Anna Maria Island’s Bean Point Beach

When you’re planning a vacation to Anna Maria Island, there’s plenty to see and do. You can spend your days riding a golf cart around the island, shopping at Historic Bridge Street or Pine Avenue, or learning about the fascinating local history. Whatever else you do, you’re going to want to explore the incredible beaches of Anna Maria Island! The local beaches are full of fun activities, from swimming and sunbathing to water sports and more.

While destinations like Coquina Beach and Manatee Public Beach are a bit more crowded (since they’re both so popular with. kids and are more centrally located), there is a stretch of shoreline that is still relatively undiscovered offers a relaxing and secluded experience. Bean Point Beach is located in the city of Anna Maria, just minutes away from our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, and is a spot you should check out on your stay!

History of Bean Point Beach

Bean Point Beach was named after George Emerson Bean, the first permanent settler of Anna Maria Island. Bean first came to the island in 1892 and built his homestead on the very northern shorelines of the island. Since this was the first official settlement on AMI, it is now considered a local historical site. What started as one small location turned into the bustling community of the City of Anna Maria as we know it today, making up the entire northern side of the island.

Unfortunately, George Emerson Bean only enjoyed his 160-acre homestead for six years before he passed away in 1898. Even after George Emerson Bean passed away, his son continued his legacy. Along with real estate developer Charles Roser, he would plan the layout of the entire island and transform it into the incredible destination it is today. If it weren’t for the Bean family, Anna Maria Island as we know it wouldn’t exist!

Things to Do

Even though the original homestead of George Emerson Bean is no longer standing, there are still plenty of reasons you should visit Bean Point Beach. When you arrive, the first thing you’ll notice is the breathtaking conditions. The soft white sand and the clear blue waters are ideal for sunbathing near the shoreline, taking a dip on a hot day, getting some family photos in front of the picturesque views, or enjoying a seaside picnic with the one you love most.

If you’re a nature lover who’s particularly interested in wildlife, Bean Point Beach will be an excellent destination for you. Of course, you’ll have the opportunity to see all kinds of local birds, whether they are flying above the trees or searching for fish in the water. Additionally, you can look way out into the water to search for dolphins and manatees. Depending on the time of year, you may even be able to see magnificent sea turtles building their nests! The wildlife in this area is particularly active since there are so few humans that come around. If you encounter a beautiful animal, just make sure that you admire it from afar not to disturb its home.

Guests are more than welcome to enjoy Bean Point Beach at any time of the day, but evening may be the best time to come. In general, this tends to be a less crowded time of the day, so you’ll have more of the shoreline to yourself. In the evening, you’ll be able to take a relaxing stroll on the coastline to search for sand dollars and seashells, and you’ll have a fantastic view of the sunset with the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in the background. If you’re traveling with your partner and are looking for a romantic spot to spend the evening, this is an excellent option! 

Bean Point Beach Doesn’t have any amenities, so you’ll need to plan. However, this stretch of shoreline is not far away from several of the island’s other popular activities. To learn more about the local history, you can head just a mile out to Roser Chapel, which dates back to the early 1900s. Pine Avenue is also just a short trip away, offering plenty of one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants for you to explore.

Getting to Bean Point Beach

As we mentioned, Bean Point Beach is quite secluded, so if you don’t know where you’re going, it can be a little hard to access. Luckily, all it takes is a little bit of research to locate the access points. We promise the extra effort will be more than worth it when you’re rewarded with a fantastic beach experience! 

While most shorelines in the area have plenty of Anna Maria Island beach parking, Bean Point Beach has very few parking spaces. If you drive here, you’ll likely have to park on a nearby street and walk to the access point. There are some street parking spaces available along Jacaranda Road, Gladiolus Street, and Fern Street. 

Since parking spaces are so scarce and can fill up fast, it’s much easier to take advantage of the free Anna Maria Island trolley, which has a convenient stop at the Anna Maria City Pier once you’ve made your way to the pier, head north to North Bay Boulevard. From there, you should spot a small path lined with trees that sits near the intersection of North Bay Boulevard and North Shore Drive. This path will lead you over a footbridge that will take you to the shores of the beach.

Alternatively, you can find a couple more access points along North Shore Drive, located at the corners of Gladiolus Street and Fern Street. You’ll know you’re at the right place when you see a small sign indicating “Public Beach Access.” Although these signs might take a bit of searching to locate, they are marked, so you won’t have to worry about getting confused about where to enter. 

Book Your Anna Maria Island Vacation Rental

Bean Point Beach is one of the most underrated destinations on Anna Maria Island, but there’s so much more to discover throughout the area. No matter what you plan to get into on your vacation, you’re going to want to find a rental property that’s comfortable, affordable, and conveniently located. We are proud to be your premier resource for Anna Maria Island beach house rentals, ideal for suiting any group, no matter your budget.