Bean Point Beach

Bean Point is a beautiful wide white-sand beach on Anna Maria Island, great for long unhurried walks, collecting shells, playing Frisbee on the shore, soaking up the sun, or having a dip in the clearest aquamarine waters of the Gulf. There are some fishermen around and you can also cast a line – there are various fish species including ladyfish, snook, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel.

It’s also a quiet pristine spot to relax with a book, watch breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, take photos, and just enjoy oneself. If you stay on Anna Maria Island, this place is a must-visit!

Location and Access

The beach is easily accessible by car – there are entrances on the intersection of North Shore Drive and Gladiolus Street and North Shore Drive and Fern Street. You must park only in designated areas, so parking can be limited and inconvenient on busy days, which is probably the main disadvantage of this beach. It is better to come early.

There is a good spot to leave your vehicle along the street a block away from the beach entrance, just make sure you park on the right side of the road with all the four wheels off the road. If you’re staying close to the beach, consider going there by bike – you can park it right at one of the entrances.

No Facilities

Bean Point used to be a kind of a hidden gem of Anna Maria Island for a long time and it’s still slightly off the beaten path, so get ready for the absence of public restrooms, showers, and any other amenities.

Sand and Water

The sand on Bean Point is white, powdery, and soft – walking on it is like walking on flour! The water is spectacularly beautiful and translucent and there is a convenient gradual decline when going into it. Nevertheless, the currents can be quite strong and there are no lifeguards on duty, so please exercise extreme caution and watch your children all the time!

Local Wildlife

Anna Maria Island’s wildlife is beautiful and you have good chances to encounter it at Bean Point. You’re likely to see dolphins, starfish, stingrays, sand dollars, crabs, and various birds. If you come in the period between May and October, you’ll get a perfect chance to see adult sea turtles as well as hatchlings.

During the winter, there is also a small chance to spot the rare manatee. Please don’t disturb the local wildlife, but watching and taking photos is only encouraged!

Driving Time

• 1 hour 10 minutes from Tampa, FL

• 1 hour 30 minutes from Lakeland, FL

• 1 hour 50 minutes from Fort Myers, FL

Hotels and rentals

If you're considering staying for one or even a few nights, there are plenty of options available near the beach. Chose your preferred accomodation type and your favourite room provider:

• Nearby rentals from VRBO.
• Nearby rooms and properties from Booking.com.

Beaches nearby

Additionally, there's a number of beaches near Bean Point Beach which you can visit:

• Palmetto Avenue Beach (1 mile)
• Manatee Public Beach (3 miles)
• Bradenton Beach (5 miles)
• Fort De Soto Park Beach (5 miles)
• Cortez Beach (6 miles)