I saw a video on IG a few months back that stated this beach would make you feel like you were on a…read moreisland, so I had to check out Bean Point Beach. It was an hour plus drive south from my friends house in Gulfport to Anna Maria Island. Bean Point is the north point of the island. Be cautious if you park in a neighborhood as they will ticket you $75 if your car is touching the road. We find out the hard way:( We walked a few blocks and found a public beach access. When I saw the beach I couldn't believe my eyes. The water was a gorgeous color of blue/green! It was hard to belive this was Florida lol. We walked for a while and I found some pretty shells to take home from my adventure. This part of the beach wasn't too crowded which I loved. A few people were fishing and others were sitting and relaxing. While a few tourists were in the water. Brrrr it was too cold for me. I only let it hit my feet lol. I highly recommend checking out Bean Point Beach so you can see this lovely water and beach for yourself!

This was my very first time at Bean Point, and I swear it felt like I had stepped into a secret…read morepart of Florida that most people drive right past without ever knowing it exists. The moment my feet hit that soft white sand, everything around me slowed down. The air felt lighter. The water looked like it was painted in layers of turquoise and glass. Even the breeze seemed to move with intention, brushing past me in a way that made me feel completely present. I kept walking, almost in a trance, toward the point where the Gulf meets the sky, and for the first time in a long time, my mind wasn't racing. I wasn't thinking about tomorrow or yesterday. I was just there, breathing in a place that felt almost sacred. Then the sun began to set, and the entire sky transformed into something unreal. Pink, lavender, gold, and that deep blue that only shows up at the ocean's edge. Families were laughing softly in the distance, a couple was wrapped in a blanket, and I just stood there taking it all in, feeling this unexpected wave of emotion. It wasn't sadness or joy exactly. It was gratitude. Pure, uncomplicated gratitude that I got to witness a moment like that. Bean Point felt like a gift, handed to me exactly when I needed it. I cherish this place so much. I will be back again and again.

This beach was very clean with a lot to offer: a big parking lot, showers, bathrooms, changing…read morestations, grills, picnic tables, chair rentals, and a bar with drinks. The beach itself was also very clean and well-kept. I highly recommend stopping here if you want a relaxing beach day. I came around noon, and there was still plenty of parking.

A really nice white sand beach. The beach is very clean and well maintained. The water was clean…read moreand warm. While there there was a police/security presence which passed by on a regular basis ensuring beach goers were able to enjoy the beach without anyone creating any issues. In the section we were at, we did not notice any lifeguards, but basically everyone was very careful.

Predatory Parking Enforcement will ruin your day with $75 violations for subjective failure to…read moreachieve surgical grade precise compliance. No room for error with the both posted and unposted rules. Know before you go.

Anna Maria Island is just gorgeous, regardless of the section of beach you end up on. Even with all…read morethe rental properties and tourists, it was surprisingly clean on the sand and in the ocean. The waves were minimal, and there were so many fish swimming around us the whole time! I counted three different schooling fish species and a few crabs, which were unusually easy to spot because of how crystal clear the water is. I do want to note that we couldn't fins any public trash cans, showers, and bathrooms. It ended up wasting our water bottle reserves and probably led to spending more money at businesses that had these amenities than we would've otherwise. Options for surrounding businesses are limited and pricey. For instance, the only pizza place within walking distance is great if you can afford $20+ average-sized pies. There's also only one beachside bar along this stretch of beach access that has a long wait time and doesn't list cocktail prices on their menu. Parking is slim, but a lot of it is free if you park on gravel roadsides. Since it has always been extremely windy when I've visited, I definitely suggest firmly anchoring any tents or umbrellas. Also bring materials to hold down blankets and towels. They don't allow alcohol on these beaches, so also keep that in mind when packing your coolers. All in all, this beach is a must-see!

Heaven on Earth can be found here. If I could just stay here, & go no where else I would be happy…read more Only thing is the beaches aren't dog friendly here. The closest is in Venice. It's ok though. We go to the same spot on the beach. We have the best free parking here always found and the beach is steps away. There's no restrooms here. The closest is the Walgreens. There's also a nearby plaza with Crepes, tacos, ice cream, and souvenirs, Publix and CVS are just down the street. It's a perfect spot in our happy place in Anna Maria Island. Also pretty close to getting off the island which is good bc the traffic is crazy in other spots.

Tony and I enjoyed a few hours at Manatee Beach on Anna Maria Island. This park is for the public…read moreand Beautiful! Free parking no pets no alcohol and the water is 3 Shades of Blue with white sands ...hardly any shells! We both agreed this is one of the most beautiful beaches we have seen all week! If your in the area you have to check it out! Tony Vanoy Lisa Diane Boyce-Vanoy #vacayinthesouth2025

This is the 5th beach on my Florida journey, and this one wins HANDS DOWN! Right over the bridge,…read morestraight into the FREE parking lot and then steps to the powdery sand beach. On this spectacular day, we walked right into the water hardly even having to acclimate to the water temperature. Crystal clear water, so I can almost see my toes and whatever decides to swim by me. Thank you for such a beautiful visit. The food area takes cash/credit and there's plenty to choose from. The o my problem is these love bugs are EVERYWHERE! My fried fish tacos were delicious, served with fresh pico de gallo! Yum!!

Tony and I enjoyed a few hours at Manatee Beach on Anna Maria Island. This park is for the public…read moreand Beautiful! Free parking no pets no alcohol and the water is 3 Shades of Blue with white sands ...hardly any shells! We both agreed this is one of the most beautiful beaches we have seen all week! If your in the area you have to check it out! Tony Vanoy Lisa Diane Boyce-Vanoy #vacayinthesouth2025

This is one of the most beautiful, publicly maintained beach I have ever been to!…read more Here is what to expect: - Free and abundant parking - Clean bathrooms - Picnic tables, grills - Playground And the main star of the show .... the beach! The fine, white sand is made of quartz so it actually stays cools in the summer heat. If your children like hunting for seashells or building sand castles, this place can't be beat. This beach borders Longboat Key and the views going over the bridge of the undeveloped, stretches of pure white sand, and aquamarine water is breathtaking. This truly is one of my favorite places in the US to be.

First time at this beautiful beach a few miles south of Anna…read moreMaria in Bradenton. Plenty of free parking. Large soft white sand beach. Water color close to the Caribbean. Water stays shallow for quite a distance out. Does eventually get shoulder height. Several lifeguard towers open from 9-5 pm. There is a snack bar, restrooms, showers, and chair rental. Long walk on sand to water. Difficult to pull carts. Easier to carry your gear. Beach gets very crowded by snowbirds in the Winter. On the weekends in the summer beach is crowded by residents.

We had the best time biking around the island! It was a super easy process to rent a bike and we…read moredecided to do a one hour rental. Since we were going to the beach later, this was the perfect amount of time to enjoy the island on bike. I think if you're staying for a few days on the island it would be worth it to rent a bike out for the week since everything is close by. I love that they had so many bright colors to choose from and that each bike comes with a basket to put your belongings in. The staff was very friendly and thoroughly explained to us all the rules for renting a bike. This spot also rents out kayaks, golf carts, paddle boards, etc. Definitely recommend biking around AMI!

Bike, kayak & golf cart rentals. We just wanted to rent bikes for an hour or two and they did have…read morea five dollar per hour option. We got three beach stroller bikes with baskets and locks. Staff was nice and quick. Only complaint was the one pedal made super loud crackling noise the whole time, but we got used to it.

The Parking Enforcement is predatory. Be prepared for $75 violations including rules that are not…read moreposted on any signage readily available on the island. Before arrival study and be aware of the laundry list of parking rules that will ruin your family trip in short order if you don't surgically adhere to the rules with perfect compliance.

This place is magical. We felt like we were somewhere completely different when we came here. It's…read morewas so peaceful but at the same time, so fun. They had live music at a restaurant we had passed. The beaches were so clean and the sun just hits you different. Our tans look amazing. This is a must see while in Florida.

This Beach is great and very nice is nice and calm waters and mostly clear water this beach should…read morebe call betiful greenish blue water beach

I've been here many times If you enjoy the the beach I…read morehighly Recommend this This is the gulf ! The water is warm & crystal Clear not dirty I enjoy walking early morning along The beach & collecting the pretty Shells that wash up !! You won't be sorry ! Free parking The sand is clear as they are always Out there cleaning mornings

As we pack up to leave on this beautiful Saturday morning, we reflect on what a relaxing,…read moredelightful time we have spent here! As others have noted in their reviews, Ken and Jeff are constantly working to keep up this lovely family resort. It is clean and landscaped beautifully, and the rooms are just right! With a sitting area in our two bedroom, we enjoyed the recliner and couch as we watched movies in the evening. In our full kitchen, we stocked the refrigerator from the local Publix and made our breakfast and lunch, which we packed for the beach. Many guests chose to grill out as we saw when we would load up to go to a local restaurant for dinner, but we preferred eating out! On our first night at Hurricane Hanks restaurant down the road, we met up with a resident who offered us more ideas for restaurants for dinner. There's nothing like walking right out onto the beach to spend a morning watching the waves, seeing dolphins frolic, observing osprey catching their breakfast, and swimming in the water among schools of fish. Many of the guests knew each other from yearly vacations, and we have already made our reservation for next year! Anna Maria Island is quiet and family friendly. White Sands Resort offers shuffleboard and corn hole right next to the pool, but the best show is the sunset. On our first night, we were surprised to see how many lined the beach to see God's beauty, of course clapping at the end! Thank you to Ken, Jeff, Joy, and Esther for a wonderful stay. We wish you the best in the coming year, and we look forward to seeing you again!

We've been coming to Ana Maria Island for 30 years always renting a different place every time…read moreanyway we stumbled upon White Sands Beach resort maybe two years ago and it was absolutely spectacular the rooms are just perfect the bedding is comfortable the white sand is blinding and the color of the water is absolutely spectacular. Most of the folks that go here come back year after year and I understand why. Nothing like a family owned business they were card and it shows. I will be back.