Anna Maria island is an idyllic island escape and the pinnacle of Florida Gulf Coast island living. It’s subdued. It’s isolated. And it’s filled with splendid things to do, from the boutique shops of the northern part of the island to the beach escapes in the cities of Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach.
Looking to appreciate the Anna Maria Island beaches? Seeking some luxury vacation rentals on Anna Maria Island? The below is your guide to the beaches of this exceptional island paradise.
Beach Access Points
The entire island has multiple beach access points and a number of different beaches to explore. We start at the top and work our way south.
- Bean Point Beach: Bean Point is somewhat of an anomaly. There is no clear parking area or even clear signed postage directing you to this isolated beachside nook on the northern tip of the island. It’s as off-the-radar as it gets. Be respectful of neighbors, as there is no dedicated parking area for Bean Point.
- Palmetto Avenue Beach: Palmetto is towards the northern point of the island, and the closest to the area’s main downtown shopping. It’s a quiet escape on the gulf side. Use the address 100 Palmetto Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216 for your GPS to find it.
- Manatee Public Beach: The main beach on the island, and its
tourist heart, is at Manatee Public Beach. You can find shopping, picnic tables, beach activities, and a whole lot more on this bustling beach at the mid-point of the island.
- Coquina Beach: Coquina is in Bradenton Beach and is the main beach for the area. It has convenient parking and a small beach café stand.
These are the four main beaches on Anna Maria Island. They each have a very different set of characteristics. During your vacation, be sure to visit each one to see all sides of the island.
Where is Anna Maria Island Beach?
While there is no specific beach called Anna Maria Island Beach, there are a few main beaches around the island that are often mistakenly given this name. Bayfront Park is on the east side, and is known for its close proximity to the city pier and its family amenities. If there was one main beach, it would be considered Manatee Public Beach.
Parking at the Beaches
If finding nearby parking is a main concern, you should definitely head over to Coquina Beach. There is plenty of free parking at this location, as it boasts the largest waterfront parking lot on the island. You can also park along the road at many of the beach destinations. We also recommend parking in the downtown area and walking on over to northern beachside, especially if you’re comfortable with a bit of a walk.
Getting to the Beaches
If you don’t want to worry about parking, you can always visit the beaches using alternative transportation. We highly recommend going by bike if you are up for the adventure.
There is also a free trolley service on the island. It will carry you up and down the island during your whole vacation stay. While you may not have a stop right at the vacation rentals on Anna Maria Island, you are almost certainly within a short walk to a major pick-up point.
Where to Stay
What are some of the finest places to stay for your Anna Maria Island vacation? We are proud to provide some welcoming Anna Maria island cottages.
We offer numerous beachfront homes. Admire the water right from your balcony or patio. If you are looking for a more intimate and smaller space for two, we highly recommend our beachfront condos vacation rentals. Realize your vacation goals with a luxury condo, where you can sit on your balcony and enjoy stunning views of the gulf.
Our Anna Maria Island Resort has gulf views, luxury suites, full furnishings, pool access, and so much more in the heart of Florida’s finest island escape. Review our full listing of Anna Maria Island vacation rentals and find the one that speaks to you.
