Which are the best Anna Maria beaches? Anna Maria Island is a 7-mile-long island located in Florida. It is known to have some of the best beaches in the entire of Florida, and many people travel throughout the country in order to experience them. Therefore, if you want to find out which are the best Anna Maria beaches – keep on reading!
Tourism in Anna Maria
Tourism in Anna Maria is rising significantly each year, meaning that it’s very liked by tourists who visit and becoming more accessible and well known. In November 2021, Anna Maria received over 77,500 visitors, whereas, in November 2020, there were 60,900. This is an astonishing amount of tourists to receive in one month, particularly since November is known as being in the off-peak season. On average, a room in Anna Maria costs $167.39 per night, which is reasonably priced for the destination.
Eco-tourism is also very popular in Anna Maria. There are lots of farms that grow fresh, organic produce that visitors are welcome to go and buy, and many of the restaurants around the island use the produce from these farms, meaning it hasn’t travelled far. Additionally, there are lots of things to do when it comes to nature around Anna Maria. For instance, there are Manatee tours available that operate with the goal of educating people about them and conservation efforts.
Anna Maria is accessible by car, and there is a free trolley bus that runs along the main areas. The nearest major airport is Tampa International Airport (TPA), which is 56 miles away. Therefore, if you are looking to visit Anna Maria, then hiring a car is a good option if you are landing by plane.
Why visit Anna Maria?
Why visit Anna Maria? You should visit Anna Maria for so many reasons! First of all, the beaches on Anna Maria are all very gorgeous and are perfect for tourists looking for a beach getaway for a few days. There are also lots of activities to do around Anna Maria, such as snorkelling, cycling, kayaking and more, which makes it a great choice for people who want a vacation with things to keep themselves entertained with. Furthermore, Anna Maria has many great shops to explore, meaning it is ideal for tourists as they will be well cared for and will have almost anything they may need whilst on their vacation!
Does Anna Maria have nice beaches?
Does Anna Maria have nice beaches? Yes, Anna Maria has some of the nicest beaches in the whole of Florida. There is a beach to suit everyone’s wants and needs, such as if you’re after something tranquil or if you want a beach experience which is more social – Anna Maria has it all. Additionally, the beaches on Anna Maria Island are looked after regularly and are very clean due to turtles and other animals nesting along the beaches, meaning that people often clean up and take extra care of disposing of their litter in order to not harm the wildlife who also reside there.
Do the Anna Maria beaches have clear water?
Do the Anna Maria beaches have clear water? Yes, almost every beach on Anna Maria has crystal clear water. It has been said that the best Anna Maria beaches with the clearest water are: Holmes Beach, Bean Point and Bradenton Beach – but you’ll have to go and see for yourself in person to decide which has the clearest water.
What to pack when heading to the Anna Maria beaches
What to pack when heading to the Anna Maria beaches? When visiting the best Anna Maria beaches, don’t forget to pack these essential items in order to have an amazing time:
- Women’s Beach Cover-Up – Stay cool and stylish with this stunning women’s beach cover-up, which is ideal if you need something light and airy to wear to the Anna Maria beaches. The beach cover-up comes in a wide range of colours and patterns to choose from, meaning there’s one to suit everyone. It’s very loose and comfortable, making it a beach essential for all!
- Butterfly Kite – This gorgeous butterfly kite will keep the kids entertained for hours on the beaches, and most of the best Anna Maria beaches are perfect for flying kits on due to their open space. It’s made from high-quality materials, meaning that it is tough to rip, and the colours won’t fade from the sun. Furthermore, it’s very quick and easy to assemble to get it soaring high in the sky fast!
- Tower Coast & Country Picnic Basket – On the best Anna Maria beaches, you’ll be almost guaranteed to always find picnic benches to enjoy – so why not pack your own picnic in this gorgeous picnic basket? The picnic basket includes high-quality cutlery and is very lightweight and portable, making it perfect for taking to the beach with you!
- Anna Maria Island Giant Book of Fun – This giant book of fun all about Anna Maria Island is perfect for getting kids excited about their visit to Anna Maria. There are over 200 pages of fun activities, such as colouring, games, mazes, drawings, and much more to be done by them. They’ll be sure to love it!
Where are the best Anna Maria beaches?
1. Anna Maria Beach
A visit to Anna Maria isn’t complete without a visit to its very own Anna Maria Beach! Anna Maria Beach is located on the north of the island, and it’s the perfect beach to visit if you’re on the lookout for some peace and quiet. There aren’t as many facilities on Anna Maria Beach as other beaches on Anna Maria Island, so, therefore, there often aren’t as many crowds. Remember to bring a good book – like this one, all about Florida, and just sit back and relax for a few hours.
Where to stay: Anna Maria Island Beach Sands – This accommodation is ideal for guests who would like to stay somewhere spacious and with close access to the beaches. There is a fully equipped kitchen, a BBQ, a flat-screen TV, and two bedrooms in total. Furthermore, there is a balcony to relax on, which has a stunning sea view and an outdoor swimming pool to make use of.
2. Bean Point
Bean Point is another relaxing and quiet beach on Anna Maria. It was named after the first resident on the island in 1892, Mr George Emerson Bean – which is a nice bit of trivia to know! If you choose to visit Bean Point, be aware that swimming isn’t recommended as the currents can get very strong, and riptides are quite common. Therefore, when visiting Bean Point, you should go for the beautiful views it has to offer and the amazing scenery surrounding it. There isn’t a parking lot at Bean Point, but there are places to park if you wish to walk for about 20 minutes in order to reach the beach.
Where to stay: Bean Point Beach Cottage – Perfectly situated right next to Bean Point, this accommodation is a great choice for guests who want to stay somewhere quiet. There is free WiFi for guests, a private outdoor swimming pool to cool down in, a fully equipped kitchen, and three bedrooms that sleep up to 6 people in total. It is beautifully decorated and great for families on vacation.
3. Coquina Beach
Coquina Beach is located to the south of Anna Maria and is one of the longest beaches. The beach is lifeguarded often, making it the perfect beach to go swimming at if that is what you’re looking for. Additionally, there are other facilities, such as picnic areas, showers and changing rooms, which are really handy and makes Coquina Beach a great beach to visit if you’re looking for one of the best family-friendly beaches on Anna Maria. If you’re into Old Hollywood, you might also find it interesting to know that Paul Gilmore, famous for silent movies, bought the land where the beach now is, with the intention of turning it into a filming location – the more you know!
Where to stay: Captain’s Quarters at Anna Maria Island Inn – This spectacularly designed accommodation is a great choice for guests who would like to treat themselves to a relaxing getaway. There is free parking, free WiFi, BBQ facilities and an outdoor pool for guests to make use of to their heart’s content. There is one bedroom in the villa, and it’s located about a 5-minute walk from the beach.
4. Manatee Beach
Manatee Beach is definitely one of the best Anna Maria beaches. There are plenty of places and vendors serving delicious food and drinks, parking nearby, live music nightly, a playground, volleyball courts and chairs and umbrellas to rent. The beach is also great for swimming as the water is warm, calm and clear, it’s lifeguarded, and there are changing and showering facilities. Furthermore, there is also a parking lot with around 100 parking spaces, making it a great choice if accessibility is vital for you. If you want a quiet beach experience, then Manatee Beach won’t be for you – but it is still worth checking out!
Where to stay: Queens Gate Resort – Boasting a private beach and even an outdoor pool, this accommodation has lots to offer! Guests can make use of the on-site laundrette, garden and patio with BBQ facilities, and there is a fully equipped kitchen in each unit. Furthermore, there is an en-suite bathroom, a coffee machine, free WiFi, free parking and pets are also allowed.
5. Cortez Beach
Cortez Beach is 140 feet long and lined with towering palm trees, making it look like a beach straight out of paradise! If you want to go snorkelling, then Cortez Beach is perfect for it as the water is calm and clear, as well as that there are lots of areas in the water filled with interesting sea creatures. Surfing is also popular at this beach, depending on the weather conditions, making it a great choice if you want to get out on the waves. Additionally, there is also a pier which is great for fishing, and plenty of shops nearby.
Where to stay: Pelican Post at Anna Maria Island – Offering an outdoor pool, free parking, a beautiful garden, BBQ facilities, and a sun terrace, this accommodation is perfect for tourists who are looking to treat themselves whilst on vacation. There is a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and large refrigerator, as well as an en-suite with luxury amenities. Each room is tastefully decorated and will definitely make your visit to Anna Maria that extra bit special.
6. Bradenton Beach
Bradenton Beach is one of the best Anna Maria beaches if you want a traditional beach day out without the feeling that it is overpopulated, as Bradenton Beach is very wide, long and spacious. There are playgrounds for kids to enjoy, showers, grills, picnic tables and changing rooms to use. It is lifeguarded, making it a very safe beach if you want to go swimming, and there are also plenty of restaurants close by that serve delicious food to help recharge you after a long day of activities. It’s located to the south of Anna Maria, making it a great choice if you’re in that area of the island.
Where to stay: Almost Heaven – This gorgeous holiday home has two bedrooms for guests to enjoy and sleeps up to 4 people in total. There is a fully equipped kitchen, one bathroom with a powerful shower, free parking, air-conditioning, and a washing machine. What’s more, is that there is also a tranquil sea view that you can sit and admire from the property.
7. Bayfront Park Public Beach
Bayfront Park Public Beach is known for being one of the most unique beaches in Anna Maria due to its long pier that stretches out into the sea and the fact that it is actually a city park. It’s the perfect beach to visit if you’re looking for something different, especially because there is a farmer’s market held there every Tuesday, which is not very common on other beaches. Just across from the beach, you will also find plenty of shops selling gifts, clothes and other items.
Where to stay: Tropic Isle at Anna Maria Island – A stay at this amazing accommodation will have you never wanting to leave. Each room features a flat-screen cable TV, a balcony, free WiFi and an en-suite with luxury toiletries to make use of. In addition, there is also a 24-hour reception in case you may need anything, an outdoor pool to unwind in and free private, secure parking for guests who wish to drive.
8. Palmetto Avenue Beach
Palmetto Avenue Beach is one of the best Anna Maria beaches if you want to find and collect sea shells, as there are so many on the sandy shores of this beach! When it comes to basic beaches, Palmetto Avenue Beach is about as basic as you can get, but this doesn’t mean that it’s a bad beach, as sometimes simplicity is bliss. The beach is covered in gorgeous, silky white sand, and the water is very blue and clear, making it a great beach for just lounging around on.
Where to stay: Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound – This hotel is perfect for those looking to be taken care of and not have to worry about anything when it comes to their vacation. There is an on-site restaurant serving food to suit all dietary requirements and tastes, free parking, a 24-hour reception, an outdoor pool and a fitness centre. Every room comes with free WiFi, air conditioning, a refrigerator, and an en-suite with a range of toiletries. There is even a buffet breakfast available each morning for guests to help start the day right.
9. Holmes Beach
The last on my list of best Anna Maria beaches is Holmes Beach. Holmes Beach is located in the middle of Anna Maria and is best known by the locals. This hidden gem is relatively easy to access, as there is public access from almost every street in the area. It’s also a great beach for those who are interested in nature tourism, as there are lots of birds and turtles which nest along the beach. There are plenty of picnic tables to make use of, and the beach is fairly quiet as it’s mostly used by locals or those who have a vacation rental in the area.
Where to stay: Bali Hai Beachfront Resort and Spa – This luxury resort is a must-stay for guests who want to splash out and enjoy themselves on vacation. There is an on-site restaurant serving delicious food to suit a range of tastes, as well as an outdoor swimming pool and free bikes to explore with. Each room comes with a microwave, refrigerator, coffee machine, seating area and an en-suite with a bath and free toiletries. Additionally, Holmes Beach is just 1.7 miles away, making it the ideal place to stay whilst visiting.
The best Anna Maria beaches – conclusion
Well, that wraps up the end of this post all about the best Anna Maria beaches! I hope you’ve now been inspired to go and explore the best Anna Maria beaches. Have you ever visited any of them before? Have I missed any from the list that you believe should be on here? Let me know! If you liked this post about the best Anna Maria beaches and want some similar reading, this is what I’d recommend that you read next:
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