This post will cover the very best beaches on Anna Maria Island! AMI as it’s sometimes referred to, is an island paradise about 45 minutes south of St. Petersburg and 35 minutes northwest of Sarasota.
Laid-back vibes, oceanfront restaurants, activities on the water, and shopping is what the island is all about. And let’s not forget about the beaches!
Anna Maria Island is only 7 miles long and 2 miles wide but is filled with some of the most stunning beaches on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
It’s not uncommon to see marine life such as dolphins and manatees close to the shores when you’re on these Gulf beaches!
Each of the 3 cities on the island, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, and Anna Maria, has its share of wide, sandy, white beaches and clear blue waters.
Here are 6 of the best beaches on Anna Maria Island, Florida to check out!
Best Beaches On Anna Maria Island-
City Of Bradenton Beach
1. Cortez Beach
Cortez Beach is a nice, family-friendly beach on the southern end of Anna Maria Island.
Walk over the wooden boardwalk past the sand dunes and to the pristine, white beach overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
There is a fishing pier and they have lifeguards here for most of the day.
While my son and I were at the beach, there were warnings for riptides so be cautious when swimming in the water.
The beach has a hiking trail, and benches to relax on, and you can bring some lunch to have in their picnic area.
The beach is open from 6 am-midnight.
Cortez Beach Amenities
√ Benches
√ Bike Racks
√ Multi-Purpose Trail
√ Picnic Tables
√ Recycle Containers/Trash Receptacles
√ Restrooms
√ Water Fountains
Cortez Beach Things To Do Nearby
Once you’re done at the beach, check out nearby Bridge Street with plenty of shops, restaurants, and the Bradenton Beach Pier.
Bradenton Beach is the city on the southern end of Anna Maria Island and there are many different access points to hit the beach while here!
My son and I stayed at Tropic Isle Resort which is on the northern part of Bradenton Beach, close to the center of the island.
Right across the street from the hotel is an access area to a beautiful stretch of beach.
There are other hotels in this area that have access to the beach, too.
Another spot with a wonderful section of beach is at the Kokonut Hut restaurant and cafe, which is just a little south of where we stayed, in Bradenton Beach.
We had some breakfast at the Kokonut Hut and spent some time at the beach after.
Bradenton Beach Things To Do Nearby
Have dinner with a view at Kokonut Hut or Gulf Drive Cafe!
Anna Maria Island Beaches- Frequently Asked Questions
Does Anna Maria Island Have A Public Beach?
There are several beaches on Anna Maria Island that are open to the public.
Cortez Beach, Coquina Beach, Manatee Beach, and Bayfront Park are all public beaches on Anna Maria Island, with plenty of amenities.
The beaches on Anna Maria Island are family and kid-friendly. Bean Point just doesn’t have any amenities.
Can You Swim On The Beaches Of Anna Maria Island?
In my experience, the Gulf Beaches are usually a bit calmer than the beaches on the Atlantic side.
The Anna Maria Island beaches are good for swimming.
But as always, swim with caution and look for the beach warning flags before going out to give you an idea if it’s safe or not.
What Part Of Anna Maria Island Is Best?
I’ve always stayed in Bradenton Beach on the southern end of the island, so I’m a little biased when I say that it’s the best part of Anna Maria Island.
However, I do feel that area is the best! With Cortez and Coquina Beach on the southern end, as well as Leffis Key and the Bradenton Beach Pier, Bradenton Beach is, in my opinion, the best part of Anna Maria Island.
The northern end of the island, with Bean Point and the Anna Maria City Pier, is really beautiful, too.
Most of the beaches on Anna Maria Island have parking lots but there is limited parking or street parking at to some of the beaches.
An awesome thing about Anna Maria Island is that the beaches and parking on the island are free.
We came here in early April and parking wasn’t an issue while here.
Spots do fill up fast, though, especially in the summer, so come early!
Many visitors rent golf carts or travel around the island on one of the free shuttles or the monkey bus!
The shuttles will take you to several points on Anna Maria Island and will stop at most of the beaches.
There may be some spots, especially on the northern end of the island where you have to walk a little ways to get to the beach from the stop.
Final Thoughts: 6 Best Beaches On Anna Maria Island!
As you can see, Anna Maria Island has several of the best beaches on Florida’s Gulf Coast!
If you’re looking for more fun things to do in Anna Maria Island, check out this post!
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