Top Beaches of Anna Maria Island Florida | Insider Guides | (2023)

Anna Maria Beach Guide

Anna Maria Beach is located at the northern tip of the island. It is the most remote and tranquil beach. There is very little public parking as it is mostly a residential area. It also has the world famous 'Sandbar Restaurant' which has one of the best views and is a rare delight to sink your toes in the sand, while enjoying a tropical meal and watching the dolphins swimming by. A little further up the beach you will find a huge sandbar where the marine birds stop to rest. The water is crystal clear, especially in May and October.

The North shore boasts Bean Point, named after the first settler of Anna Maria Island, George Emerson Bean. Head up to Bean Point at the beach access where two streets meet, North Bay Blvd and North Shore Drive. Parking is available at The Rod n Reel Pier. Walk over, or better yet, head there by bicycle. Walking through the sandy path, your know you're going to be in for a treat. The trail is lined with tropical trees and foliage making you feel like you're in the jungle. All the while, listening to the growing call of the Gulf of Mexico. Arriving on Bean Point opens up to an incredible, expansive view of both the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. Careful of the rip currents here as the water flows quickly with the two waters meeting during changing tides. It's best to stay back from the moving water, lest you get swept out to sea and down to Davy Jones' Locker!

Best suited for snowbirds, families and residents due to it'squiet and tranquil beach

• A wild and natural beach, with protected sand dunes

• Shorebirds and Sea Turtles nest; the sand dunes are anursery for their hatchlings

• One of the most photographed area for sunsets on the island

• No lifeguard station

• Little to no parking available

• Occasionally yoga and painting classes are held on this beach

  See Also

  Complete Guide to Anna Maria Island’s Beaches

• Dogs are not allowed

• North Bay Blvd & North Shore Drive

• Gladiolus Street& North Shore Drive

• Fern Street & North Shore Drive

• North Shore Drive (between Fern Street and Newton Lane

• Cypress Avenue

• Spruce Avenue

• Coconut Avenue

• Pine Avenue

• Spring Avenue

• Maple Avenue

• Park Avenue

• Beach Avenue

• Trolley Stop at Pine Ave and Gulf Drive

ADA Disabilities Beach Access

• Sycamore Drive

• Elm Avenue

• Spring Avenue

• Gulf Front Park area between Magnolia toOak Avenue

• Jacaranda Street

• Fern Street

• Gladiolus Street

• City Hall parking lot at the corner of Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue

ADA (Disabilities) Parking

• Gulf Front Park between Magnolia to Oak Avenue

• 79th, 77th, 74th, 73rd, 72nd, 71st, 70th, 69th, 68th, 67th, 65th, 52nd, 50th, 46th, 45th, 37th, 36th, 35th, 34th, 33rd, 31st, 30th and 28thStreets

ADA (Disabilities) Parking

• 52nd Street

Manatee Beach Guide

Manatee Beach is located in the heart of the Holmes Beach right off of State Road #64 also known as Manatee Avenue as you cross the Bridge via Bradenton. This beach has a large parking area, serving the off island visitors. It stretches between 42nd Avenue and a little past 39th Street. Here you will find the restaurant called AMI Beach Cafe, which is famous for their 'All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfasts'.

There is public parking as well as ADA (Disabilities) Parking and ADA floatable beach wheelchairs, gift shop, beach rentals, picnic tables, playground and more. It's best known for the abundance of sports activities and is a favourite spot for local teens. This is the busiest beach on the island of Anna Maria.

This Anna Maria Island beach has good shelling. Head South, at low tide or after a storm to find coquinas, lightning whelks, angel wings, clams, cockles, olives, conch and more.

• Best suited for local manatee county residents andvisitorsinterested in sports activities and action

• Volleyball

• ADA Parking

• ADA Accessible

• Trolley Stop

• Cafe

• Gift Shop

• Water Fountain

• Playground

• Shaded picnic tables

• Benches

• Lifeguard station

• Changing Cabanas

• Restrooms

• Showers

• Good Shelling

• Dogs are not allowed

• 42nd Street

• 41st Street

• Manatee Ave (State Rd#64)

• 29th Street

• Trolley Stop at Manatee Ave (State Rd#64)

ADA Disabilities Beach Access

• Entrance at Manatee Ave (State Rd#64) and Gulf Drive

• ADA floatable beach wheelchairs

• Parking is accessed from the main entrance at Manatee Avenue and Gulf Drive. During the busy months the overflow can get backed up to East Bay Drive

ADA Disabilities Parking

• Entrance at Manatee Ave (Hwy #64) and Gulf Drive