This post will cover the very best beaches on Anna Maria Island! AMI as it’s sometimes referred to, is an island paradise about 45 minutes south of St. Petersburg and 35 minutes northwest of Sarasota.
Laid-back vibes, oceanfront restaurants, activities on the water, and shopping is what the island is all about. And let’s not forget about the beaches!
Anna Maria Island is only 7 miles long and 2 miles wide, but is filled with some of the most stunning beaches on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
It’s not uncommon to see marine life such as dolphins and manatees close to the shores when you’re on these Gulf beaches!
Each of the 3 cities on the island, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, and Anna Maria, has its share of wide, sandy, white beaches and clear blue waters.
Here are 6 of the best beaches on Anna Maria Island, Florida to check out!
Table of Contents
Best Beaches On
Anna Maria Island-
City Of Bradenton Beach
1. Cortez Beach
Cortez Beach is a nice, family-friendly beach on the southern end of Anna Maria Island.
Walk over the wooden boardwalk past the sand dunes and to the pristine, white beach overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
There is a fishing pier and they have lifeguards here for most of the day.
While my son and I were at the beach, there were warnings for riptides so be cautious when swimming in the water.
The beach has a hiking trail, and benches to relax on, and you can bring some lunch to have in their picnic area.
The beach is open from 6 am-midnight.
Cortez Beach Amenities
√ Benches
√ Bike Racks
√ Multi-Purpose Trail
√ Picnic Tables
√ Recycle Containers/Trash Receptacles
√ Restrooms
√ Water Fountains
Cortez Beach Things To Do Nearby
Once you’re done at the beach, check out nearby Bridge Street with plenty of shops, restaurants, and the Bradenton Beach Pier.
Recommended Rental Nearby-
Cortez Beach
1506 Gulf Drive S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
Phone 941-742-5923
2. Coquina Beach
Just a little further south of Cortez Beach is Coquina Beach.
This is one of the most popular beaches on Anna Maria Island and for good reason!
There is the beach, walking, and biking trails, a gift shop, grills, picnic tables, and pavilions.
Coquina Beach has a cafe right on the beach where you can eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
The beach has a sand volleyball court and there are game tables here, as well.
With all its amenities, Coquina Beach is one you can spend the whole day at!
Park hours here are the same as Cortez Beach, 6 am-midnight.
Coquina Beach Amenities
√ Benches
√ Bike Racks
√ Changing Cabanas
√ Cafe
√ Gift Shop
√ Games Tables
√ Grills
√ Multi-Purpose Trails
√ Pavilions
√ Picnic Tables
√ Playgrounds
√ Recycle Containers/Trash Receptacles
√ Restrooms
√ RV Parking
√ Showers
√ Trolley Stop
√ Volleyball
√ Water Fountains
Coquina Beach Things To Do Nearby
If you need a break from the beaches while on Anna Maria Island, Leffis Key is a beautiful nature preserve right across the street, with lots to do.
Leffis Key has plenty of trails, scenic overlooks, and nature to enjoy.
This preserve is open from 6 am- 9 pm.
Take a walk through the Leffis Key Preserve.
3. Bradenton Beach
Bradenton Beach is the city on the southern end of Anna Maria Island and there are many different access points to hit the beach while here!
My son and I stayed at Tropic Isle Resort which is on the northern part of Bradenton Beach, close to the center of the island.
Right across the street from the hotel is an access area to a beautiful stretch of beach.
There are other hotels in this area that have access to the beach, too.
Another spot with a wonderful section of beach is at the Kokonut Hut restaurant and cafe, which is just a little south of where we stayed, in Bradenton Beach.
We had some breakfast at the Kokonut Hut and spent some time at the beach after.
Bradenton Beach Things To Do Nearby
Have dinner with a view at Kokonut Hut or Gulf Drive Cafe!
Recommended Rental Nearby–
Bradenton Beach
Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
Best Beaches On
Anna Maria Island-
City Of Holmes Beach
4. Manatee Beach
Manatee Beach is one of the most well-known beaches on Anna Maria Island!
The beach has the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, where you can get all-you-can-eat pancakes.
The cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are lots of other options for food here, too.
Or bring your own food to grill or have a picnic in their large picnic area.
You can also get some Island Ice Cream or have some drinks at the Bamboo Beach Tiki Bar.
When you’re not relaxing or playing in the clear, blue waters, you can play some sand volleyball on their courts.
There’s even a playground for the kids to play at.
This is a great place to catch a sunset and there’s oftentimes entertainment and live music as well.
🕰️ Park hours are from sunrise to 10 pm.
Manatee Public Beach Amenities
√ Benches
√ Bike Racks
√ Changing Cabanas
√ Cafe
√ Gift Shop
√ Grills
√ Picnic Tables
√ Playground
√ Recycle Containers/Trash Receptacles
√ Restrooms
√ Showers
√ Trolley Stop
√ Volleyball
√ Water Fountains
Manatee Beach Things To Do Nearby
After a day of fun in the sun, check out the shops and restaurants of The Island Shopping Center.
Recommended Rental Nearby-
🏩 Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club
Manatee Public Beach
4000 State Road 64 and Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
Phone 941-742-5923
Best Beaches On
Anna Maria Island!
City Of Anna Maria
5. Bayfront Park
Bayfront Park is a perfect place to take the family when in Anna Maria Island.
The park sits between the Anna Maria City Pier and the Rod & Reel Pier, on the northern end of the island.
This area has a playground, grills, sheltered picnic areas, and parking.
There is a nice beach area here with views of the large Sunshine Skyway Bridge in the distance.
🕰️ Park hours are 6 am- 10 pm.
Bayfront Park Amenities
√ Bike Racks
√ Grills
√ Pavilions
√ Picnic Tables
√ Playgrounds
√ Recycle Containers/Trash Receptacles
√ Restrooms
√ Shower Tower
√ Water Fountain
Bayfront Park Things To Do Nearby
Bayfront Park is about a half-mile north of the Anna Maria City Pier.
Visit the recently rebuilt pier and scope out its gift and bait shop at the end of the pier or even try your luck fishing.
Admission to the Anna Maria City Pier is free and the hours are 7 am-10 pm.
There is also a restaurant at the end of the pier and several seafood and waterfront restaurants nearby.
Recommended Rental Nearby–
6. Bean Point
Bean Point is a secluded, wide stretch of beach on the far northern tip of Anna Maria Island.
If you’re looking to get away from the busy beaches and beach crowds while on Anna Maria Island, this spot is the perfect getaway!
There are no lifeguards, concessions, or amenities here, just the serene and peaceful beach.
The beach has lots of sand dunes and some spectacular views of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
Bean Point doesn’t have a parking lot but there is limited parking on a lot of the streets in the area nearby.
Parking will fill up quickly here so come early.
There are several public entrances to Bean Point on the northern tip of the island. You just have to walk a little way.
Bean Point Things To Do Nearby
While in the area, check out the Rod & Reel Pier, where you can go fishing off the pier or get some great food right on the water!
The Rod & Reel Pier is just a few minute’s walk from Bean Point.
Recommended Rental Nearby–
Bean Point
Anna Maria, FL 34216
Anna Maria Island Beaches- Frequently Asked Questions
Does Anna Maria Island Have A Public Beach?
Cortez Beach, Coquina Beach, Manatee Beach, and Bayfront Park are all public beaches on Anna Maria Island, with plenty of amenities.
The beaches on Anna Maria Island are family and kid-friendly. Bean Point just doesn’t have any amenities.
Can You Swim On The Beaches Of Anna Maria Island?
In my experience, the Gulf Beaches are usually a bit calmer than the beaches on the Atlantic side.
The Anna Maria Island beaches are good for swimming.
But as always, swim with caution and look for the beach warning flags before going out to give you an idea if it’s safe or not.
What Part Of Anna Maria Island Is Best?
I’ve always stayed in Bradenton Beach on the southern end of the island, so I’m a little biased when I say that it’s the best part of Anna Maria Island.
However, I do feel that area is the best! With Cortez and Coquina Beach on the southern end, as well as Leffis Key and the Bradenton Beach Pier, Bradenton Beach is, in my opinion, the best part of Anna Maria Island.
The northern end of the island, with Bean Point and the Anna Maria City Pier, is really beautiful, too.
Most of the beaches on Anna Maria Island have parking lots but there is limited parking or street parking at to some of the beaches.
An awesome thing about Anna Maria Island is that the beaches and parking on the island are free.
We came here in early April and parking wasn’t an issue while here.
Spots do fill up fast, though, especially in the summer, so come early!
Many visitors rent golf carts or travel around the island on one of the free shuttles or the monkey bus!
The shuttles will take you to several points on Anna Maria Island and will stop at most of the beaches.
There may be some spots, especially on the northern end of the island where you have to walk a little ways to get to the beach from the stop.
Final Thoughts:
6 Best Beaches On
Anna Maria Island!
If you’re looking for more fun things to do in Anna Maria Island, check out this post!
Booking a last-minute trip to Anna Maria Island?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended tours and hotels!
Top Tours in Anna Maria Island
Boat Excursion To Capri Island – (Small Group Boat Tour From Sorrento)
Parasailing Adventure – (Above Bradenton Beach & Anna Maria Island)
Private Fishing Trip With Sight Seeing – (Half Day Tour Around Anna Maria Island)
Top Hotels & Accommodations in Anna Maria Island
Playa Esmeralda Boutique Inn – (Top Rated Accommodation In Bradenton Beach)
Bungalow Beach Resort – (Beachfront Property In Bradenton Beach)
Captain’s Quarters At Anna Maria Island – (High Rated Villa With Private Pool)
Anna Maria Island Inn – (Aparthotel Nearby Beach)
Looking To Get Around In Anna Maria Island?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗
Always On The Shore contains affiliate links and if you make a purchase, we make a small commission at no cost to you.
For more information, please read the disclaimer page.
