Beach Conditions 🏖️
Live weather, water temp, UV, rip current risk & flag status
Island Conditions Right Now
Beach data: Open-Meteo · Rip current risk: NWS Tampa Bay Surf Forecast
Drive time: Google Maps
AMI's Beaches
Seven miles of Gulf coastline across three municipalities
Bean Point
Anna Maria
The northernmost tip of the island — a secluded, undeveloped beach perfect for watching dolphins and sunsets. No facilities, but worth the walk.
💡 Arrive early or at sunset for the best experience. Limited parking nearby — use the trolley.
Bayfront Park Beach
Anna Maria
Calm bay-side beach near the City Pier. Shallow, protected waters make it ideal for families with young children. The City Pier is steps away.
💡 Best for calm-water swimming. The bay side has no waves and is much calmer than the Gulf side.
Manatee Public Beach
Holmes Beach
The island's most popular and well-equipped beach. Lifeguards, restrooms, showers, beach chair rentals, volleyball nets, and the Sandbar Restaurant nearby.
💡 Arrive before 9am in peak season to get parking. Lifeguards on duty daily in season.
Coquina Beach
Bradenton Beach
Named for the tiny colorful coquina shells that live in the swash zone. Wide, beautiful beach with excellent shelling and a large parking lot.
💡 Best shelling beach on AMI — especially after storms or during low tide. Restrooms and picnic facilities on site.
Cortez Beach
Bradenton Beach
A quieter alternative to Coquina Beach, just to the north. Less crowded, with a more local feel. Good for families and those seeking a calmer experience.
💡 Less crowded than Coquina — a great backup when the main lot is full.
Bridge Street Beach
Bradenton Beach
Small beach at the foot of Bridge Street — the heart of Bradenton Beach's dining and shopping scene. Convenient for combining beach time with lunch or dinner.
💡 Small but perfectly located. Walk Bridge Street for restaurants and shops before or after your beach time.
Beach Flag System
Always check the flag before entering the water
Green Flag
Low hazard — calm conditions, swimming is safe
Yellow Flag
Medium hazard — moderate surf or currents, swim with caution
Red Flag
High hazard — strong surf or currents, swimming not recommended
Double Red Flag
Water closed to the public — no swimming allowed
Purple Flag
Dangerous marine life present (jellyfish, stingrays, etc.)