A Complete Guide To The Beaches Of Anna Maria Island

It’s no secret that Anna Maria Island is a prime destination for those looking to have the perfect beach getaway. With miles of white sand beaches, warm and calm waters, and plenty of things to do for the whole family, it’s a place you will want to go back to year after year. 

When visiting Anna Maria Island, you may be wondering what beaches are available to visit. In this guide, we’ll go through each of the beaches on Anna Maria Island so you can decide where to have your fun in the sun! We’ll also be going over some of the best Anna Maria Island rentals so you’ll have the perfect place to stay when you want to visit the island and soak up the Florida sun. 

About Anna Maria Island

Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Anna Maria Island is one of the most frequented barrier islands by locals and visitors alike. It’s a top destination because of the several beaches, the soft sand, the calm waters, and the relaxed atmosphere that the island provides. 

Most areas of the island are walkable, so you can easily get to everything around. Many people who visit rent or bring bikes so they can explore the island quicker without needing to worry about finding parking spots, which can be limited due to the popularity of the island. 

The Beaches On Anna Maria Island

There are six main Anna Maria Island beaches to choose from for your day at the beach. You can switch between beaches each day if you choose, or you can pick one that you like the best and stick with it for your whole vacation. Whichever you choose, you will be spending time on some of the best beaches in Florida. 

anna maria island beach

Anna Maria Beach

Anna Maria Beach is the northernmost beach on the island. It reaches most of the residential areas and tends to be a quiet beach most of the time. The beach offers some of the best sunset views around. 

You can often spot dolphins from the shoreline as well as watch other wildlife roaming around. Depending on the time of year, you might even be able to see a sea turtle. 

There is some free parking available on Fern and Jacaranda Street, but it is limited so you may want to arrive early in the day to secure a spot.

Holmes Beach

Holmes Beach is one of the most popular Anna Maria Island beaches. It’s near the hub of many Holmes Beach vacation rentals, hotels, restaurants, and resorts. This is the beach you want to visit if you want a livelier beach filled with water sports rentals. 

While surfing on the Gulf Coast of Florida isn’t overly common, this is the best beach in Anna Maria Island if you want to try your hand at surfing. You can lounge all day on the white sand beaches, rent jet skis, and explore the nearby pier while you’re here. There are plenty of public access points and parking if you’re not staying in a rental within walking distance. 

You’ll find Holmes Beach between 28th Street and White Avenue. You have several public access spots and plenty of side street parking that’s free. 

Manatee Beach

Manatee Beach is a full-service beach on the island. As an Anna Maria Island public beach, you’ll have plenty of parking and facilities for you to take advantage of. It’s nestled in a great location with walking paths, restaurants, and shops nearby. 

If you didn’t bring your own beach chairs, you can rent them here as well as sporting equipment and water sports activities. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards and has a playground for kids, picnic tables, girls, and volleyball nets if you want to start a game of beach volleyball. 

To get to Manatee Beach, you’ll head to State Road 64 and Gulf Drive. While you’re here, be sure to explore the shops nearby for an ice cream cone, cold beer, or something delicious to eat. 

Bradenton Beach

Bradenton Beach runs from 25th Street North to Cortez Beach. It’s another lively beach in Anna Maria Island that sees thousands of people annually. Even though it’s a popular beach, it is a little bit quieter than Holmes Beach. It’s still many Anna Maria Island restaurants and shops for you to explore when you’re not lounging on the beach. 

This Anna Maria Island beach is famous for scuba divers and snorkelers thanks to the 1940s shipwreck right off the coast. If that’s not something you’re interested in, you can still enjoy the beach by building sandcastles, swimming, or shelling. Shelling on Anna Maria Island is an unforgettable experience, and Bradenton Beach is a great spot for it. 

Like other beaches in Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach has free parking. Even though there is free parking in a lot nearby and all the side streets, it can be limited. We recommend walking from your rental or heading to the beach early to snag one of the free parking spots. 

Plan Your Visit

Ready to visit these incredible AMI beaches for yourself? Browse our entire inventory of Anna Maria Island vacation rentals to get started on your dream getaway!

Cortez Beach

If you’re looking for another Anna Maria Island beach that has a tranquil atmosphere compared to the popular ones, Cortez Beach is the destination for you. It’s further south on the island, between 5th and 13th Streets on Gulf Drive. 

Cortez Beach has an Old Florida feel, with sand dunes and tall grass lining them. It’s the perfect beach to sit and read, take a nap, or take a stroll along the water. 

Another thing that you’ll love about Cortez Beach is all the free parking nearby. As a lesser-known spot, you shouldn’t have too much trouble getting a parking spot if you’re driving from your rental.

Coquina Beach

manatee beach anna maria island

Last but certainly not least, there’s Coquina Beach. All the beaches on Anna Maria Island are kid-friendly, but this is a popular one for families because it has a huge park that runs the length of the beach. It also has plenty of lifeguards on duty, so you can swim without worrying if someone is monitoring the water. 

Coquina Beach offers some of the best views of the ocean, including Jewfish Key and Sarasota Bay. You can do all the normal beach activities here and then some. When you’re not soaking up the sun, you can explore Coquina Baywalk. It’s a beautiful trail that runs through the mangroves on the shoreline. 

You’ll find Coquina Beach on the southern end of the island, which spans 96 acres. While the beach itself doesn’t have amenities, the park across from it does, and beachgoers are more than welcome to use it. They have bathrooms, picnic tables, grills, a playground, and pavilions that you can use while visiting Coquina Beach. 

Book Your Anna Maria Island Vacation Rental With Mike Norman Realty

If you’re getting ready to book your getaway, we have plenty of rentals in Anna Maria Island that will feel like home for however long you plan on staying. From Anna Maria Island pet-friendly rentals for when you’re traveling with a furry companion to Bradenton Beach vacation rentals, you’re sure to find the ideal accommodations for your stay.

Regardless of where in Anna Maria Island you plan on staying, we’ll help you choose the best rental that suits your group’s needs. Contact us today to book your dream Anna Maria Island rental and be one step closer to hitting the beach.