Manatee Beach

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...

Cortez Beach is the residential Gulf strip along Gulf Drive South between Bradenton Beach and Coquina, named for nearby historic Cortez Village. Access is simpler than the big county parks — restrooms and seasonal lifeguards, with free parking that is tighter than Coquina’s lot. Use it when you want a lower-key AMI swim without the playground complex. Cortez Village seafood spots are a short drive east of the island. 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...

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...

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...

Coquina Beach is the large Manatee County park at the south end of Anna Maria Island (2600 Gulf Dr S), with a big free lot, playgrounds, picnic shelters, restrooms, showers, and seasonal lifeguards. Leffis Key Preserve’s trails sit next door for a short nature walk. It is the island’s main “bring the family and stay” Gulf beach — busier than Cortez or Bean Point. Lots fill by late morning on peak weekends. Read more...