Holmes Beach

Holmes Beach is right in the middle of Anna Maria Island. Enjoy this more quiet space to relax and enjoy the sand or get out on the water and have fun.

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Enjoy Holmes Beach, Florida

Anna Maria Island is a perfect Florida getaway for families to experience the Sunshine State without huge crowds. Navigating the beach without pushing through people to get there is a big draw for beach goers. The blue waters of the Gulf, fresh seafood, and wonderful sunshine brings people along for quiet strolls on the beach, especially Holmes Beach where it is a beach from another time. 

Initially, in 1896, Holmes Beach was a homestead for Sam and Anna Cobb. The current name came after World War II when a developer named Holmes came in and created a huge community that gave it the current name of Holmes Beach. The city has around 5,000 residents which is the largest on Anna Maria Island. There are 3 miles of beaches to explore here with various attractions and fun activities for seasonal visitors.

 

INFO

Manatee Public Beach

  • 4000 State Road 64 and Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Park GPS Coordinates

  • Lattidude: 27.49699225232799
  • Longitude: -82.71285979763918

Explore Holmes Beach

Anna Maria Island is only seven miles long and easily reached thanks to a free island trolley. Plenty of trolleys stop in Holmes Beach and rentals to get visitors where they want to go.

Hanging Out at Holmes Beach

Holmes Beach has something for everyone. The family can enjoy it, visitors without kids, older individuals who sunbird will all find a way to enjoy the area. Manatee Public Beach is not far away and popular for kids with a playground, picnic tables and grills. Restrooms and showers are also available. 

Holmes Beach, by contrast, is full of cultural experiences to enjoy. Everything from the Island Gallery West to Bob Brown Art and the rest of the art shops are great places to visit. Shopping in boutiques and for souvenirs is also fun. Sun & Surf Beach Shop is one of the places to also visit.

 

Holmes Beach Dining

Eating out is one of the central adventures of travel. There are plenty of places to visit on Holmes Beach and the surrounding area. Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe offers pancakes and sausage, biscuits and gravy and seafood of all kinds. Fresh fish caught from shore is also available. The Island Coffee Haus offers a cup-o-joe to meet everyone’s needs. Granola, bars, and other delectable delights are on offer as people enjoy the ocean breeze. 

Going upscale? 

Try Beach Bistro, an award-winning surfside dining experience right on the Gulf of Mexico. Bourbon and maple grilled Gulf Shrimp is one of many types of food to try along with desserts to make the mouth water. Holy Cow Ice Cream offers yummy treats with dairy and sugar free options for health conscious visitors. A hot day can be made cooler with a sip of a sweet drink.

 

Holmes Beach Rentals

A visit to the area is not complete without finding the perfect spot to rest and relax. Beach rentals are available along the beach. Azure Tides is great for small groups with room for up to 6 people. Enjoy a meal in a stocked gourmet kitchen. Step outside to experience a private heated pool with deck and landscaping or take a stroll to the beach. Summer House is another place with 8 beds and 6 baths. Sleeping up to 16 people, the home has all the amenities for a large group. One of the best things about Holmes Beach is the number of resorts nearby, homes available for rent, and vacation properties people can rent or buy if they decide this is the place for them.

Water Activities

A trip to the beach is more fun with snorkeling adventures involved. Book a tour with a local company like Egmont Key Adventures. Choose a package that works best to experience the water, including sandbars. A longer day experience will help individuals hunt for conches, sand dollars and much more. There is a stopover at a waterfront restaurant in the area. Other companies can also offer snorkeling tours. 

Additional activities include AMI Paddleboard Rentals. THis paddle experience is for newcomers who want to try it out or people who have more experience. Kayaks are available. Rentals start at $25 per hour. Four hour, full day and multi-day rentals available. Sunset tours are breathtaking for those who want to check out the sun going down on a board floating in the beautiful shoreline.

RippinLips Fishing Charters in Bradenton is a shortstop from Holmes Beach. THey offer to captain a boat for a day on the water. Whether it is to fish, go looking for marine life or check out what is going on by boat and enjoy the water, the full service charter can be the key to fun. For fishers, inshore and nearshore angling charters are available including fishing license, rods, reels, and all amenities needed.

 

Browse Suncoast Merch

Explore Suncoast Tee

$19

Happy Camper Tee

$19

Hello Sunshine Florida Beach Tee

$20

Here Comes the Summer Sunglasses Tee

$20

ust Add Water Kayak Tee

$19

Sarasota Best Life Tee

$19

Siesta Key Pink Dolphin Tee

$19

Suncoast Florida Retro Tee

$19

Holmes Beach FAQ

A: Holmes Beach is residential with lots of vacation rentals and homes. Quieter than surrounding beaches like Bradenton, the beach is the star. Look for this beach to be quieter, a nice escape to relax and get away from crowds.

A: Absolutely! Some of the best dining is right here on Holmes Beach. Beach Bistro has water views and fine dining. Holy Cow ice cream shoppe offers heaps of flavors and lots of fun. Other dining spots are near or on the water and close by for quick access to a bite to eat.

A: Although there are plenty of places to eat and drink near the beach, Manatee County and city beaches have the same rule across the board: No alcohol on the beach. Visitors are encouraged to purchase and drink beverages at the dining establishments.

A: Holmes Beach has gorgeous sand and a spectacular stretch of shoreline on Anna Maria Island. The beaches are no more than 2 blocks away from rentals, many closer. The beaches are quieter and allow for beach wagons on the beach. Guests enjoy clear blue water and clean beaches, the perfect place to bring the family for a day out.

Activities To Check Out

Locations To Check Out