The 6 Best Beaches on Anna Maria Island: A Local’s Guide + Map!

Anna Maria Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast is, hands down, one of the most beautiful little spots in the US (at least in my opinion!). It’s got a super chill, Caribbean-style vibe, charming old Florida houses, stunning white sand beaches, and amazing hotels and restaurants. Honestly, the list just goes on and on!

Carae and I were so lucky to spend a good chunk of time on Anna Maria Island because Carae has some family there, and we got to know it almost like locals. We explored every nook and cranny, and it quickly became one of our favorite spots ever.

To help you get the most out of your trip, we’ve put together a few guides packed with our top tips and tricks for enjoying this dreamy island. This guide is all about the beaches—because let’s be real, the beaches here are what make Anna Maria Island so magical! So, get ready for our guide on the best beaches on Anna Maria Island.

The Best Anna Maria Island Beaches

Before we dive in, let’s take a moment to explore Anna Maria Island and get familiar with it. If I just start listing beaches, you’ll still have to figure out whether they’re a good fit for you—are they close to your hotel? Do they have restaurants or facilities? To make things easier, I’ll break it down and share the best beaches on Anna Maria Island by community.

The island is divided into three main communities: Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach. Each one has its own unique vibe and charm, but all are home to some absolutely beautiful beaches.

Below, you’ll find a map highlighting the communities and all the beaches to help you plan ahead before visit Anna Maria Island.

The Best Anna Maria Island Beaches – Anna Maria

Anna Maria, at the northern tip of Anna Maria Island, is my favorite area on the island. It has a perfect mix of charm, with plenty of great restaurants and cozy little cafes to explore. The best part is that it’s super walkable—yes, you heard that right, walkable in the US! Everything is close enough that you can easily wander around on foot.

If you’re like me and love the idea of stepping out your door in the morning, strolling to the beach, grabbing a coffee, and later a sunset drink—all while rocking your flip-flops—then Anna Maria is going to feel like paradise. It’s compact, laid-back, and just oozes that “no stress, island vibes” energy.

Bean Point Beach

Alright, let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite spots on the island—Bean Point Beach! Carae and I used to come here all the time, and it’s truly a hidden gem. Tucked away at the northern tip of the island, this beach is way quieter and more secluded than the others. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a little escape from the crowds.

There is no beach chairs, no rentals, no water sports. And, heads up, swimming isn’t recommended because the currents and riptides can get pretty strong. So you’re probably wondering, “Then why is it on your list of the best beaches?”

Here’s the answer: the sunsets. The sunsets here are absolutely magical. Carae and I used to grab a picnic blanket, some snacks, and our favorite drinks, and head up to Bean Point Beach almost every other day to watch the sun dip below the horizon.

Bayfront Park

If you’re looking for the perfect family beach on Anna Maria Island, Bayfront Park is the spot! Located on the inward side of the island, this beach offers a great view of Tampa Bay and the Skyway Bridge. The beach is a mix of soft white sand and grassy areas.

On the white sand, kids will have a blast building sandcastles or splashing around in the calm, shallow water. Since it’s on the east coast of the island, the water here is super calm—absolutely ideal for little swimmers! There are tons of trees too, which means plenty of shady spots to cool off when the sun gets a bit too much.

Every time we hang out with Carae’s family, we bring the kids and set up camp at Bayfront Park for the whole day. It’s honestly perfect. We pack picnic blankets, bring loads of snacks and water, and just relax. If you’re feeling fancy, there are even grills available for a BBQ. The parking here is also free, which is a huge bonus.

The Best Anna Maria Island Beaches- Holmes Beach

Holmes Beach is a bit more developed than Anna Maria, but it’s still a gorgeous little community. There are plenty of restaurants and bars around, but everything is more spread out, so I highly recommend having a car if you’re staying here.

I also recommend heading up to Anna Maria to explore a bit. It’s super easy to get there—just drive up Gulf Drive, and you’ll arrive in no time.

Anna Maria Beach

Anna Maria Beach is definitely one of the more popular (and yes, sometimes crowded) spots, but for good reason—it’s got some of the best facilities around. Located in the Holmes Beach community, right next to Manatee Beach, this place has everything you need for a perfect beach day.

This beach, like the other beaches, has white sand and beautiful sunsets. One of the best things about Anna Maria Beach is how convenient it is. There are plenty of facilities like changing rooms, showers, and bathrooms, which is such a plus when you’re spending the whole day there. There’s also no shortage of food options nearby to keep you fueled up.

That said, heads up—buying food or drinks on the beach can get pricey. I was shocked to see beers going for $15! So, my best advice is to pack a cooler with your favorite snacks and drinks to save some cash.

Afterwards, I highly recommend heading over to Skinny’s Place. It’s a laid-back spot with great vibes, cheap food, and awesome happy hour deals on drinks.

Manatee Beach

Manatee Beach is one of my favorite spots on the island, even though it’s the largest and most popular with tourists. It’s hard not to fall in love with its powder-soft white sand and crystal-clear water.

You can explore the beach and find amazing seashells or swim out to a sandbank, which is pretty cool.

As the name suggests, this is a great place to spot manatees. They live in the area, so if you’re lucky, you’ll see plenty! Carae and I have also seen dolphins at almost all the beaches, but Manatee Beach is one of the spots where we saw the most.

The beach is super convenient, too, with facilities like changing rooms, bathrooms, showers, a restaurant, a tiki bar, and a gift shop. There’s even a trolley stop (local public transport) nearby that connects you to other spots on the island.

The Best Anna Maria Island Beaches-Bradenton Beach

At the southern end of Anna Maria Island, you’ll find the charming community of Bradenton Beach. This area is quieter compared to the busier northern parts of the island, but don’t get me wrong—there are still plenty of great restaurants and beautiful beaches to enjoy. From here, you can cross the Sunshine Skyway over to Longboat Key, which has even more fantastic beaches and dining spots (some of which I highly recommend). That said, the beaches here in Bradenton Beach are some of my personal favorites.

Coquina Beach

Coquina Beach is the first beach you’ll come across as you enter Bradenton Beach from the south, and it’s a fantastic spot—especially for families. The sand here is bright white, soft as powder, and exactly what you’d expect from a perfect beach day. The water is a beautiful turquoise and usually calm, making it ideal for swimming with little ones.

The beach also has excellent facilities, including showers, bathrooms, changing rooms, and plenty of parking. Plus, there are three piers to stroll along—perfect for snapping some great photos.

Cortez Beach

Cortez Beach is another great spot, located just north of Coquina Beach. It’s a bit quieter and less crowded than its neighbor, making it a perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. The sand here is soft and white, with clear blue waters that are great for swimming. You’ll also find amenities like bathrooms, showers, and parking.

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