The Gorgeous Sandy Beaches in the Bradenton Coastal area of Manatee County Florida
Located on the stunning Gulf Coast of Florida south of the St. Pete Beaches, Anna Maria Island is a 7 mile stretch of pristine beaches. From the picturesque and charming coastal town of Anna Maria, to the old Florida historic town of Bradenton, Anna Maria Island offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Ultimate Anna Maria Island Area Beaches Guide
What this Guide covers
This guide is all about the beach areas: the beaches, access points, parking, wildlife, activities, sand and water, beachfront area, shelling, and anything related to being on the beach! Everything you need to know about the beaches for a day, a weekend, a quiet moment, vacationing, moving or buying in the area.
Also see surrounding area Beach Guides in our Ultimate Florida Beaches Guide
Anna Marie Island Florida Area Beaches
Anna Maria Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, with powdery white sand and calm, turquoise waters.
This guide starts at the north end of Anna Maria Island and includes the beaches on the barrier island that includes the cities of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach and the beaches across the island.
Anna Maria: Anna Maria Beach – Bayfront Park – Bean Point Beach
Holmes Beach: Manatee Beach
Bradenton: Cortez Beach – Coquina Beach
Anna Maria
Quiet and less commercial, ideal for families and those seeking a peaceful beach day.
When you think of the most gorgeous white sand beaches, the north end of Anna Maria Island is the image you are thinking of. Pictures of Anna Maria Island are the epitome of the ideal beach. And it’s not just the beach. The quaint towns are picturesque with community heart and spirit. No high rises or gated communities blocking you from exploring. And best of all, this little piece of paradise is very welcoming to visitors.
At the north end of Anna Maria Island is the quiet and charming town of Anna Maria. On the bayside of this glorious barrier island is the City Park Pier and Bayfront Park and around the northern tip lies Bean Point Beach.
Bayfront Park
Bayfront Park Beach is on the bayside of northern Anna Maria Island and offers more parking and lots of family friendly activities. Have a picnic at a pavilion, launch a kayak or paddle board, fish on the Pier, eat the local cuisine, and shop at the local stores along the main street heading to the pier.
Parking on the beach side is very limited and there are no facilities if you do find a place to park. There are a few beach access points, though most have no parking and are for residents or those walking from Bayfront Park, just a couple blocks away.
Bean Point Beach
At the northern tip sits one of the most instagramable beaches in Florida, Bean Point Beach. The beach got its name from the first resident of the island, George Emmerson Bean. Bean Point Beach is one of the most beautiful beach spots in Florida with the powdery white soft sands, gentle waves, wide open beachfront, stretches around the northern tip of the barrier island creating an idyllic setting for beach lovers. Whether you’re a sunbather, a beachcomber, or a water enthusiast, you’ll find your paradise here. The beachfront is perfect for long walks at sunrise or romantic sunset strolls.
Holmes Beach – Manatee Beach
Offers more activity, including volleyball courts, cafes, and restrooms, making it a popular spot for families.
Manatee Public Beach, located in Holmes Beach is one of Bradenton Counties managed beaches that sits in the middle of Anna Maria island. Featuring the same fabulous sands as the northern island beaches with wide beachfronts, volleyball courts, playground, picnic area, facilities and lots of room to play. This is a popular beach with both locals and visitors as it is the one that is straight across the northern causeway onto Anna Maria Island with free parking and amenities.
Bradenton – Cortez Beach
This is 2nd of the County managed beaches and is just south of the central area causeway. There are interesting spots such as the “three old piers” as locals call it, even though they were never piers,
Bradenton – Coquina Beach
Located on the southern tip, it’s known for its amenities, including picnic areas, playgrounds, and shaded areas under Australian pines.
Coquina sits at the south end of Anna Maria Island with a gorgeous wide open beachfront with soft white sand that is a bit shellier than the beaches to the north. The beach is actually named after the small coquina shells that are plentiful here.
This beachfront is so wide and expansive and what makes Coquina even better, is the park with lots of parking that runs the length of the beach. Along this park are walking and bike paths, tons of picnic areas, restrooms, and weekly local markets. It is a spectacular beach to spend time with friends and family.
Coquina Baywalk at Leffis Key
For nature lovers, the Coquina Baywalk at Leffis Key is a scenic nature reserve with boardwalks and trails. It’s great for walking, bird watching, and enjoying views of the mangroves and Sarasota Bay.
The Piers
- Anna Maria City Pier: A historic pier where you can fish, dine at a waterfront café, or just enjoy the views of Tampa Bay.
- Rod & Reel Pier: Another popular spot for fishing, dining, and watching dolphins.
Beach Life & Cultural Feel of Manatee’s Beachfront Communities
Anna Maria Island is very community focused and striving to keep these gorgeous beaches available for everyone to access and enjoy. The culture is friendly and welcoming with tons of parking, shops, dining and community spirit.
Bradenton Beach embraces its cultural heritage with various events and festivals throughout the year. From art shows to live music performances, there’s always something happening in this vibrant community.
Sand, Water, Beachfront & Shoreline
The beachfront is wide throughout this coastal region and the sand and waters are divine. White powdery soft beaches at the north end gradually change to shelly greyer sand at the south end. The Beachfront along the entire coastline features a wide flat shoreline. The water reflects a gorgeous blue green color blending into a deep blue on the horizon and is warm for most of the year.
Wildlife: Sealife and Shorelife
Anna Maria Island is a hotspot for bird watching and marine life. You can often spot dolphins swimming offshore and manatees making a gentle appearance. The island is also a nesting site for sea turtles during the summer months. Anna Maria Island is a bird sanctuary with pelicans, cranes, herons, feral parrots, sandpipers, osprey, hawks, vultures, seagulls, crows, and bald eagles.
Activities and things to do
The warm and inviting waters of the Gulf of Mexico are a playground for water enthusiasts. From swimming and snorkeling to paddleboarding and kayaking, Bradenton Beach offers a myriad of water activities. The calm and clear waters make it an ideal spot for families with children and those looking to explore the underwater world.
Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines off the historic Bridge Street Pier, while adrenaline junkies can try parasailing for a bird’s-eye view of the coastline. Rent a bike and explore the island, or join a local tour to discover the area’s unique charm. Manatee Public Beach offers amenities such as volleyball courts, playgrounds, and a beachside café, making it perfect for a family day out.
- Shelling: along the waters edge is a favorite past time and there are always shells to be found anywhere along the coast.
- Fishing: Whether on one of the piers (Anna Maria City Pier, Rod & Reel Pier) or through charter boats, the island is a haven for anglers.
- Boat Tours and Sailing: Take a boat tour around the island to enjoy beautiful views of the coastline, visit nearby islands like Egmont Key, or explore hidden sandbars. Sunset cruises, dolphin tours, and sailing adventures are popular options.
- Kayaking & Paddleboarding: The calm waters around the island are perfect for paddling, with rentals available at various spots.
- Biking & Golf Carts: Many visitors opt for bikes or golf carts to get around, thanks to the island’s compact size and bike-friendly roads.
- Horseback Riding: Anna Maria Island is one of the few places in Florida where you can experience horseback riding on the beach. C Ponies, The Real BeachHorses, and Gulf Coast Ponies.
- Parasailing: For a thrilling adventure, parasailing over the Gulf offers stunning aerial views of Anna Maria Island. It’s a great way to get a bird’s-eye view of the beaches and surrounding waters.
- Shopping: includes the weekly market along Coquina Beach and lots of small town local shops. Explore the shops along historic Bridge Street, where local artisans showcase their crafts, and dine in one of the charming restaurants for a taste of the community’s culinary delights. Or check out Pine Avenue, the main street of Anna Maria and is filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and local businesses. You’ll find beachwear, handmade crafts, and souvenirs here.
- Events: Anna Maria Island hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, including art festivals, food and wine festivals, and cultural celebrations, making it a year-round destination. Bayfest in October), features a street festival with live music, food, crafts, and family activities. Beach’n Food Truck Festival in March is a fun event featuring gourmet food trucks, live entertainment, and a beach setting.
Historic and Cultural Sites
- Anna Maria Island Historical Museum: Offers insights into the island’s history, including early settler life.
- The Old City Jail: A fun stop for quirky photos, this small historical site reflects the island’s quirky charm.
- Bridge Street: In Bradenton Beach, this historic street offers shopping, dining, and entertainment with a laid-back beach town vibe.
Uniquely Anna Maria Island
One unique aspect of Anna Maria Island is its strict ban on high-rise buildings, preserving the island’s “Old Florida” charm and natural beauty. Unlike many coastal destinations that have embraced large-scale development, Anna Maria Island has maintained a height restriction of no more than three stories for buildings. This results in a low-key, relaxed atmosphere with small beach cottages, local shops, and quaint inns, giving visitors an authentic and uncrowded Florida beach experience. This focus on preservation makes the island stand out as a peaceful retreat that feels like a step back in time.
Scenery, Sunsets and Sunrise
Sunsets on Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key are spectacular. With the sun setting in the west, all of the beaches in this region offer a perfect view of the sun setting across the Gulf.
Where to Stay or Live
When visiting or moving to the Bradenton area, you will find options for homes, condos, town homes, hotels, and beach homes. The area brings visitors and residents who are looking for a beach town lifestyle in a fun diverse community. It is also a popular location for those who are looking for their winter home or vacation rental investments.
Thinking about Moving to the Bradenton Area? Click here (coming soon)
Accommodation Guide (coming soon)
Food & Drinks
Home Services
Health & Medical Directory
Education
Sports & Recreation
Arts & Entertainment
(coming soon)
Local Business including Food & Drinks, Services, Health & Medical, Education, Sports & Recreation, Arts & Entertainment and more, coming soon.
Also see surrounding area Beach Guides
Who we are
We are locals and writers who love to research, explore and share information about Florida. Our goal is simple. To share the positive things that make the area unique. To be real without an agenda. And to support a strong local community.
All images on this page copyright © FloridaSmart.com
Do not use or download images without consent.
