These picks are AI-curated from local knowledge of Anna Maria Island — real spots that locals love, no chains allowed. Updated regularly with the best the Gulf Coast has to offer.
Top Picks
Bean Point Beach
The northernmost tip of Anna Maria Island where you can watch both sunrise and sunset from the same spot. It's a quiet, undeveloped stretch that feels like you've discovered your own private paradise, especially during weekdays when only a handful of locals are walking their dogs.
Bayfront Park Beach
This hidden gem sits right in the heart of Anna Maria City with a gorgeous fishing pier and the most stunning sunset views on the island. The locals gather here with their folding chairs and coolers every evening, and there's always someone willing to share fishing tips or island stories.
Manatee Public Beach
The island's largest beach with the most amenities, but what makes it special is the north end where the locals hang out away from the crowds. You'll find the best shelling here after storms, and the lifeguards have been watching over island families for decades.
Cortez Beach
A peaceful stretch between the busier beaches where you'll often spot dolphins feeding close to shore in the early morning. The locals love this spot because it never gets too crowded, and the sand stays softer since fewer people walk on it.
Coquina Beach South
The southern end of the island where the sand is mixed with tiny coquina shells that make walking feel like a gentle massage. This is where island residents bring their visiting family because it feels more authentic and less touristy than other spots.
Greer Island Beach
A tiny bayside beach that most visitors never find, tucked behind the residential area on the north end. It's perfect for kayak launches and watching manatees, plus you can wade across to the actual Greer Island at low tide.
Pine Avenue Beach Access
This narrow beach access opens up to a gorgeous stretch of Gulf coast that locals prefer because parking is limited, keeping crowds thin. The morning beach walks here are legendary among island residents who've been doing the same route for years.
Palma Sola Causeway Beach
A bayside beach where families have been coming for generations to catch blue crabs and watch the sunset over the mainland. The shallow water stays warm longer in the evening, and there's always someone fishing who'll tell you what's biting.
38th Street Beach Access
One of the quieter Gulf-side access points where you can still find that old Florida beach vibe. The locals know this spot has some of the best wave action for boogie boarding when the conditions are right.
Kingfish Boat Ramp Beach
More than just a boat launch, this bayside spot is where serious local anglers gather before dawn and where kids learn to catch their first fish. The old-timers here remember when this was one of the few ways to get boats in the water on the island.