Anyone who has seen the stunning views of Anna Maria Island as a visitor or resident knows that beach life is alive and well here. We love the sand and surf during winter, summer, spring, and fall. Our northern friends will make the sojourn to these shorelines for vacations and to escape the cold during the summer. What you might not know is that we have several beaches within walking or a short commute that you can choose from, and not all beaches are the same. Here is a listing of all Anna Maria Island beaches.

Bayfront Park Beach – Bayfront Park’s ample amenities make it a great choice for families who will enjoy the various pavilions, barbeques, restrooms, water fountains, showers, and waste disposal. Kayak and paddle board rentals are available here as well and can be launched directly into the park’s clear, blue water. While the surf is pretty calm here, you may even be able to catch a small wave or two!

Bradenton Beach – Located on Anna Maria Island off the Gulf Coast and a brief drive from Bradenton and Sarasota, Bradenton Beach is a small town known for its fishing piers, sugar-sand beaches, and a quaint strip of shops, restaurants, and other family-owned businesses.

Coquina Beach – Located at the southern end of the island in the town of Bradenton Beach, Coquina Beach is named after the tiny shells that can be found on this part of the island. Unlike Bean Point, Coquina Beach has a bit more going on and even offers convenient amenities, including parking, restrooms, changing stations, picnic tables, and so much more. Parking is available along 6th Street South or at the main entrance to Coquina Beach.

Bean Point – Bean Point is known as one of the quietest and most peaceful beaches on Anna Maria Island, located right where the waters from the Gulf of Mexico meets the Tampa Bay. This hidden gem was named after the island’s first resident, George Emmerson Bean. Bean Point sits on the north end of Anna Maria Island, but you won’t find a parking lot or any signs to direct you there. To find Bean Point, head north on North Bay Blvd. from the Anna Maria City Pier, and you’ll find it at the intersection of North Bay Blvd and North Shore Dr.

Manatee Public Beach – Located in the City of Holmes Beach, Manatee Public Beach is located along the white sandy shores of the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf’s waters are calm, shallow, and family-friendly along this section of the 7-mile-long island. Lifeguards are on duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., year-round. Accessible by Manatee and Sarasota Public Transit Systems. No pets allowed. Onsite amenities include playground, parking, restrooms, showers, concessions, and volleyball courts. Fishing regulations/licenses may apply.

Cortez Beach – Cortez Beach offers 140 feet of serene sandy beach on the southwest side of Anna Maria Island, good for sunbathing, swimming, picnicking, snorkeling, hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. The beach features powdery white sand, which is very soft and great for walking. The Gulf waters are clear, strikingly blue, warm, and calm compared to the Atlantic Ocean. With such gorgeous sand and spectacular water, Cortez Beach feels very much like the Caribbean! There are no lifeguards on site, so please exercise caution in the water.

Which beach is your favorite? Is there one that maybe you haven’t visited yet? Whether you are here for a day or a few years, walking, paddleboarding, or just sitting with a drink on the beach is a right of passage in these parts. Be sure and survey all the amazing beaches and find your perfect paradise setting today.

Photos Courtesy of Deposit Photos