Anna Maria Island is full of fun activities for the family, from tasting the best seafood in the area to checking out some unique farmer’s markets and spending time strolling down the street and waiting for the locals. However, there is one Florida vacation staple that you simply can’t miss out on the beach! There’s nothing like the first step onto the soft white sand and the first glance of the Gulf of Mexico to put you in the vacation mindset.
Even though Anna Maria Island only has seven miles of land, that’s plenty of shoreline for you and your family to take advantage of! You can easily reach all of the best beaches from our Anna Maria cottages, allowing you to spend as much time on the shore as possible. Here is our complete guide to Anna Maria Island’s beaches.
Three Beaches to Choose From
Anna Maria Island is divided into three distinct cities: the city of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach. As such, there are three main beaches that people like to visit. In the city of Anna Maria, Bayfront Park is the place to be. Manatee Public Beach is the main hangout spot in Holmes Beach, and Coquina Beach is the best place to be in Bradenton Beach.
Bayfront Park in the city of Anna Maria is the quintessential family destination. Not only will you have the stunning shoreline to take advantage of, but you can also try your hand at fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding. There’s a great grassy area to have an afternoon picnic and a huge playground to let your kids run out some energy. Also, you are just steps away from Pine Avenue and the historic Anna Maria City Pier. Amenities include restrooms, outdoor showers, grills, and picnic pavilions.
In the middle of the island, Manatee Public Beach is the destination of choice for the Holmes Beach community. It’s another great destination for families, featuring amenities like an extensive parking lot, changing cabanas, gift shop, playground, volleyball courts, picnic tables, and more. Grab lunch or a treat from the concession stand or cafe, and rest assured that your children are safe thanks to the lifeguards watching over them.
Located at the island’s southern end, Coquina Beach is one of the most pristine places on the island. Set up your blanket underneath one of the looming Australian pine trees and grab a refreshment at the Coquina Beach Cafe. There’s so much more to do here than just swimming! You can easily watch the wildlife in the water and the birds in the sky, or take to the track for a leisurely walk or a fun bike ride. When you do get into the water, you will be safe under the watchful eye of the lifeguards.
Cutting Cost
Going to the beach is a budget-friendly way to spend your time on vacation, and Anna Maria Island is a great place to cut costs. Any of the beaches can be easily reached through the free Island Trolley. Hop on and off as you please at any of the stops along the island, and since the trolley runs about every 20 minutes, there’s sure to be a ride coming soon.
Even though many of the beaches in the area have nearby concessions and restaurants, you can bring your own food to cut costs even further. Just make sure you bring a blanket or some chairs to set up your perfect picnic spot, and always clean up after yourself and your party. You can buy your groceries at the Anna Maria Island General Store or Olive Oil Outpost on the north side of the island or at Publix in the Holmes Beach area. Keep in mind that many of the beaches on the island do not allow glass containers, and consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages is forbidden on all AMI beaches.
Get Your Beach Umbrellas and Chairs Delivered!
You already probably bring enough stuff with you to the beach, so you don’t want to worry about lugging an umbrella or a whole bunch of beach chairs. Luckily, AMI Adventure Rentals can provide everything you need and more. They have a plethora of beach items from coolers and umbrellas to kayaks, paddleboards, beach wagons, and more. If you have a youngster in your group, you can also rent baby items like booster seats and Pack N Plays. If you’re looking for a way to get around the island, rent a golf cart or a bike!
Many of our top beachfront rentals on Anna Maria Island have beach chairs and umbrellas, which will save you the trouble of having to bring your own. Check out our top 5 AMI beachfront vacation rentals.
For the Adventurous Traveler
There’s certainly a time and place to do absolutely nothing on the beach, but sometimes you’re looking for more of an adrenaline rush. One of the best ways to see the island is through parasailing, where you’ll get a bird’s-eye view and an unmatched peace in the air. There are several parasailing companies along Anna Maria Island shores, and almost any of them allow any age rider to participate. You’ll be flying high into the sky and will have an unbelievable view of the land below, and when it’s time to come back to the boat, you’ll have the option to dip down into the water to cool you off on the hot Florida day.
To add a unique and exciting twist on your vacation, why not try horseback riding through the water? C Ponies is a local operation that serves the Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Sarasota, and Tampa Bay Area. They have multiple excursions ranging from 1 to 2 hours and welcome visitors ages 10 and up. All of the horses are given the utmost attention and love, and you will have the best time with your guide walking through the water and learning about the majestic horses and the incredible scenery.
Beach Sunsets
Spending all day at the beach is certainly fun, but you have to spend at least one evening watching the sunset over the water. While many of the beaches on Anna Maria Island are great for watching the sun go down, two of the most romantic locations are Bean Point Beach and Cortez Beach. You’ll have an unobstructed view of the sun dipping down under the horizon, which makes for the perfect moment to end a wonderful day with your sweetheart.
Even if you’re not on the beach, you can get a great view of the sunset from a couple of restaurants as well. The Sandbar and The BeachHouse Restaurants, located on the North and South ends of the island respectively, are both wonderful places to enjoy your dinner with a view. For something a bit more relaxed, head to Gulf Drive Tiki Cafe to enjoy the live music while you watch the sun go down.
Anna Maria Beachfront Vacation Rentals
With all the time you’re going to be spending on the shore, wouldn’t you like to be able to walk right from your rental into the water? Luckily, we have a wide selection of beachfront rentals on Anna Maria Island that are perfect for your entire family. Imagine being able to enjoy your morning coffee or evening glass of wine while looking out at the water and having the ability to step out onto the shore whenever you please. Sound like your dream vacation? Contact us today to learn more about our Anna Maria Island lodging and to start planning!
