Bean Point Beach Anna Maria Island
Pristine white sand beach at the northern tip of Anna Maria Island, where the Gulf meets Tampa Bay. Known for clear waters, wildlife, and stunning sun...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Bean Point Beach Anna Maria Island
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Pristine white sand beach at the northern tip of Anna Maria Island, where the Gulf meets Tampa Bay. Known for clear waters, wildlife, and stunning sunsets.
"Bean Point Beach is absolutely stunning! Peaceful, crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views."
🚗 Street Parking is Key
Park on nearby streets like Fern Street and walk a short distance to access the beach. :car:
🚫 No Public Restrooms
Plan ahead as there are no public restrooms directly at Bean Point Beach. :toilet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal Clear Turquoise Waters
Northern tip of Anna Maria Island
Experience pristine, often clear waters where the Gulf of Mexico meets Tampa Bay. Perfect for wading and enjoying the scenery.
Breathtaking Sunset Views
Western-facing shoreline
Witness stunning sunsets painting the sky over the Gulf. A truly magical end to a day at this beautiful beach.
Manatee and Dolphin Sightings
Nearshore waters
Keep an eye out for playful dolphins and gentle manatees in their natural habitat. A highlight for many visitors!
Pristine White Sand Beach
Entire stretch of Bean Point
Sink your toes into soft, powdery white sand. This beach is known for its cleanliness and natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Tranquility
Parking & Access Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Street Parking is Key
Park on nearby streets like Fern Street and walk a short distance to access the beach. :car:
🚫 No Public Restrooms
Plan ahead as there are no public restrooms directly at Bean Point Beach.
🌊 'No Swim Zone' Advisory
Be aware that parts of Bean Point are designated 'No Swim Zones' due to currents. :warning:
📸 Perfect for Photoshoots
Ideal spot for family portraits and capturing stunning beach scenery.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Street Parking is Key
Park on nearby streets like Fern Street and walk a short distance to access the beach. :car:
🚫 No Public Restrooms
Plan ahead as there are no public restrooms directly at Bean Point Beach.
🌊 'No Swim Zone' Advisory
Be aware that parts of Bean Point are designated 'No Swim Zones' due to currents. :warning:
📸 Perfect for Photoshoots
Ideal spot for family portraits and capturing stunning beach scenery.
🚶♀️ Walk the Northern Shore
Enjoy a scenic walk along the Gulf Coast to reach Bean Point from other parts of the island. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Bean Point Beach's stunning beauty, describing it as a peaceful paradise with crystal-clear waters and soft white sand. Many appreciate its family-friendly atmosphere and the chance to see wildlife. While parking requires a short walk and there are no restrooms, the serene environment and breathtaking sunsets make it a highly recommended spot.
"We absolutely love Anna Maria! Bean Point Beach is absolutely stunning! It’s a family friendly beach… quiet, clean and so much great things to do on the island. The waters are crystal clear on good days and great for family with small kids since there aren’t really big waves (at least when we’ve gone). We’ve been to many beaches on the west coast of the Gulf, and AMI is our #1 fave. Take the trip… so worth it!"
Norma Pineda
"We love this spot. The water is emerald colored and clear. You don't have trash or the amount of people like what you would find at a public beach. The people are friendly and polite. It is a very family oriented beach. I highly recommend giving it a visit."
Matt Keltner
"Bean Point Beach is absolutely stunning. Peaceful, crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views. A perfect spot to relax and connect with nature."
Marlen Prato
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bean Point Beach is located at the northernmost tip of Anna Maria Island. You can access it by walking north along the Gulf Coast of the island or by driving and parking on nearby streets like Fern Street.
Parking is available on the streets surrounding Bean Point, such as Fern Street. It's recommended to arrive early as spots can fill up, and be prepared for a short walk to the beach.
Yes, biking is a popular way to explore Anna Maria Island and reach Bean Point. Many visitors opt to bike or use golf carts to get around the island.
While there isn't direct public transport to the beach itself, the Anna Maria Island Trolley runs along the island and can get you close to the northern end, from where you can walk or bike.
From Bradenton, you'll typically drive onto Anna Maria Island. Once on the island, head north towards the tip. Parking will be on the streets near the beach access points.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Bean Point Beach is a public beach and does not require tickets for entry. Access is free for everyone.
Bean Point Beach is generally accessible from sunrise to 10:00 PM, allowing visitors to enjoy both the morning tranquility and evening sunsets.
There are no entrance fees for Bean Point Beach itself. Any costs would be related to parking if you are not staying nearby or if metered parking is implemented in the future.
Yes, Bean Point is considered a family-friendly beach with calm waters and soft sand, making it suitable for children.
While specific regulations can change, generally dogs are allowed on Anna Maria Island beaches but must be on a leash. It's always best to check local ordinances for the most current rules.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hour' just after sunrise and before sunset offers the most beautiful light for photography. Sunsets are particularly spectacular here.
You can capture stunning landscapes, serene beach scenes, wildlife like dolphins and manatees, and beautiful sunset shots. It's also a popular spot for family portraits.
The meeting point of the Gulf and Tampa Bay, the views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in the distance, and the expansive white sand beach are all iconic photo opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting like dolphins and manatees.
Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local ordinances. It's advisable to check current rules before flying a drone in the area.
🎫 🌊 Onsite Experience
The water at Bean Point is often described as crystal clear and turquoise, especially on calm days. It's where the Gulf of Mexico meets Tampa Bay.
Generally, Bean Point has calm waters with minimal waves, making it suitable for families with small children. However, conditions can vary.
Visitors enjoy swimming (in designated areas), sunbathing, shelling, walking, photography, and wildlife watching (dolphins and manatees).
Bean Point is known for being less crowded than other public beaches, offering a more peaceful experience, especially on weekdays.
There are no public restrooms or concessions directly at Bean Point Beach. Visitors should come prepared with their own supplies.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1 The beach is especially famous for its spectacular sunsets, offering photographers the chance to capture stunning, vibrant skies. +1 Keep an eye out for wildlife like dolphins and manatees, which can add dynamic elements to your shots. 🧘♀️ Peace Seekers & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the 'No Swim Zone'
Many visitors still find Bean Point perfect for enjoying the shoreline, collecting shells, and simply soaking in the serene atmosphere. The 'no swim zone' primarily applies to swimming further out in the water where currents are strongest. For those seeking a peaceful beach experience with stunning views, Bean Point remains a top choice, provided they are mindful of the water safety guidelines.
Wildlife Encounters at Bean Point
To increase your chances of spotting these creatures, consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon. Patience is key, and it's important to observe them from a respectful distance without disturbing their natural behavior. Binoculars can be helpful for spotting dolphins further out in the water.
Photography Opportunities
+1 The beach is particularly renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, which cast a warm, golden glow over the landscape, making it an ideal spot for capturing memorable moments. Whether you're a professional photographer or just enjoy snapping photos with your phone, Bean Point provides ample subjects. Family portraits against the ocean backdrop are very popular, as are shots capturing the serene, uncrowded nature of the beach.
Remember to bring your wide-angle lens for expansive beach scenes and a telephoto lens if you hope to capture wildlife. The 'golden hour' before sunset is especially magical for photography. +1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit