You’ve finally decided on Anna Maria Island for your next Florida vacation, and you’re looking for the best place for a family beach experience. You’ll find what you’re looking for at Manatee Public Beach. Located in Holmes Beach, Manatee Public Beach has everything you need to spend your whole day there.
It’s one of the best Anna Maria Island things to do and one of the most amazing of the Anna Maria Island beaches.
About The Beach
Located on Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach, Manatee Beach is a beautiful white sand beach with clear, warm water with variations of blue and green. Also, shells are mixed in the sand, making it an excellent place for finding souvenir sea shells. The sand is compressed, making it soft and pleasant to walk on. The clear water is fantastic for all levels of swimmers to be able to enjoy! There are lifeguards around the coast, ensuring everyone is safe.
Manatee Beach is a top-rated attraction to many visitors of AMI. It has so much natural beauty and is an excellent experience for energetic families and groups looking to have a memorable vacation on Anna Maria Island.
Amenities
One of the reasons that Manatee Beach is so famous is because of the many available amenities. There are great amenities that come in handy if you want to be able to spend the day there without needing anything. Grills, picnic tables, bike racks, benches, and restrooms exist. You’ll also find changing cabanas and showers that have an area to wash off any sand.
There are trash and recycling receptacles, water fountains, and a trolley stop (the trolley is free!).
Those looking for a bit of playtime will find volleyball nets or playgrounds for the little ones. There are beach chairs, umbrellas, and paddleboards available for rent on the beach and in the water. There’s also a gift shop, and a concession stand that you stop by for a quick snack or a drink while you’re waiting for the burgers on the grill to finish cooking.
You can pack your stuff up from one of the Anna Maria Island vacation rentals you chose to book and be set for the whole day at the beach. You’ll also be right next to the super cool Anna Maria Beach Café, where you can eat right on the sand or hear some live music.
Beach Rules
There’s a reason that Manatee Public Beach is so famous—it’s well-maintained. Much of that maintenance is kept up by the public themselves. When the rules are correctly followed, it helps keep the beach clean and safe for all patrons.
For starters, the Manatee Public Beach hours are from sunrise to midnight unless other times have been posted. No pets are allowed on Manatee Beach or any other beaches in Manatee County. Also, there is no alcohol or glass allowed. There are also no fires allowed at any time. Grilling is strictly reserved for the grills provided at the beach. No fireworks, drones, or other remotely operated toys are permitted. ATVs, golf carts, or other vehicles are prohibited on the beach and pedestrian areas.
The wildlife in Manatee County is part of what makes this location great. Preserving as much of the habitat intact as possible is a goal of the community; therefore, walking on the sand dunes is not allowed. Disrupting any wildlife in the area is not permitted. It is essential during turtle season to not disturb any turtle nests or the signs and to not have any lights on after sunset. All beach furniture should be removed at dusk as well.
Plan Your Stay
With your vacation rental and beach spot set, you’re ready to relax, unwind, and enjoy the sun on Anna Maria Island. This charming island will nestle a place in your heart, and you won’t want to go back to reality.
Where to Park
The good thing about Manatee Public Beach parking is that it’s free! Parking is located a short distance from the beach. Remember to be the early bird, as the beach is popular and the parking lot fills up quickly. Street parking is available but very limited.
If you don’t want to worry about parking near the beach, you can always plan to take the trolley. It’s free and goes across the whole island.
Book Your Anna Maria Island Rental with Florida Dreams
Now that you know the beach you’ll visit, it’s time to choose one of the Holmes Beach vacation rentals from Florida Dreams. Or, for that matter, you can select one of our rentals anywhere else on the island or even Bradenton on the mainland.
All of our Anna Maria Island rentals are not far from the beach. The views are great, and some amenities include fully equipped kitchens, high-speed WiFi, relaxing living spaces, and easy access to parking. If you want more swimming back at your rental, we offer plenty of Anna Maria Island rentals with a pool!
We have a rental at Florida Dreams that can fit any size of group or family; we have a choice of 3-bedroom vacation rentals in Anna Maria. The rentals are close to the beach, the quiet neighborhoods, and the pools are fantastic. Sometimes it’s hard to find accommodations for larger groups of friends or family, but you don’t have to worry! We have a large selection of three and four-bedroom rentals that sleep from six to eight guests so that you can bring larger groups easily.
Something else that sets us apart is that we offer some of the few Anna Maria Island pet-friendly vacation rentals. While you won’t be able to take them to the beach, you’ll still be able to bring your furry friends on vacation with you, alleviating the stress of searching for boarding while you’re gone.
After you’ve explored Manatee Beach, you can venture into the other activities on the Island. There are a few nature parks that you can visit. To explore the island and its natural habitat, check out Coquina Baywalk, the Neal Preserve, the Robison Preserve, or the Perico Preserve. You can also take a dolphin cruise or go on a Pirate Adventure with your kiddos!
When you’re finished with your Island Adventures, satisfy your hunger at one of the many restaurants on the island. Try Freckled Fin, an Irish Pub that is a popular draw on the island. They’ve got delicious Irish Pub classics and live music. If you’re not in the mood for pub food, try some hot baked Ziti from Oma’s Pizza and Italian restaurant. After dinner, grab a cupcake to-go from Cupcake Delights. They’ve got plenty of choices to satiate that sweet tooth!
Florida Dreams can’t wait to help you have the time of your life!
