Photo by DSGPSYD, from TripAdvisor 2/2016
Bean Point
Photo by gearacam1969 from TripAdvisor, 7/2004
Bean Point beach at the northern tip of Anna Maria Island was named after the first resident on Anna Maria Island – George Emmerson Bean. There are no
signs to it, and it is quite secluded and without services. You can see the entire span of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge which flies over Tampa Bay linking St. Petersburg to Palmetto – a small city on the mainland just north of Bradenton. Here’s a video showing the entire point and beach.
There is presently parking at the Rod & Reel, below, as it was entirely demolished during the 2024 hurricanes. The parking and pier are privately owned by the Rod & Reel Resort across the street, so be careful. Contribute to their GoFundMe page and let them know if they complain about you parking there. Down the street are Bayfront Park and the City Pier which do have public parking and is easy to bike to
There is presently parking at the Rod & Reel, below, as it was entirely demolished during the 2024 hurricanes. The parking and pier are privately owned by the Rod & Reel Resort across the street, so be careful. Contribute to their GoFundMe page and let them know if they complain about you parking there. Down the street are Bayfront Park and the City Pier which do have public parking and is easy to bike to
Rod & Reel Restaurant on City Pier: Photo by Textfast from TripAdisor, 11/2006
the 800 N Shore access point.
Beach Access Points
To find a beach access point, walk or bike north on N Shore Dr to the corner of Gladiolus and 800 N Shore Drive. People lock their bikes up there. You can proceed further to about 788 N Shore Dr, where there is supposedly some parking. The best approach might be on bikes and tucking them into the access points off the road.
Walking the route on Google Maps sure doesn’t show any parking availability (see the access points below), but the town says you can legally park on the side streets.
About 788 N Shore Rd
About 800 N Shore Rd, at Gladiolus St.
Reportedly, there is street parking on Fern, Gladiolus, Jacaranda. Park between the green signs, wheels off pavement. Depending on the access point, be prepared to walk a quarter of a mile.
Next up is the section on the town’s Bayfront Park, where there is parking.
