Beach guide
Local picks
Holmes Beach base
The Best Beaches on Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island is one long run of Gulf beach, but each stretch has its own character. Here they are north to south, with the facilities, parking and rules for each, and who each one suits. Holmes Beach sits in the middle, so every one of them is an easy trip from the cottage, and the free island trolley runs the length of the island.
Bean Point
The island's northern tip, in Anna Maria City
Where the Gulf of Mexico meets Tampa Bay, with wide, uncrowded sand, good shelling, and some of the best sunset and sunrise views on the island. There are no facilities, lifeguards or parking lots, and you reach it on foot through quiet Anna Maria City streets, which is exactly why it stays peaceful. Bring what you need.
Best for: Shelling, sunsets and a quiet walk.
Bean Point guide →The Holmes Beach access points
Mid-island, including the beach one house from The Sandbox
Holmes Beach has public beach access along its Gulf side. From the cottage you reach the sand directly, one house away with no road to cross, so there is no parking to find: this is the beach for sunrise walks, a swim before lunch, and sunset.
Best for: Easy, every-day beach time from the house.
Where the cottage is →Manatee Public Beach
4000 State Road 64 and Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach
Manatee County's main beach in Holmes Beach, with a parking lot and restrooms, and casual food nearby. It is the island's classic, lively family beach, and the easiest one to reach by car.
Best for: Families and first-time visitors who want facilities.
Manatee Public Beach guide →Cortez Beach
Bradenton Beach, just north of Coquina Beach
A stretch of county beach along Gulf Drive at the island's south end, handy when you are already down near Bridge Street for lunch or the pier.
Best for: A beach stop on a Bridge Street day.
Bradenton Beach guide →Coquina Beach
2650 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach
A long county beach at the south end of the island, with sea grape shade, picnic areas and pavilions you can reserve. There is room to spread out, which makes it the pick for a long beach day with a cooler and a picnic.
Best for: Picnics, space and long walks.
Coquina Beach guide →Which beach for you?
- • Facilities and parking: Manatee Public Beach
- • Shelling and sunsets: Bean Point
- • Picnics and room to spread out: Coquina Beach
- • A morning walk from the house: the Holmes Beach access one house from the cottage
Beach rules to know
- • Alcohol, glass, fires and grills are not allowed on Holmes Beach public beaches (City Code Sec. 66-32 to 66-34).
- • Pets are not allowed on the county beaches (Manatee Public Beach, Coquina Beach) or on any beach in Holmes Beach (Sec. 66-27).
- • Sea turtles nest on the island's beaches from May through October: keep beach lights off at night and fill in holes before you leave.
Staying for sunset? Our sunset spots guide covers the best places to watch it, and pool and beach days covers how the private pool fits around a beach morning.
Traveling with a dog?
Dogs are not allowed on any of these beaches: Holmes Beach, Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Manatee County all bar them from their beaches. Plan early or late neighborhood walks and time at the Holmes Beach city dog park instead.