What would an Anna Maria Island vacation be without the beach?
On every side of this island paradise, you’ll find pristine shorelines and aquamarine water. And there are plenty of beaches to visit; visitors could spend an entire vacation beach hopping!
Some favorites include Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, and Manatee County Beach. Near Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, you will discover many beachside havens. Perhaps none are more exemplary than Manatee Beach.
About
Manatee Beach in Anna Maria Island, Florida is among the area’s most popular family-friendly beach escapes. Despite its name, manatees are not exactly nearby; however, its clean white sand and family-friendly amenities are enough to keep visitors coming back!
Directions to Manatee Beach
The beach is located just off Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach at 4000 State Road and has three access points. Take the free Anna Maria Island trolley to get dropped off right at the entrance. Open from sunrise to 10 pm every day, you can literally spend an entire day in the sand!
Amenities & Parking
Most well-trafficked Anna Maria Island beaches have on-site parking. And besides easy access, Manatee Beach is beloved for its many public amenities.
The parking lot is much larger than other beaches on the island, and it is free during normal business hours and holidays. Parking is available anytime the beach is open. Nearby streets also have parking spots, for days when things get very busy. If you prefer biking to the beach, there are bike racks provided.
There is a changing cabana, so if you want to get into dry clothes after a swim, you don’t have to wait until you get back to your vacation rental! You’ll also find benches, grills, and picnic tables for a lunch break with the entire family. As many visitors arrive using the public trolley, the last thing you want to do is drag heavy beach furniture along for the ride. Fortunately, beach rentals are available from the café; this includes cabanas, umbrellas, and beach chairs all at low daily rates.
If you need a cool refreshment, the concession stand offers a cool drink along with snacks. There’s also a small bamboo beach bar that serves beer, non-alcoholic drinks, and frozen mixed drinks. Kids will love the hard-carved monkey coconut cup they can take back home!
Additionally, there are bathrooms, water fountains, showers with a foot wash, and even a beach wheelchair for those who need it. If you are concerned about safety, this is certainly the best beach on the island with certified lifeguards always on duty.
Plan Your Next Visit
For close proximity to the beach and other attractions, explore our full list of Holmes Beach rentals. Our rentals provide the utmost comfort with all the amenities you need to feel truly at home. Contact us now to start planning your Anna Maria Island vacation!
Things to Do
Of course, you can spend all day alternating between the sand and waves. However, there are also free volleyball courts, perfect for large groups or a great way to meet new people. For the kids, there are playgrounds to endlessly entertain.
Just across the street, you’ll find a hub of restaurants. A local favorite is the Anna Maria Island Beach Café, which is located directly on the beach and has a patio overlooking it. Live music also plays from time to time.
Once you’re ready to head back, there are plenty of shops and quaint local boutiques to visit along the way. Manatee Beach is right in the middle of everything, and especially if you take the free Anna Maria Island trolley, you can simply get off at any stop between the beach and your Anna Maria Island vacation rental.