Complete Guide to Manatee Public Beach on Anna Maria Island

There are so many fantastic beaches to explore during your stay at the Anna Maria beach resort. One of the most popular locations to spend a day at the beach is the Manatee Public Beach.

This is considered one of the top attractions on Anna Maria Island, and you won’t want to miss spending some time here during your stay in town.

Where Is It Located?

Manatee Public Beach is located just off of Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach. The park is open from sunrise to 10 p.m. and is a wonderful spot to try out any time of the day. There are three access points to the beach which makes it easy to get to and enjoy.

Transportation & Parking

Getting to Manatee Public Beach is really easy. That might be why it’s one of the favorite spots for locals and tourists alike. The quickest way? Take the free trolley on the island and get dropped off right at the beach.

There is also a very large and free parking lot that can serve up to 120 parking spots. But remember, this is one of the most popular beaches on the island, so that’s not always enough. Plan to get there early to snag your spot or think about alternative travel options.

There is some street parking, but it is limited and you’ll want to make sure to keep an eye out for any no parking signs. The authorities in the area take these parking restrictions seriously.

Facilities & Amenities

One of the best things about the Manatee Public Beach is all of the amenities that are included nearby. Of course, you’ll find the white sandy beach and the beautiful blue clear waters. However, Manatee Public Beach is much more than just the beach, and that’s what makes it worth at least one visit during your stay at the Anna Maria Island Resort.

Here, you’ll also find benches, bike racks, grills, and picnic tables. This makes it the perfect spot to spend the entire day and even bring some lunch along with you. If you don’t want to bring a picnic, that’s fine too, because there’s also a concession stand that can provide a snack or a cool drink. If the beach gets tiring you can also check out some of the volleyball courts or the playgrounds here as well.

If you’re trying to head somewhere after your day at the beach, but don’t want to go back to the resort, the amenities at Manatee Public Beach support that as well. There are changing cabanas and also full restrooms and showers with a foot wash.

Additionally, if you’re worried about safety, Manatee Public Beach has you covered there as well. Since this is a public beach run by the county there are always lifeguards on duty.

Beach Rules & Regulations

Although many things are allowed on this public beach, your four-legged friend is not. Dogs are not allowed at any of the public beaches in Manatee County. Other things you should leave at home include alcohol and glass bottles. There are also no fires allowed on county or public beaches at any time.

Also, if you’re looking to explore the outskirts of the beach, it’s asked that you stay on the marked trails. Straying into the vegetation can disturb local wildlife and damage their habitats. Additionally, be careful of any turtle nests you may come across while enjoying the beach. It’s illegal in the state of Florida to disturb them.

You are also asked to obey the beach hours and not stay in any parks within the city past midnight.