Anna Maria FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Anna Maria, Florida.
1. Bean Point
SERENE NORTHERN TIP
Bean Point is a serene beach located at the northern tip of Anna Maria Island featuring warm, clear waters ideal for snorkeling and sunset walks. Visitors can enjoy bird watching and experience a wide stretch of sand during low tide. The limited parking enhances the beach's privacy, making it feel like a hidden paradise.
2. Coquina Beach
WHITE SANDS PARADISE
Coquina Beach offers tranquil white sands and ample shade, making it ideal for shelling, romantic walks, and dolphin watching. The beach is less crowded than other areas, providing a serene atmosphere for visitors seeking a peaceful day by the water. Its scenic views and abundance of shells create a perfect setting for beachcombers and nature lovers.
3. Bradenton Beach
RELAXED GULF WATERS
Bradenton Beach features a relaxed environment with clear, warm Gulf waters perfect for swimming and various water activities. Beachcombers will appreciate the bounty of shells and sand dollars scattered along the shoreline. The beach's laid-back atmosphere makes it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists seeking the quintessential Florida beach experience.
4. Manatee Public Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY GULF ACCESS
Manatee Public Beach offers a serene setting with fine white sand and turquoise waters that appeal to visitors of all ages. The beach features all-you-can-eat dining options and delivers picturesque sunset views that capture the essence of Florida's Gulf Coast. Its family-friendly atmosphere makes it ideal for swimming and picnic outings throughout the year.
5. Bayfront Park
SCENIC TAMPA BAY VIEWS
Bayfront Park, nestled on the island's north end near Downtown Anna Maria, offers stunning views of Tampa Bay and the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The park creates a serene and tranquil atmosphere for visitors with its beautiful beach and various amenities including picnic spots and water sports opportunities. Its location provides easy access to nearby attractions such as the historic Anna Maria City Pier, making it a perfect destination for a complete island experience.
6. Palmetto Avenue Beach
QUIET RESIDENTIAL SHORELINE
Palmetto Avenue Beach is a hidden gem tucked away in a residential area of Anna Maria Island, offering a quieter alternative to the more popular beaches. The shoreline provides beautiful Gulf views and is perfect for those seeking a more private beach experience away from crowds. Visitors appreciate the untouched beauty and peaceful atmosphere that makes this beach feel like a local secret.
7. Cortez Beach
SURFING AND FISHING SPOT
Cortez Beach is known for its excellent surfing conditions and popular fishing spots along the southern portion of Anna Maria Island. The beach features three rock jetties that create ideal conditions for catching waves and attracting various fish species. Its less crowded atmosphere allows visitors to enjoy water activities and sunbathing in a more spacious environment.
8. Lido Beach
UPSCALE BEACHFRONT EXPERIENCE
Lido Beach offers an upscale beachfront experience just a short drive from Anna Maria Island in nearby Sarasota. The pristine white sand stretches along turquoise waters, creating a picturesque setting for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. Its proximity to St. Armands Circle provides visitors with excellent shopping and dining options after a day of beach activities.
9. Siesta Key Beach
WORLD-FAMOUS QUARTZ SAND
Siesta Key Beach is world-renowned for its incredibly fine, white quartz sand that stays cool underfoot even on the hottest days. The beach spans eight miles along the Gulf of Mexico, offering crystal-clear waters and excellent facilities including volleyball courts, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Its award-winning status as one of America's best beaches makes it a must-visit destination for those staying near Anna Maria Island.
10. Robinson Preserve
COASTAL WETLAND ADVENTURE
Robinson Preserve is a 600-acre coastal wetland offering kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water activities through mangrove tunnels and along shorelines. Visitors can explore the extensive trail system that winds through various ecosystems while observing native wildlife including birds, fish, and occasionally manatees. The preserve's observation tower provides panoramic views of Tampa Bay and the surrounding natural landscape, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts.