Anna Maria Island is not a massive metropolis. You can typically find exactly what you need, where you need it, within a modest drive, quick walk, or long bike ride. With that said, getting around the island can sometimes be a little tricky.
Between the many attractions tucked away in peculiar places, the two-lane roads, and the assortment of beach areas, navigating Anna Maria Island is easy. Below is a guide to getting the most out of getting around.
Getting Around Anna Maria Island
Firstly, you need to know the main transportation options you have available. There are four main and convenient ways to traverse the island:
Car: Just about the entire island can be navigated by road. Gulf Drive is your main artery across the island. The road is centrally located, two-laned, and easily accessible. You may find congestion around the main areas of Manatee Public Beach or Coquina Beach and on many days of the week when the activity is bustling.
Bike: There are countless areas for bike rentals. Bike riding is a big part of the local culture. If you don’t expect to be leaving the island very often, if at all, going about by bike comes highly recommended.
Trolley: There is an Anna Maria free trolley service that runs almost the whole length of the island, from the City of Anna Maria and south to Bradenton Beach. Though the trolley doesn’t run 24/7, it is an effective way to navigate top beach locales and attractions.
Golf Cart: The city has encouraged renting golf carts on Anna Maria. They are comparatively affordable, and services offer drop-off to your rental. If your property doesn’t already have one!
You could certainly navigate by taxi, as Uber and Lyft are in the area. If you want to go a little crazy, you can even rent a Segway and cruise along the beach in style!
Anna Maria Beach Access
Any good vacationer wants to know- where is the beach access? You are never far from it on Anna Maria Island. One of the popular points is on the northern side of the island – Palmetto Avenue Beach at 100 Palmetto Avenue, Anna Maria, FL. This beach point gets you entry to the gulf side of Anna Maria Island by the famous Sandbar Restaurant.
This convenient beach is closest to the main downtown historic district of the City of Anna Maria. You do not have to be a customer of the Sandbar to use the parking area by the beach. A bit north is Bean Point. This is a low-key island destination. Unlike other beach spots, there is no designated parking area nor is there a clear address.
If you want to spend some time here, you will either bike and chain up or park in a residential community. Be courteous of locals. Walk along North Shore drive to find access points to Bean Point.
Parking is allowed on the street in these areas, though obey all posted signage for street sweeping, hours, and more.
Toward the center of the island in Holmes Beach, on the gulf side, is Manatee Public Beach. The beach park has a generous parking space, close proximity to some local shopping boutiques and restaurants, picnic areas, a playground, and lots of seasonal events. You can use 4000 State Road 64 and Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217 as your location marker.
Plan Your Trip
You’re in luck because we have many Anna Maria Island vacation rentals to choose from! Few things can beat your own little walkway to the water.
Another top beach on the island is Coquina Beach. Here you’ll find similar facilities as Manatee Public Beach along with concessions, a multipurpose trail, picnic areas, and more. The full address is 1800 Gulf Dr. S, Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria Island, FL 34217.
All of the parking areas above are free, though fines can be provided for irresponsible parking (including blocking an extra lane, tires on walking pavement, etc). Overall, public beach access is sometimes easier on the southern end of the island while northern parking can be sparse.
Avoiding Traffic
Traffic is never terrible, but it can take a few extra minutes to make it down the main roads (Gulf, Pine, Marina) during the weekends. Fortunately, the trolley service runs from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The Anna Maria free trolley stops at just about all beach access points.
The easiest way to find beach access is to, of course, find a place to stay on the beach. If you can manage this task, you are bound to be within a short and brisk walk right to the Gulf waters.