Island Beaches

Looking for several beaches on our beautiful Island? Anna Maria Island has six to choose from: Coquina Beach, Manatee Beach, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Cortez Beach and Anna Maria Beach.

There are many quiet and private entrances to the beaches on Anna Maria Island. We list in each of our properties the nearest entrances to the beach.

Anna Maria Beach

Anna Maria Beach provides no facilities, but the tranquility of this stretch of sand is exceptional for the mind and for the soul. A short stroll from your beach chair or towel will lead to a beachfront restaurant. You’ll find tables right in the sand affording spectacular views of Tampa Bay, the Skyway Bridge, St. Petersburg and don’t forget those remarkable sunsets! The beach is huge and extends around the tip of the island. Narrow streets may hamper weekend parking. So, arrive early. A great beach when your vacation rental property is close by.

Holmes Beach

Holmes Beach is located in a residential area dotted with rentals. Holmes Beach does not provide facilities, but it is a nice quiet stretch of sand. Parking is very limited to side streets that end at beach access points. Picnic tables shaded by Australian pines are scattered near some of the entries. So, pack some snacks … and spend the day … or sink into that beach chair for an unforgettable sunset! Park on the side streets, walk over the dunes and enjoy Old Florida!. Similar to Bradenton Beach, this is a perfect location if your vacation rental property is nearby.

Manatee Beach

Manatee Beach, located at the end of Manatee Ave, is a large public beach with free parking, concessions, lifeguards, restrooms, picnic tables and showers. This is a favorite beach of many, so get there early, especially on weekends, and enjoy what locals flock to year-round. An outdoor patio with umbrella covered tables, overlook teens, kicking up sand at the volley ball courts, while a nearby playground accommodates the toddler set. Sun worshipers and sandcastle builders, don’t despair! The beach’s wide sandy girth affords plenty of acreage for undisturbed bliss! Ample Free Parking…But Get There Early!

Bradenton Beach

Bradenton Beach is located in the city of Bradenton Beach and is accessed from most side streets off Gulf Drive. The beach extends north from Coquina and Cortez beaches featuring shaded parking and long views up and down the coastline. Adding to its charm is its connection to casual dining, ice cream parlors and quaint little shops. Parking on the side streets is limited; this makes the beach quiet; great if your vacation property in located within walking distance from Bradenton Beach. The atmosphere is relaxing and casual with plenty of good restaurants, performing arts and quaint little shops.

Cortez Beach

South of Bradenton Beach is Cortez Beach. This is one of the nicest beaches on Anna Maria extending from 5th Street to 13th Street along the Gulf of Mexico. This is a family-oriented beach with plenty of kids who know how to use a skim board, build sandcastles and fly a kite. The water is typically calm with light surf. Sandy dunes, Australian Pines and Sea Grapes shade the parking area where cars are hidden from view. Parking is free although lifeguards and other facilities are not provided.

Coquina Beach

Coquina Beach, located on the south end of the Island, is the longest stretch of beach on Anna Maria, with plenty of free parking, lifeguards, concessions, picnic tables, a playground, restrooms and showers. Cortez Beaches are the choice spot for surfers. It’s also the place where you’ll mostly find younger groups of people sunbathing or playing frisbee on the sand. A boat launch is across the street as well as Coquina BayWalk at Leffis Key where footpaths and boardwalks lead visitors around tidal lagoons and mangrove shoreline. Dolphins are often sighted not far from fishermen doing some fishing of their own. Plenty of parking, shade trees, BBQ areas, sunshine and breathtaking sunsets!