Are you looking for a fun, laidback beach to visit during your stay in an AMI vacation rental? Manatee Public Beach can be found at 4000 State Road 64 and Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. You will find a parking lot to the east with about 120 parking spots. You will just have to get there early to ensure a spot if you plan on driving. The beach is right across the street behind the restrooms and Anna Maria Island Beach Café. In other words, it is on the gulf side of Holmes Beach, right as 2nd curves into 43rd, and intersects with Gulf Drive.
Things to Do
There are plenty of things to do in Anna Maria Island, and Manatee Public Beach is one of the hottest spots! Why is that, you ask? The beach is public access, which means there are a ton of amenities. It is not just a beach, either, although the warm white sands and gentle turquoise Gulf waves sure are alluring enough to spend all day in. And you can take comfort in knowing that there are always lifeguards on duty since this is a county-run beach.
Want to cook up a nice barbecue lunch for yourself and your group? You can use one of the many grills on the beach, then sit and enjoy your meal at any of the open picnic tables. If you do not wish to bring food with you, head on over to the café and grab some grub. This concession stand is loaded with delicious snacks and drinks.
If you have kids with you, head on over to one of the swings with them for some fun. Or you can hit the sandy court for a rousing game of volleyball. Explore the trails around the outer edges of the beach if you would like to see popular Anna Maria Island water birds and other wildlife. Just bear in mind that you cannot go into the vegetation since that can upset the local wildlife and damage their homes. You might also see some turtles nesting, but do not disturb them either! It is illegal to do so in Florida.
You will also find that there are a bunch of restrooms, showers with foot washes, and changing cabanas, so you will not need to worry about heading home to use the bathroom.
Directions to Manatee Public Beach
If you plan on taking the free trolley, know that it runs from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. every day and makes stops every 20 minutes at Manatee Public Beach. It has stops at the Anna Maria City Pier to the north, at Manatee Public Beach, and to the south at Coquina Beach.
Not taking the trolley? That’s okay! The easiest route involves getting to Gulf Drive and heading south until you get to the entrance to Manatee Public Beach. It is well-marked so that visitors do not miss the entrance.
Plan Your Vacation
Looking to plan the perfect Anna Maria Island getaway? We have a great selection of Anna Maria Island rentals for you to choose from!
If you are coming up from the south, it is simplest to head north on Gulf Drive and wind your way around until you get to the entrance.
Places to Stay
After a long day at the beach, head home to one of the lovely Anna Maria vacation rentals Lizzie Lu’s has to offer. There are some smaller rentals as well as 3- and 4-bedroom rentals on Anna Maria Island, which are perfect for larger groups. Sink into a cozy queen- or king-size bed; you will need a good night’s rest after a day of fun in the sun at Manatee Public Beach!
