Beaches of Anna Maria Island
Don’t miss the incredible white sand beaches of Anna Maria Island, spread throughout the towns of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. Beaches in these towns offer a great place to soak up the sun, venture into the water or even spot a manatee. Head to Bean Point Beach to the north, Coquina Public Beach to the south or Manatee Beach just across the Anna Maria Island Bridge.
Anna Maria Island beaches are easily accessible by car, bicycle or complimentary island trolley.
ANNA MARIA
In the town of Anna Maria, visit the secluded Bean Point Beach. Located five miles from Compass Hotel (about a 15-minute drive), Bean Point Beach is a quiet and peaceful spot located on the northern tip of Anna Maria Island. It’s a fantastic place to walk along the water and enjoy views of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico—especially at sunset. But be aware, this beach is prone to strong currents and swimming is not recommended. Some street parking is available, but your best bet is to take a ride share service, bike or hop aboard the free Anna Maria Island Trolley to the Anna Maria City Pier stop and make the 20-minute walk over. While you’re in the area, you can pop on over to Pine Avenue for some great shopping in Anna Maria or grab a tasty meal at Pizza Social or gRub Tropical BBQ.
But Bean Point Beach isn’t the only sunny shoreline in the town of Anna Maria. The lovely Anna Maria Bayfront Park – often just referred to as Bayfront Park – deserves a little time in the spotlight too. After parking in the dedicated parking lot, you can enjoy just about every beach activity that you can dream of – from kayaking and swimming to sandcastle building and suntanning. To make things even better, Bayfront Park isn’t far from some of the best restaurants on Anna Maria Island, including the seafood-filled Waterfront Restaurant and the mouthwatering Poppo’s Taqueria.
HOLMES BEACH
Located at State Route 64 and Gulf Drive (less than 5 minutes from Compass hotel) lies Manatee Public Beach in the town of Holmes Beach. Rent a bike from Compass Hotel and ride your way across the Anna Maria Island Bridge to enjoy this beautiful spot. Or you can drive to Manatee Public Beach and park in the on-site parking lot instead. Holmes Beach is particularly great for families, thanks to the lifeguards, picnic tables, grills, and Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe concessions. And friends can have a fantastic time here too – pop by the nearby gift shop for all sorts of beach accessories or play a pick up game of volleyball on one of the sandy courts. Last but certainly not least, Holmes Beach’s facilities include changing cabanas, public restrooms and showers with foot washes.
BRADENTON BEACH
On the southern end of Anna Maria Island in the town of Bradenton Beach, Coquina Beach is just a ten-minute drive from the Compass hotel. There, you’ll find on-site parking, shaded picnic areas, a beautiful walking trail, and a long stretch of lifeguarded sand that is perfect for a stroll along the water. There’s even the beachfront Coquina Beach Cafe, just in case you get a hankering for tropical drinks or loaded hot dogs during your beach day. And don’t forget to keep your eyes open for all sorts of wildlife, including shorebirds, dolphins and sea turtles!
As if all of that weren’t enough to convince you to visit this stunning stretch of shoreline, Coquina Beach is also home to the incredible Coquina Beach Market. This seasonal market is open every Wednesday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is filled with loads of treasures for you to peruse and purchase.
PET-FRIENDLY BEACHES & PARKS
In general, most beaches in Manatee County are not dog-friendly and will be clearly marked with signs indicating “No Dogs Allowed.” These restrictions include the sandy beach areas, as well as adjacent sidewalks, paths, trails and parking areas.
Palma Sola Causeway Park is one of the only dog-friendly beaches near Anna Maria Island and is just 1.9 miles away from the equally pet-friendly Compass hotel. This small shoreline is a popular place to kayak, sail and even horseback ride! And with plenty of parking, it’s easy enough for you and your furry friend to pop by for a visit.
In addition to pet-friendly beaches, you and your four-legged friends will love to explore the Robinson Preserve and the Holmes Beach Scentral Park on Anna Maria Island. Or bring your National Park Passport and visit De Soto National Memorial with your fur family. There, you’ll find small beach areas and plenty of trails to explore. While enjoying dog-friendly beaches and parks in the area, please be courteous and pick up after your pet.