Bean Point Beach

Anna Maria Bayfront Park faces Tampa Bay, not the open Gulf — the bay side of the City of Anna Maria at 316 N Bay Blvd. You get picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and free parking, with views toward the Sunshine Skyway. For Gulf swimming, walk or drive a few blocks west to Anna Maria Beach or Bean Point. This park is the bayfront stop for picnics and calm water, not a barrier-island swim day. Read more...

Anna Maria Beach is the town’s main Gulf access near Spring Avenue on Anna Maria Island — low-rise, free parking, and a short walk to the village shops and cafes. Lifeguards and restrooms are typically on duty in season. It is quieter than Manatee Beach or Coquina farther south, and it faces the open Gulf (unlike Bayfront Park on the bay). Come early on weekends; street and lot spots fill. Read more...

Manatee Beach is Anna Maria Island’s busiest county beach park at 4000 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. It has a large parking area, restrooms, showers, playgrounds, volleyball, seasonal lifeguards, and a concession vibe that draws families all day. Wheelchair access is better here than at the street-end Holmes accesses. Arrive early on weekends — this is the island’s default “meet at the beach” lot. Read more...

Holmes Beach accesses are the public Gulf walkovers and street-ends along Gulf Drive through the City of Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island — not one single park gate. Parking is mostly street or small lots; some accesses have restrooms nearby, and seasonal lifeguards cover marked stretches. For a full facility beach day (playground, big lot), go to Manatee Beach at 4000 Gulf Dr. Use these when you want a shorter walk from a mid-island Read more...

Egmont Key is a boat-only state park at the mouth of Tampa Bay, reached by ferry from Fort DeSoto or a private boat. There are no cars, no concessions, and limited shade. Fort Dade ruins and a lighthouse sit on the island; the Gulf side has a long undeveloped beach. Bring water, and check ferry hours before you go. Read more...

Bradenton Beach is the Gulf town beach on the south-central stretch of Anna Maria Island, steps from historic Bridge Street. Expect restrooms, showers, lifeguards in season, and free or easy public parking near 10th Street / Gulf Drive. The pier and Bridge Street restaurants make it a full stop, not just a swim. Coquina Beach’s bigger county lot sits just south if this strip is packed. Read more...