Anna Maria Island offers access to both the Gulf of Mexico and the Tampa Bay waters. Both maintain warm temperatures, beautiful backdrops and pristine shorelines. So how do you know whether to go East or West the next time you head to the beach, easy, brief our key points for both the Gulf and the Bay below and we’ll help you pick:
The Gulf of Mexico: There are multiple public access points that run all along the west coast of Anna Maria Island allowing you to park as close as 50ft to the beach paths leading you into the powdery sands of our glowing gulf front. The beaches here draw a regular presence by both residents and visitors for their picture-perfect aquamarine waters and epic sunsets. If you are looking for a friendly atmosphere and a post card worthy beach then the Gulf of Mexico is calling your name, very ideal for pitching an umbrella and laying out for extended periods of time or for swimmers who want to do laps or wade in the water since it has such a high visibility and calmer tides than the bay waters. The Gulf side also has a life guard stand, playground, volleyball courts, picnic tables and concession area where food, beverages and covered seating are available. Check out our favorite place to stay for direct beach access right outside your door!
The Bay: The Tampa Bay is located along the eastern border of Anna Maria Island and has both public and private beach access points. Homeowners enjoy private beach access from their homes to the water so everything is not entirely public as the other side of the island. The Tampa Bay offers some more secluded, less trafficked areas and if you know the right spots to visit can feel like an entirely private beach. The stronger tides and proximity to Tampa/St. Pete make it ideal boating territory favored for leisure trips and fishing charters. The beachfront offers smooth shorelines, beautifully clear water, narrow shallow strips of waters for wading and the unbeatable views of the Skyway Bridge. A public park area is available between the two Bay piers and has a playground, charcoal grills, picnic tables and lots of shaded areas. Go to the bayside if you want a place to escape the obvious crowds of Anna Maria Island and tuck away in your own island oasis! Interested in having bay access 365 days a year? Take a look at our premier bay front listing for sale on Anna Maria Island for unbeatable luxury and water access in your backyard!
AMI Real Estate 