The beaches of Anna Maria Island at a glance
The island is about 7 miles long and its beaches face the Gulf of Mexico. Anna Maria sits in the north, Holmes Beach in the middle and Bradenton Beach in the south. Most visitors use one of three county beaches with lifeguards, or walk out to the sandy northern tip at Bean Point.
The beaches differ in facilities, in how busy they feel and in who watches the water. Sunset over the Gulf is a draw at all of them, but the view depends on the weather and on where you sit. If you want to see the water from a boat as well, look at the island's dolphin tours and sunset cruises.
Anna Maria Island beaches compared
What each beach offers in 2026.
| Beach | Town | Lifeguards | Facilities | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manatee Public Beach | Holmes Beach | Yes, 365 days a year | Restrooms, showers, changing rooms, water fountains, volleyball, parking, trolley stop | Sunrise to 10 p.m. |
| Coquina Beach | Bradenton Beach | Yes | Restrooms, showers, changing rooms, picnic area and grills, playground, volleyball, parking, trolley | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cortez Beach | Bradenton Beach | Yes | Parking and a trolley connection | – |
| Bean Point | Anna Maria | No | – | – |
For most families, Manatee Public Beach or Coquina Beach is the easiest choice: both have lifeguards, restrooms and a trolley stop. Pick Bean Point for a walk at the northern tip, not as your lifeguarded family beach. Facilities can be out of service on any day, so treat the list as what is normally there.
Manatee Public Beach
Manatee Public Beach is the county beach in Holmes Beach, at 4000 State Road 64 and Gulf Drive. It opens at sunrise and the posted closing time is 10 p.m., unless signs say otherwise. Lifeguards work every day of the year, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. between Labor Day and Memorial Day and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Alcohol, glass and pets are not allowed. Open fires are banned, and you may grill only at the designated grills. Vehicles may not drive on the beach or on the footpaths. The Holmes Beach guide covers the town around it.
Our pick: a sandbar trip
If you want sand and shallow water without a car, this boat trip lands you on a sandbar for a swim.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Boat trips and tours around Anna Maria Island
Dolphin watching, sunset cruises and other trips on the Gulf, with live prices and availability.
Bean Point
Bean Point is the sandy northern tip of the island, in the city of Anna Maria. It is a place to walk and to look at the water. Lifeguards are not stationed here, so do not count on one when you plan a family beach day.
The swimming rules at Bean Point changed in 2025. Read the signs posted at the access, and treat the rules on those signs as the ones that apply today. Dogs on the beach have led to citations in 2026, so leave your dog at home.
Beach flags and safety
Check the flag at the lifeguard tower before you enter the water.
Double red
The water is closed to the public.
Single red
High hazard.
Yellow
Medium hazard.
Green
Lower hazard, but still take care.
Purple
Dangerous marine life is in the water.
A beach with no flag flying is not a sign that the water is safe. On unguarded stretches such as Bean Point, nobody raises a flag for you.
Turtle season and beach rules
Sea turtles nest on the island's beaches. The local nesting season runs from 1 May to 31 October. After sunset, do not use lights on the beach, keep away from marked nests and do not disturb wildlife. Remove beach furniture at dusk.
At Coquina Beach, alcohol, glass, fireworks and drones are not allowed, and you should stay off the dunes. If you plan a beach day on foot, the island's free trolley runs along Gulf Drive; the trolley guide has the details. For the right time of year to visit, see the weather and best time page.
Looking at beaches beyond the island? The next barrier island to the south has its own guide: Siesta Key Beach.
Anna Maria Island beaches: frequently asked questions
Which beach suits families on Anna Maria Island?
For families, Manatee Public Beach and Coquina Beach are the easiest, because both have lifeguards, restrooms and a trolley stop. Bean Point suits a walk at the northern tip. It has no lifeguards.
Which beaches have lifeguards?
Coquina Beach, Cortez Beach and Manatee Public Beach. Bean Point does not. At Manatee Public Beach, lifeguards work every day from 9 a.m., until 5 p.m. between Labor Day and Memorial Day and until 7 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Can I bring my dog to the beach?
No. Pets are not allowed at Manatee Public Beach or Coquina Beach, and dogs on the beach at Bean Point have led to citations in 2026. Service animals follow different rules.
Can I drink alcohol or bring glass?
No. Alcohol and glass are banned at Manatee Public Beach and Coquina Beach. Pack drinks in cans or plastic and check the signs at the entrance.
What do the beach flags mean?
Double red means the water is closed to the public, single red means high hazard, yellow medium hazard, green lower hazard with caution, and purple dangerous marine life. A missing flag is not a safety all-clear.