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At the quiet northern tip of Anna Maria Island, Florida, Bean Point offers one of the island's most beautiful and peaceful coastal settings. Here, broad stretches of sand meet the waters surrounding the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, creating expansive views that feel far removed from the busier beach areas of Florida's Gulf Coast.
Bean Point is known for its white sand, turquoise water, natural shoreline, birdwatching and spectacular sunsets. There are no large beachfront resorts, restaurants or busy commercial attractions directly on the beach. Instead, you come here to walk along the shoreline, photograph the scenery, watch wildlife and experience the quieter side of Anna Maria Island.
Whether you're staying in Anna Maria, Holmes Beach or Bradenton Beach, Bean Point deserves a place on your island itinerary. This guide covers what to expect, things to do, beach access, parking, safety and other attractions to explore nearby.
Bean Point is located at the northern end of Anna Maria Island in the City of Anna Maria. Its position at the tip of the island provides panoramic water views and a noticeably different atmosphere from the larger public beach areas farther south.
Unlike Manatee Public Beach or Coquina Beach, Bean Point is surrounded primarily by residential neighborhoods. You won't arrive at a large beachfront parking lot or commercial entrance. Access is through neighborhood beach access points, which helps preserve the area's quieter character.
The name Bean Point is connected to George Emerson Bean, one of the early settlers associated with the development of Anna Maria Island. The northern end of the island became known by the Bean name, and today Bean Point remains one of AMI's best-known natural landmarks.
The setting has changed over the generations, but the north end continues to represent the quieter, less commercial side of Anna Maria Island.
Bean Point isn't a traditional Florida beach attraction filled with concessions, rental stands and entertainment. That's exactly why people seek it out.
The attraction is the landscape itself.
You can walk along an open shoreline, look across brilliant Gulf waters, watch seabirds along the coast and find plenty of opportunities for photography. The lack of large commercial development immediately surrounding the beach contributes to its natural, peaceful atmosphere.
It's one of the places on Anna Maria Island where the phrase "Old Florida" still feels appropriate.
If Bean Point is one of the main reasons you're visiting Anna Maria Island, consider staying in the City of Anna Maria on the northern end of the island.
You'll find Anna Maria Island vacation rentals ranging from charming beach cottages and family homes to waterfront properties and luxury vacation rentals with private pools. Staying nearby can allow you to walk or bike to Bean Point rather than worrying about limited parking.
Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach are also within easy reach, allowing you to experience Bean Point while exploring all three Anna Maria Island communities.
When you Book Direct with a professional Anna Maria Island Vacation Rental Manager, you can work with local experts who understand the island and the homes they manage.
A local vacation rental manager can help you find a property near Bean Point, Pine Avenue or other Anna Maria Island attractions while answering questions about beach access, location, amenities and transportation.
Booking directly can also help you avoid unnecessary third-party booking fees while providing local hospitality and professional support throughout your vacation.
Book Direct. Book Local. Avoid the Extra Fees and Enjoy Expert Service.
Bean Point represents much of what makes Anna Maria Island special. There are no towering resorts lining the shoreline and no need for a complicated itinerary. Instead, you'll find sand, water, wildlife, open views and room to slow down.
Walk the shoreline. Watch the birds. Photograph the Gulf. Explore the north end of Anna Maria. Then stay long enough to watch the sky change color as another Florida sunset settles over the water.
For anyone looking to experience the quieter, natural side of Anna Maria Island, Bean Point is one of AMI's must-see places to visit.
One of the best things to do at Bean Point is simply walk.
Follow the shoreline around the northern end of Anna Maria Island and take in changing views of the surrounding water. Depending on where you begin, the scenery gradually transitions as you move around the point.
Early morning can be especially peaceful, while late afternoon brings changing light and leads into one of Bean Point's biggest attractions: sunset.
Bean Point is one of the most memorable places to watch the sunset on Anna Maria Island.
Arrive before sunset so you have time to walk the beach and find a comfortable place to enjoy the view. As the sun moves toward the Gulf horizon, the water and sky can change through shades of blue, gold, orange and pink.
Stay for a few minutes after the sun disappears. Some of the evening's best colors can develop after sunset.
If you're planning a romantic evening or simply want to end a beach day with one of Anna Maria Island's signature experiences, Bean Point is hard to beat.
Bring your binoculars or camera because Bean Point can also be rewarding for birdwatching and coastal wildlife viewing.
Shorebirds and seabirds use the beaches and surrounding waters for feeding and resting. Depending on the season and conditions, you may see pelicans, gulls, terns, herons and other birds common to Florida's Gulf Coast.
Dolphins may also be spotted in surrounding waters. During sea turtle nesting season, protected nesting areas may be present along Anna Maria Island beaches.
Observe wildlife from a respectful distance, never disturb nesting birds or turtles and follow all posted wildlife-protection signs.
If you enjoy photography, Bean Point provides some of the most photogenic scenery on Anna Maria Island.
The combination of white sand, blue-green water, coastal vegetation and an open horizon creates beautiful opportunities throughout the day. Sunrise and early morning offer softer light and fewer people, while late afternoon and sunset create dramatic colors over the Gulf.
It's an excellent location for landscape photography, vacation photos and capturing the natural side of AMI.
Do not assume Bean Point is safe for swimming simply because the water looks calm. Strong currents can occur around the northern point where surrounding waters meet.
The City of Anna Maria has taken action to restrict swimming and certain water activities in the Bean Point area because of hazardous water conditions. Regulations and conditions can change, so always follow the current signs, warnings and City of Anna Maria regulations posted when you visit.
If swimming is an important part of your beach day, consider one of Anna Maria Island's designated public beach areas and check current water and beach conditions before entering the Gulf.
Part of Bean Point's charm is that it doesn't have the appearance of a major public beach entrance. Beach access is through designated neighborhood access points on the north end of the City of Anna Maria.
Watch carefully for designated beach access signs as you explore the area. Because the surrounding neighborhood contains private homes, always remain within public access areas and respect private property.
Parking near Bean Point is limited, and there is no large beachfront parking lot like you'll find at some of Anna Maria Island's other beaches.
Street parking in the City of Anna Maria is regulated and parking laws are strictly enforced. Only park where parking is legally permitted, keep all tires off the pavement where required, park in the direction of traffic and carefully follow posted restrictions.
Because parking regulations and availability can change, check current City of Anna Maria parking information before your visit.
One of the most enjoyable ways to reach Bean Point is by bicycle, particularly if you're staying on the north end of Anna Maria Island.
Biking lets you explore the quiet residential streets around the City of Anna Maria while avoiding some of the challenges associated with finding vehicle parking near the beach.
Combine your Bean Point visit with Pine Avenue, Bayfront Park and the Anna Maria City Pier area for an easy north-end island adventure.
Bean Point's natural setting means you should arrive prepared. Bring drinking water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and anything else you'll need for your time on the beach.
A beach towel or chair can make sunset more comfortable, while binoculars and a camera are worthwhile if you're interested in wildlife or photography.
There are no large commercial facilities directly on Bean Point, so plan accordingly and take everything you bring onto the beach back out with you.
The City of Anna Maria has regulations designed to protect its beaches, wildlife and residential character. Pets are not permitted on City beaches, and alcohol and glass are prohibited. Beachgoers must fill in holes they dig and remove furniture, equipment and trash from the beach each day.
Sea turtle nesting season runs from May 1 through October 31 under the City's visitor guidance. During this period, beach lighting and activities are regulated to help protect nesting turtles and hatchlings.
Always check current regulations and posted signs before your visit.
After your walk at Bean Point, head toward Pine Avenue to experience the small-town personality of Anna Maria.
This colorful north-end street features locally owned shops, boutiques, restaurants and cafes and connects the Gulf side of the community with the bay side.
It's an easy way to turn a Bean Point visit into a half-day of exploring the City of Anna Maria.
Bayfront Park is another worthwhile stop on the north end of Anna Maria Island. Instead of facing the Gulf, the park overlooks Tampa Bay and provides a family-friendly waterfront setting.
Pairing Bean Point with Bayfront Park lets you experience two very different coastal environments within a relatively small area.
Continue toward the bay and you'll reach the Anna Maria City Pier area, one of the island's historic landmarks and a natural stopping point while exploring the north end.
The surrounding waterfront offers another perspective of Anna Maria Island and places you close to Pine Avenue, Bayfront Park and local dining.
After exploring Bean Point, you don't have to travel far to find great places to eat. The City of Anna Maria offers everything from beachfront seafood and waterfront dining to casual cafes, pizza, tacos, barbecue, bakeries and ice cream. Many restaurants are located around Pine Avenue, Gulf Drive and the City Pier area, making it easy to combine breakfast, lunch or dinner with a day exploring the north end of Anna Maria Island.
Located directly along the Gulf, Sandbar Seafood & Spirits is one of Anna Maria's signature dining destinations. Enjoy seafood, coastal dishes and cocktails in a beachfront setting that's especially popular around sunset. Its location near the end of Spring Avenue also makes it convenient after exploring Pine Avenue and Bean Point.
Located near Bayfront Park and the Anna Maria City Pier, The Waterfront Restaurant combines seafood and American cuisine with an Old Florida atmosphere. Its location overlooking Tampa Bay makes it a great choice for lunch or dinner while exploring the waterfront and Pine Avenue area.
The Porch Restaurant offers a more polished yet relaxed island dining experience with seafood, steaks and other thoughtfully prepared dishes. Set in a charming cottage-style setting, it's a good choice for a sit-down lunch or dinner in the City of Anna Maria.
A longtime island favorite, Ginny's & Jane E's combines a cafe, bakery and colorful coastal gift shop. Stop in for coffee, breakfast, sandwiches and freshly baked treats before heading to Bean Point or exploring the north end of Anna Maria Island.
Located on Pine Avenue, Poppo's Taqueria is a casual choice for tacos, burritos, quesadillas and Mexican-inspired food. Its convenient location makes it easy to grab lunch while shopping and sightseeing along Pine Avenue.
Pizza Social serves handcrafted pizzas, salads and other casual favorites in the heart of Anna Maria. It's an easy choice for families, groups or takeout after spending the day exploring Bean Point and the island's beaches.
For something different from seafood, try gRub Tropical BBQ on Pine Avenue. The restaurant brings an island-inspired approach to barbecue with smoked meats, sandwiches and traditional sides. Takeout also makes it convenient for enjoying dinner back at your Anna Maria Island vacation rental.
Mademoiselle Paris brings French-inspired dining to Anna Maria Island with pastries, coffee and a selection of breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner choices. Stop by for a morning pastry and coffee or enjoy a leisurely meal during your day exploring the island.
Start your morning with something sweet at The Donut Experiment, where freshly made donuts can be customized with your choice of icing and toppings. Located on Pine Avenue, it's a fun breakfast stop for families before heading toward Bean Point, Bayfront Park or the City Pier.
North Shore Cafe is a casual Pine Avenue stop for coffee, breakfast and lighter daytime fare. Its north-end location makes it convenient for a morning or afternoon spent walking, biking and exploring the City of Anna Maria.
Finish your island day with ice cream and sweet treats at Two Scoops. Located near the Pine Avenue and City Pier area, it's an easy stop after dinner, a day at the beach or an evening exploring the north end of Anna Maria Island.
There really isn't a bad time of day to appreciate Bean Point, but the experience changes considerably depending on when you arrive.
Morning is ideal for quieter walks, birdwatching and photography.
Late afternoon brings beautiful light and makes it easy to continue your visit through sunset.
Sunset is the most dramatic time to visit and can also attract more people, so arrive early enough to find legal parking or consider biking or walking from elsewhere on the north end.
Weather, tides and coastal conditions can affect the beach throughout the year, so always check current conditions before visiting.
If you're planning a romantic Anna Maria Island getaway, Bean Point belongs on your itinerary.
Take a late-afternoon walk along the shoreline, find a quiet place to watch the sunset and then head toward Pine Avenue or another part of the island for dinner.
It's a simple experience, but that's exactly what makes it memorable.
Families can enjoy walking, wildlife watching, shell searching and exploring the shoreline at Bean Point, but parents should be especially cautious around the water.
Because currents around the point can be hazardous and swimming restrictions may be in effect, follow all posted warnings and keep children safely away from dangerous water conditions.
For a traditional family swimming day with more amenities, consider visiting one of Anna Maria Island's larger public beach areas.
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