If you need a break from winter weather and choose to spend a long weekend or week on Anna Maria Island, an island off the Gulf Coast of Florida, you’re certainly in for a treat.
There’s nothing like sun, sand and lots of outdoor activities to make you forget about subzero temperatures and nor’easters. You’ll enjoy your time sunbathing, paddleboarding, snorkeling and, of course, eating all right on the island.
Of course, all of these activities are made even better by not just being next to the beach, but right on it. Anna Maria Island, and the surrounding communities are coated with hidden nooks, big escapes, and activity-filled beaches to see. Below we take a look at most, if not all, of the local beaches. Whether they are right on the island or within a short drive, there’s an amazing beach at every turn.
Beaches on the Island
For obvious convenience, you may want beaches closest to the Anna Maria Island houses for rent. Fortunately, don’t even need to get behind the wheel to get to some of the best beaches on the Gulf Coast.
- Coquina Beach: Coquina Beach is one of the most popular beach escapes on the island, famous for its idyllic beachside expanse, its bright-white sand, and views of the nearby marine life.
- Bayfront Park: Bayfront Park has a small beach area, but it is actually more known for its expansive picnic area, public grills, convenient amenities, playground, and close proximity to the local pier.
- Palmetto Ave Beach: On the west side of the island, facing the gulf, is this popular escape. We have a number of Anna Maria Island houses for rent right in this popular area.
Manatee Public Beach: Manatee is the defining public beach on the island. With many annual events, an array of boutique shops, bike trails, and rentals, and playground area, the majority of visitors wind up settling here for the day. - Bean Point: Bean Point is on the northern point of the island, and is only moderately well-known. It’s a reclusive and isolated beach escape, even enough to where there’s no clear signage and no available public parking!
Anna Maria is filled with beaches, and they all offer something a little different. Our Anna Maria lodging is located right by some of these top destinations. Whether you are looking for a big beach to socialize or a quiet escape, the island has it.
Beaches About 20 Minutes from the Island
You may want to venture off the island for a bit, and that’s perfectly okay! There are some lovely day trips or afternoon getaways you can make from your Anna Maria Island lodging to see a little more of the Gulf Coast of Florida. Below are some of the best beaches you can find within a short drive.
- Beer Can Island: Beer Can Island is usually only accessible by boat. Snug between Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, the name hardly does this powdery white sand beach justice.
- Cortez Beach: Cortez Beach is technically in Bradenton Beach and is still on the island, but it is quite far south compared to other beach stops. It boasts its own unique and charming identity compared to the center and northern parts of Anna Maria.
- Longboat Key: Longboat Key has about 12 small beach access points, all of them subtly tucked between private homes and rentals. Head south past the island about 10 minutes and keep your eye out for some of this quiet enclaves amidst some of the best sandy points in the whole gulf coast.
While some beaches are highly-trafficked, others lack even the most basic of amenities. What are you looking for on a vacation escape? What does your dream beach locale look like?