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Anna Maria Island Review

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Anna Maria Island

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Category: Beaches
Location: Bradenton

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Fodor's Review:

Anna Maria Island, Bradenton's 7-mi barrier island to the west, has a number of worthwhile beaches. Manatee Avenue connects the mainland to the island via the Palma Sola Causeway, adjacent to which is a long, sandy beach fronting Palma Sola Bay. There are boat ramps, a dock, and picnic tables. Anna Maria Bayfront Park (N. Bay Blvd., adjacent to a municipal pier, 34216) is a secluded beach fronting the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. Facilities include picnic grounds, a playground, rest rooms, showers, and lifeguards. In the middle of the island, Manatee County Beach (Gulf Dr. at 44th St., Holmes Beach, 34216) is popular with beachgoers of all ages. It has picnic facilities, a snack bar, showers, rest rooms, and lifeguards. Cortez Beach (Gulf Blvd., Bradenton Beach, 34216) attracts those who like their beaches without facilities—nothing but sand, water, and trees. Singles and families flock to Coquina Beach, at the southern end of the island. There are lifeguards here, as well as a picnic area, boat ramp, playground, refreshments stand, rest rooms, and showers. Just across the inlet on the northern tip of Longboat Key, Greer Island Beach is accessible by boat or via North Shore Boulevard. The secluded peninsula has a wide beach and excellent shelling, but no facilities.