Welcome to Anna Maria Island in Florida.
Bean Point Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, but you should be aware of its dangers.
In this blog post, we will guide you through EVERYTHING you need to know about Bean Point Beach: its location, activities, best time to visit, and how to make the most of your stay!
Let’s get started.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Varied Activities and Nearby Attractions: Bean Point Beach is perfect for relaxing, sunset watching, swimming, snorkeling, and wildlife observation.
- Secluded Beauty with Risks: Bean Point Beach on Anna Maria Island is famous for its picturesque scenery, white sandy beaches, and breathtaking sunsets (but watch out for the rip currents).
- Limited Amenities, Nature-Focused Experience: The beach offers minimal amenities, requiring you to bring your essentials.
Location
Located on the northernmost tip of Anna Maria Island in Florida, Bean Point Beach is a picturesque stretch of coastline that offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
DID YOU KNOW: Bean Point Beach was named after George Emerson Bean, one of the first permanent settlers on Anna Maria Island who arrived in 1892.
Directions to Bean Point
To find Bean Point, first, put Bean Point Beach in your GPS, head north on North Bay Blvd. from the Anna Maria City Pier, and you’ll find it at the intersection of North Bay Blvd. and North Shore Dr. You can take State Route 64 (Manatee Avenue) from Bradenton to the island if you drive.
The best beach ACCESS POINTS to the beach are:
- North Beach Boulevard
- North Shore Fern Street
- North Shore Drive
- Gladiolus Street.
The park entrances have a white “Public Beach” sign (more on this below).
The “main” entrance is at a small crossroads where North Bay Boulevard and North Shore Drive meet.
DID YOU KNOW: Best Life even mentioned Bean Point Beach as one of the best beaches in Florida in 2024!
Parking
You can drive down to Bean Point, where you can park in the available parking spots on Fern Street and Gladiolus Street.
Additionally, there are parking spaces on Jacaranda Road close to the footbridge entrance.
Please take note of any “No Parking” signs in the vicinity and make sure your vehicle’s tires are not on the main street itself.
Another option is to use the free trolley service that operates daily along Anna Maria Island and Coquina Beach, running from 6 AM to 10:30 PM at 20-minute intervals.
The bus stops are every 2–4 blocks; many of these stops have sheltered seating for your comfort while you await the trolley.
You can access the free trolley service timetable here.
FACTS: Bean Point Beach was once a secluded and lesser-known spot, only accessible by boat or a long walk through dense foliage. However, the development of nearby cities like Bradenton and Sarasota has made them more accessible to visitors and tourists.
Bean Point Beach Overview
This beach, located at the tip of the island, is a hidden gem, known for its powder-soft white sand beaches, amazing views of Tampa Bay (and the iconic Sunshine Skyway bridge), and a discreet, relaxed atmosphere that can be hard to find on most public beaches.
One of Bean Point Beach’s unique features is its feeling of a PRIVATE BEACH, offering an exclusive and secluded experience. This beach is far less crowded than others on Anna Maria Island.
The beach’s shoreline is dotted with SEASHELLS, so watch out if you walk barefoot.
The warm, shallow waters near the shore are perfect for wading and offer opportunities to spot marine life, such as starfish and sand dollars.
Walking along the beach, you’ll see the vegetation that adds to its charm. Sea oats sway gently in the breeze, their golden plumes contrasting with the blue skies above.
But Bean Point Beach’s most amazing feature is its SUNSET VIEWS. As the day ends, the sky transforms into an orange landscape. It’s always an amazing experience that leaves us in awe, together with hundreds of other tourists and locals.
Things To Do
1) Relaxing on Bean Point Beach
Bean Point Beach is the ideal spot for relaxation. The beach’s white sands provide the perfect opportunity to lay down a towel, unfold a beach chair, and set up an umbrella.
2) Bean Point Beach Sunset
An insider tip is to know that Bean Point Beach is the perfect place to capture stunning sunset photos.
People gather with their friends in the evening to enjoy the stunning sunset.
You can access the sunset times at Bean Point Beach throughout the year.
Before we go to another amazing activity at Bean Point Beach, don’t forget that you can also go horseback riding on Anna Maria Island!
3) Swimming and Snorkeling at Bean Point Beach
The clear, calm waters of Bean Point Beach are perfect for swimming.
Remember that the beach has NO LIFEGUARDS, but the shallow water is safe for swimming.
However, don’t go too far to avoid being caught in one of the most significant hazards at the beach: RIP CURRENTS. They can quickly pull you away from shore.
For snorkeling, the waters around Bean Point Beach offer beautiful marine life to discover.
INSIDER TIP: In Bean Point Beach, you can rent snorkeling sets from Fun and More Rentals, starting at $15 per day.
4) Exploring Local Wildlife
A bonus when visiting the beach is that it has diverse local wildlife species, from seabirds like pelicans and sandpipers to marine life like DOLPHINS and manatees.
We recommend taking a quiet walk along the beach, observing the birds, or, on a rare occasion, spotting the waters for dolphins.
INSIDER TIP: The best time to see dolphins is generally during the spring and fall seasons, from March to May and September to November. Early morning and late afternoon are particularly good times to observe dolphins, as they are more active during these times of the day.
Now, let’s look at some of the best activities close to the beach!
5) Fishing
If you want to go fishing, we recommend heading east of Bean Point to the Rod and Reel Pier.
Throughout the year, you can reel in varieties like mackerel and sheepshead. Different fish have specific seasons here; refer to the Florida Wildlife Commission for precise information.
This spot also serves as the perfect lunch retreat from the sun. Enjoy some freshly caught seafood at the Rod and Reel Pier restaurant if you haven’t had any luck with your catch.
Nearby Attractions and Activities
Bean Point Beach, located on Anna Maria Island, Florida, has several attractions and activities catering to various interests.
- Anna Maria Island Historical Society: Learn about the island’s rich history at this museum, which features exhibits on the early 20th-century fishing village that once thrived here.
- Rod and Reel Pier: This iconic spot offers fishing opportunities and a restaurant known for its seafood dishes. It’s also a great place to enjoy the sunset.
- Leffis Key Preserve: This nature preserve offers trails through mangroves and tidal marshes. It’s an excellent place for bird-watching and enjoying Florida’s natural beauty.
- Kayaking and Paddleboarding: The calm waters around Anna Maria Island are perfect for these activities. Rentals and guided tours are available.
- Dolphin Tours: Several operators offer boat tours where you can see dolphins and other marine life up close.
Amenities and Facilities at Bean Point Beach
Bean Point Beach is a secluded beach with almost no amenities or facilities.
There are no restrooms, picnic tables, or concessions on the beach, so you should come prepared. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and other essentials for your day at the beach.
Beach Regulations
For beach regulations, here are the rules to keep in mind at Bean Point Beach:
- Leave No Trace: Take all trash and belongings with you when you leave. This will help keep the beach clean and safe for everyone.
- Pets: Pets are NOT ALLOWED on the beaches of Anna Maria Island, including Bean Point Beach.
- Alcohol and Glass containers: both are prohibited on the beaches of Anna Maria Island.
- Fires and Camping: Fires and overnight camping are NOT ALLOWED on the beach.
When to Visit?
Bean Point Beach is a year-round destination, but we prefer visiting it in SUMMER.
Let’s take a look at the different seasons:
- Spring (March to May): Spring is actually a great time to visit Bean Point Beach, as the weather is quite nice and it’s not yet high season, so there are fewer tourists. The temperature is usually between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Summer (June to August): We love the summer season, as the warm ocean water is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Temperatures can go even above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Fall (September to November): Fall brings cooler weather and less humidity. It’s also the off-peak season, so you’ll find fewer crowds.
- Winter (December to February): Winter temperatures can dip into the 60s, and the water is too chilly for swimming. However, Bean Point Beach is still the perfect place for a sunset.
Accommodation Options on Anna Maria Island
Luxury Option: The Resort at Longboat Key Club
- Features: We stayed at this upscale resort, which features the most beautiful oceanfront suites, a full-service spa, multiple dining options, and access to private beaches. Amenities include a golf course, tennis courts, and several swimming pools.
- Price: Starting from $500 per night
- Link: The Resort at Longboat Key Club on Booking.com
When we travel, we always use Booking.com to book all our accommodations. Depending on our chosen accommodation, it has the best prices and flexible cancellation policies. You can use our widget below to see what the best accommodation options are on Anna Maria Island!
Mid-Budget Option: Anna Maria Island Inn
- Features: The inn offers charming beachside cottages and suites, a heated outdoor pool, beach chairs, and bicycles for you. It’s located just a few steps away from the sandy shores.
- Price: Starting from $200 per night
- Link: Anna Maria Island Inn
Budget Option: Tropic Isle Beach Resort
- Features: This family-owned resort includes comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and direct beach access. It provides a relaxed atmosphere with barbeque grills and picnic areas for guests.
- Price: Starting from $140 per night
- Link: Tropic Isle Beach Resort on Booking.com
Safety at the Beach
Here are safety tips and hazards to keep in mind when visiting Bean Point Beach:
- Rip Currents: One of the most significant hazards at the beach, rip currents can quickly pull swimmers away from shore. If caught in a rip current, don’t fight it. Swim parallel to the shore until out of the current, then swim back to land.
- Sun Protection: Overexposure to the sun can lead to sunburn, heatstroke, and long-term skin damage. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours (usually 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
- Marine Life: Be aware of hazards such as jellyfish, stingrays, and sharks. Avoid swimming near fishing piers or in areas where these creatures might gather.
- Tides and Waves: Be aware of the tide schedule and changes in wave conditions as both can impact swimming.
- Beach Rules and Flags: Respond to posted beach rules and flag warning systems. A red flag often indicates high-hazard conditions, while a yellow flag means medium hazard.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bean Point Beach is a must-visit destination on Anna Maria Island!
Let us know in the comments if you enjoyed Bean Point Beach as much as we did!
