BEACH VIBE: If you’re looking for a quiet, intimate setting, look no further than Bean Point. This beach, located at the very tip of the island, is a hidden gem and features powder-soft white sand, sweeping views of Tampa Bay (and the iconic Sunshine Skyway bridge), and an unobtrusive, relaxed atmosphere that can be hard to find on most public beaches.
Anna Maria Beach - Anna Maria Island
BEACH VIBE: Located on the northern tip of the island in the City of Anna Maria lies Anna Maria Beach, which provides a peaceful escape from the bustle of the outside world. This hidden haven offers the opportunity to unwind in the unspoiled splendor of the Gulf of Mexico. Locals adore these beaches for their seclusion, calm surf, and the best sunset views on the island. Anna Maria Beach is a short walk or free trolley ride away from Pine Avenue!
Manatee Beach - Anna Maria Island
BEACH VIBE: Visitors can bask in the warm sunshine, partake in various water activities, or simply stroll along the shoreline. The park surrounding Manatee Beach provides excellent amenities, including picnic areas, volleyball courts, and a playground, making it an ideal destination for families. The laid-back atmosphere, coupled with the natural beauty of the Gulf of Mexico, makes Manatee Beach a serene retreat for those seeking relaxation and coastal charm in the Bradenton Area.
Holmes Beach - Anna Maria Island
BEACH VIBE: Holmes Beach is perfect for families with its assorted activities and amenities. In addition to powdery sand, Holmes Beach offers volleyball courts, shaded picnic areas, playgrounds, and a beachside café. Under the watchful eyes of lifeguards, the calm and shallow waters make for an excellent spot for children. Beachgoers are encouraged to scan the waters, as playful bottlenose dolphins and easygoing manatees are known to frequently pass by.
Cortez Beach - Anna Maria Island
BEACH VIBE: Though the Gulf of Mexico is predictably placid, surfers are known to catch a wave near the “Three Piers” of Cortez Beach when the surf is up, and you may even find them lounging on their surfboards when the water is calm.
Coquina Beach - Anna Maria Island
BEACH VIBE: Coquina Beach is aptly named for the small, brightly colored mollusks that are abundant at the water’s edge. Beachcombers are regularly rewarded with an array of seashells that are treasured for their colors. Just a shell’s throw away from both Coquina and Cortez Beaches is Bridge Street, a boulevard and pier lined with quaint shops, boutiques, and wonderful restaurants, offering the perfect blend of beachside entertainment.
Beer Can Island - Longboat Key
BEACH VIBE: Greer Island—affectionately called “Beer Can Island” by locals is a rustic retreat that is accessible by paddleboard or kayak and is a favorite among boaters and those seeking a more out-of-the-way experience. From the shoreline, sightseers can watch sailboats and fishing trawlers peacefully navigating through Longboat Pass, then marvel at the view of the entire length of Anna Maria Island.
Whitney Beach - Longboat Key
BEACH VIBE: Approximately a quarter-mile long, Whitney Beach is located directly across from Whitney Plaza at the north end of Longboat Key. This pristine beach extends southward behind several condominium residences. A public parking area is conveniently located on Broadway Street just west of Gulf of Mexico Drive. Bring what you require for this beach and other public access points, for they do not provide modern conveniences.