge Street for plenty of options, including Blue Marlin for fresh Gulf seafood, Bridge Street Bistro for an upscale sunset dinner, and Island Time Bar & Grill for casual eats with live music.
Craving something quick? Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier serves classics like oysters, fish tacos, and fried shrimp with unbeatable water views.
Coquina Beach
2651 Gulf Dr, Bradenton Beach, FL
Coquina Beach is perched on the southern end of the island and is the best option for a quiet beach on AMI. This flat strip of sand is lined by dunes and is an area of outstanding natural beauty. The beach is also a great choice for families with kids because there’s an adjacent playground, plenty of shade to protect delicate skin, and there are lifeguards on duty to ensure you stay safe.
This is the kind of beach where you need to bring your own entertainment because there’s not much going on down here. There is, however, plenty of space to throw a Frisbee around, and shelling is a popular pastime.
Coquina Beach is at the southernmost end of Gulf Drive, so it is very easy to find. As with many of the other beaches on this list, making use of the free trolley is the best transportation option.
Eat Nearby
When hunger strikes, Coquina Beach puts you close to some fantastic island eats. Stop by the Coquina Beach Café, perfect for grabbing a casual beachfront meal with burgers, wraps, and refreshing drinks just steps from the sand.
Sea Turtle Watching on Anna Maria Island
Sea turtles are one of the coolest wildlife sights on Anna Maria Island, and the best place to spot them is along the quiet, white-sand shoreline of the northern tip near Bean Point Beach, down through Holmes Beach, Manatee Beach, and the Bradenton Beach area, all the way to Coquina Beach on the southern end.
Many locals and visitors join guided educational talks or follow updates from Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch, which helps protect these incredible creatures. With a little care and awareness, tourists can enjoy one of the island’s most magical wildlife experiences while helping keep the beaches safe for nesting sea turtles.
Stay Near Anna Maria’s Most Beautiful Beaches
Anna Maria Island’s beautiful beaches and old Florida charm make it the perfect destination for a coastal getaway. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly destination or somewhere for you and your friends to have fun in the sun, Anna Maria Island is the perfect beach town for you.
The ideal finishing touch to a wonderful adventure exploring the beaches of Anna Maria Island is having a modern and comfortable condo rental to come home to. Choose from our beachfront vacation rentals to be steps away from some of America’s white sand beaches and the clear water of the Gulf of Mexico.
