Everything You Need to Know About the City of Holmes Beach

As one of the most popular vacation destinations in all of Florida, Anna Maria Island is home to miles of beaches as well as many other outdoor and indoor attractions. A well-known area of Anna Maria Island is the city of Holmes Beach.

From its place in Anna Maria Island history to things to do in Holmes Beach FL, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this small and charming Old Florida town.

Where is the City of Holmes Beach?

One of three municipalities on the island, Holmes Beach is a small city located in the middle of Anna Maria Island. The other two are Anna Maria at the northern end and Bradenton Beach at the southern tip of this island. The island itself is a barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The population of this city is just over 3,000 and it is home to Manatee Public Beach.

Holmes Beach in Florida

The History of Holmes Beach

The history of the area can be traced back to the early 1500’s, when Spanish sailors first explored the island. Ponce de Leon landed on Florida’s west coast in 1591 and was said to have encountered Indian warriors and hunters who lived there. George Emerson Bean, for which Bean Point is named, was the first recorded resident of Anna Maria Island in 1892. His home was built in what is the city of Anna Maria today.

Sam and Annie Cobb came to what would become Holmes Beach in 1896 to build a homestead. The 160 acres on which they decided to build would become Holmes Beach, but not before more families began to join the Cobbs on the island to start the area’s first community.

In 1902, Sam Cobb opened the island’s first Post Office—it was operated right from the Cobb home!

Once an airstrip was built in 1948, small planes brought more visitors, future residents, and businesses. Just after World War II, a developer named John Holmes arrived and began work on a 600-acre community that was the start of what the city would become today. In fact, many of the original 200 homes built in this community still stand as Anna Maria Island rentals today.

Over the ensuing years, a doctor’s office and a dentist’s office opened and schools were established. The first shopping center was developed in 1952. In 1954, the Yacht Club Restaurant opened.

Slowly, a city was born. Holmes Beach became incorporated in 1960. Today, many of these original structures still stand, displaying Old Florida architecture and styles that fascinate thousands of visitors per year.

How to Travel Around Holmes Beach

While you may elect to have your car or get a rental for your Holmes Beach vacation, it is not a requirement for getting around the city.

There are a few ways to navigate the city. One way is to relax and let someone else do the steering: the free Anna Maria Island trolley travels from one end of the island to the other.

One main trolley stop is at Manatee Public Beach. A great thing about the trolley is that you can get on and off as often as you wish, so if you want to move about Holmes Beach but don’t wish to walk, let the trolley take you to your destination.

You can also rent a golf cart or a bicycle. These are great ways to maneuver about the city. Golf carts are a top option for traveling short distances and are easy to park. With speeds of up to 35 mph, carts can be driven on most streets in Holmes Beach.

Bikes are another wonderful way to avoid automobile traffic and get around town. They can easily be locked at one of many available spaces throughout the city streets, and there’s even a space on the trolley to store your bike when you use this mode of transportation. Plus, biking allows you to truly take in the scenery around you and  enjoy the fresh island air!

Scooter rental in Anna Maria Island, FL

Plan Your Holmes Beach Vacation

Ready to experience Holmes Beach for yourself? Browse our entire inventory of Holmes Beach rentals and beyond for your perfect vacation rental!

Things to Do in Holmes Beach

There is of course no shortage of things to do in Holmes Beach, and a huge plus is that you’re often within walking distance or a short ride to any attraction and activities from nearly any Holmes Beach rentals.

As you would expect, one of the biggest draws of Holmes Beach is Manatee Public Beach. This 7-acre beach features the signature powder-white sand of the beaches in this area features picnic tables and pavilions, grills, a playground, and a café. You can also go snorkeling, parasailing, and paddleboarding.

For shopping in Holmes Beach, Island Gallery West leads the way. Here, you’ll find paintings, photographs, jewelry, sculptures, and drawings created by local artists. It’s a great place to find a treasure of the island to bring home as a memory of your visit.

Taking 2- to 6-hour water excursions along the coast or to a wildlife refuge is another exciting activity available while staying in Holmes Beach. There are also sunset cruises, dolphin tours, and hiking through a nature preserve.

With Holmes Beach being centrally-located, you’re conveniently situated in close proximity to many of the other things to do on Anna Maria Island. Some popular activities in the area include visiting historic Bridge Street, going kayaking through the mangroves, fishing off the City Pier, and more. 

Our Anna Maria Island Vacation Rentals

Holmes beach rental

Whether you’re staying in Holmes Beach or any other area of Anna Maria Island, Mike Norman Realty has the perfect accommodations. In addition to our Holmes Beach rentals, we also have Bradenton Beach rentals, Longboat Key rentals, and many other options throughout the entire island. Most rentals have top-tier amenities such as full kitchens, laundries, indoor and outdoor living spaces, access to private and communal pools, and more. Contact our experienced and friendly agents today to find your perfect vacation home!