AMI Best Beaches

The beaches of Anna Maria Island are widely known to be one of its top attractions, and you’ll have plenty of excellent options to choose from no matter where your vacation rental on Anna Maria Island is located. Although the summer is a great time to visit, the warm weather throughout the year means that it’s almost always a good day to visit the beach.

Bean Point

Bean Point is known for being a very scenic and beautiful location with some of the best sunset views on the entire island and a pristine natural environment. Bean Point is named after the first permanent resident of the island, George Emerson Bean, and it is located on the site of his original homestead. Keep in mind that there’s no parking lot or clear signs pointing to this beach; you’ll need to park at any nearby street parking and hike your way there. Be careful to avoid parking anywhere with a “no parking” sign as local parking laws are strictly enforced. The extra effort is well worth it, as you’ll get the opportunity to take some extraordinary photos.

Bayfront Park

Bayfront Park is one of the best beach parks on the north end of the island with several amenities, however, note that this beach lacks lifeguard services. You’ll find it to often be less crowded than Coquina and Manatee beach, making it a good alternative when parking is limited at those beaches. Although there is a lack of lifeguards, the water is still usually shallow and calm, so it’s suitable for families. Amenities here include restrooms, parking, and picnic pavilions. Here you can also get some incredible views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and it is ideal for a beach walk or jog.

Manatee Beach

Manatee Public Beach is located in Holmes Beach at 4000 Gulf Dr. and it is one of the top family-friendly beaches in the entire area. Manatee Beach offers several facilities and services for families and groups including picnic areas, playgrounds, free parking, public restrooms, and a café on the beach. Families can reach the beach by taking the free trolley directly to it. There are also lifeguards on duty every day of the year here. You can also always take a short walk to get a meal at one of the many nearby Anna Maria Island restaurants after your day out on this beautiful beach.

Coquina Beach

Coquina Beach sits on the south end of Anna Maria Island in Bradenton Beach at 2650 Gulf Dr. S. This beach is one of the most scenic on the entire island with its clear blue water, clear white sand, and unobstructed views. Coquina Beach has lifeguards during the entire year, making it one of the best choices for families. With amazing facilities that rival Manatee Beach, extraordinary views of the ocean scenery and wildlife, and a convenient location right along a free trolley stop, Coquina Beach is well worth a visit any time of the year.

Lifeguard Service

Only Coquina Beach and Manatee Public Beach have lifeguards, which is important to note if you plan on bringing children or those who have swimming difficulties.

You’ll find lifeguards on duty 365 days a year on both of these beaches, however, the covered hours are between 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Although there is the hope that Anna Maria Island may expand lifeguard service to cover some of the other popular beach areas, these two beaches are your best bet at the moment.

Things to do at the beach on Anna Maria Island

A few of the popular activities on the beaches of Anna Maria Island include the following and more:

• Swimming – Swimming is obviously a popular beach activity, and during most of the year the water is more than warm enough for a swim. You can check the sea temperature for the day to get an idea on whether or not you’ll be able to swim. Make sure that you swim with lifeguards available if you are unsure of your abilities.
• Shell hunting – Shell hunting is particularly popular on Coquina Beach as there is a high concentration of shells there and even the occasional shark tooth! Be sure to check this beach out if you’re interested in taking home some shell souvenirs.
• Picnics – Most of the beaches mentioned in this article have plenty of facilities for picnics, so you can plan out an amazing beach lunch, dinner or snack for your group or family. Make it as elaborate or simple as you want, and enjoy the beautiful weather and scenic backdrop as you eat.
• Surfing – The beaches of Anna Maria Island are actually quite good for light surfing, even though the waves are often calmer. Those who are just starting to learn will find it easy to practice on the beaches here.
• Other ocean sports – A number of other opportunities for ocean sports are available on Anna Maria Island including kayaking, parasailing, jet skiing, and much more.

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