Beaches

Quiet, secluded beach at the very northern tip of the island where the Gulf meets Tampa Bay, with views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

The City of Anna Maria's Gulf beach, reached from the west ends of residential streets. Calm surf, seclusion and great sunsets, a short walk or trolley ride from Pine Avenue.

Shady county park on Tampa Bay near the City Pier with views of Egmont Key and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Calm bay-side sand, picnic tables and a reservable pavilion.

The island's old reliable family beach, where Manatee Ave runs out of road at the Gulf. Lifeguards year-round, a beachfront café, a playground and volleyball nets in the sand.

Family-friendly stretch of Gulf beach in the city of Holmes Beach. Calm, shallow water, lifeguards, volleyball, shaded picnic areas, playgrounds and a beachside café; watch for dolphins and manatees.

Long, lower-key Gulf strand in northern Bradenton Beach with numerous access points along Gulf Drive South; surfers catch waves near the "Three Piers" when the surf is up.

Big county beach park at the island's south end, named for the colorful little coquina clams at the water's edge. Acres of parking, pavilions, lifeguards and the southern trolley terminus.

Bay-side nature preserve across from Coquina Beach. CLOSED: damaged by the 2024 hurricanes and closed until further notice pending FEMA review.

Rustic, out-of-the-way spot across Longboat Pass from Coquina Beach. A favorite of boaters, reached by paddleboard or kayak, with views up the length of Anna Maria Island.

Quarter-mile pristine beach at the north end of Longboat Key, just over the bridge from Coquina. No facilities. Bring what you need.

The sandy bay-side strip on both sides of Manatee Avenue on your way to the island. Calm, shallow water, picnic spots, beach horses and jet skis, and the one beach around here where leashed dogs are welcome.