Best Anna Maria Island Sunset Views

You can admire pictures of famous sunsets on Anna Maria Island all day and night, but it never actually captures seeing the bands of reds and oranges soar across the sky and the sun melts on the horizon in person. It’s truly poetic, and lucky Anna Maria Island residents get to witness it every single night.

The island is the perfect vantage point to witness the glory and stunning colors of a Florida sunset firsthand.

Where can you find the most striking views and the most exciting sunset settings on Anna Maria Island? Several of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals offer an ideal viewing point but below are a few other ideal spots from which you can experience the iconic sunset on our island paradise.

The Rod and Reel Pier

For many, the perfect sunset begins and ends at the Rod and Reel Pier at 875 N Shore Dr., Anna Maria, FL. This pier is a city staple and has become an important part of the island’s culture. It’s a straight walk to the end, with no large barricades blocking your view of the ocean and a top-rated restaurant to sit down and enjoy the sunsets.

It’s surreal and tranquil. Virtually every evening, you’ll find the place packed with couples and families enjoying a freshly prepared dinner, admiring the tender glow of the sun over the horizon line. It’s a spectacle, and there are few places that are comparable when it comes to seeing the sunset without interruption.

The Beach Bistro

Near many of our Anna Maria pet-friendly vacation rentals, you can see extraordinary views at the luxurious Beach Bistro. This restaurant is a higher-end American-influenced seafood restaurant, featuring innovative spins on classic seafood dishes.

Locally-caught Grouper, Colorado Lamb, and Butter-Poached Lobster make up just a few of the enticing offerings on the menu. The food is stunning, and you can get to feel the sun’s warmth tenderly fall over the outdoor patio as you indulge in every bite. Find the Beach Bistro at 6600 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217.

Manatee Public Beach

With just one visit to Manatee Public Beach, you’ll probably fall in love like so many locals have. This very popular beach offers white sand, plenty of facilities for families or groups, and some of the most unforgettable sunset views that you’ll find anywhere on the island.

With the AMI Beach Café right there to keep you full and hydrated, picnic tables, volleyball courts, and bike racks, you’ll have a lot to do between swimming and beachgoing. Find it at 4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL.

Bean Point

Bean Point is possibly the best sunset viewing location on Anna Maria Island and arguably the entire Gulf Coast of Florida. It is how the sunset over the open waters of the gulf should be experienced. Bean Point is the northernmost tip of the island and its home to a small beach with a slew of wildlife. Migratory ospreys and egrets relax on the shores, and dolphins can be spotted frolicking just off the point.

It’s not crowded and there’s not a lot to do in the immediate vicinity. For a peaceful view of the sunset, with family in tow and birds on the horizon, there may be no better spot. With many waterfront dining restaurants and popular outdoor locations that hug the coast of Anna Maria Island, you won’t ever be far from the sunsets that have made this vacation destination famous.

Book Your Anna Maria Island Rental

Enjoy them at any time, from a random spot on the beach to the outdoor patio of your very own Anna Maria Island rental with a pool, but visiting some of the prime sunset locations mentioned above will help make the experience that much more memorable.