AMI - Quietest Beach Please

[IlDivoette]

Hi

I have been searching other threads, but can't quite seem to find the information I am after.

We are thinking of travelling down just for the day in July, would like to have a wander around the island, get some donuts and maybe some ice cream from Two Scoops and would then like to spend a couple of hours on the beach. We don't like busy beaches and aren't bothered about any facilities as we wouldn't be there that long, so basically I am after a near empty, pretty, clean beach with nice water, and obviously we would need to park nearby! Am I asking too much?

From my investigations I am thinking the north of the island might be for us, is this Anna Maria Beach? But this area seems huge on the maps so whereabouts exactly would we head for.

Many thanks for any advice you can give an excited AMI first timer, still excited from securing a lunch ADR at BOG yesterday!

[Guest]

Head down to the north end of the island to Pine Ave. AS you turn into Pine, Anna Maria Donuts is on your left (closes at 1pm and all day monday). Goto the end of Pine and you can park at the City Pier. Two Scoops ice cream is also here (they also do an excellent chilli dog). The beach either side of the pier has always been pretty quiet whenever I have been. Walking along the beach, left of the pier, will take you to Rod and Reel pier (I think you may have to come off the beach for a little section), and you can continue further to Bean Point. If you enjoy the walk continue from Bean Point until you get to the Sandbar Restaurant come of the beach there and head back down Pine Ave back to your car

[IlDivoette]

Originally Posted by johnnyfuggles

Head down to the north end of the island to Pine Ave. AS you turn into Pine, Anna Maria Donuts is on your left (closes at 1pm and all day monday). Goto the end of Pine and you can park at the City Pier. Two Scoops ice cream is also here (they also do an excellent chilli dog). The beach either side of the pier has always been pretty quiet whenever I have been. Walking along the beach, left of the pier, will take you to Rod and Reel pier (I think you may have to come off the beach for a little section), and you can continue further to Bean Point. If you enjoy the walk continue from Bean Point until you get to the Sandbar Restaurant come of the beach there and head back down Pine Ave back to your car

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That sounds like a very good plan, thank you for your help, glad you told me Donuts closes on a Monday, wouldn't want to go if I can't have donuts

[IlDivoette]

Anybody else with any advice please?

[florida girl]

Definitely don't miss 2 Scoops . We didn't use the beaches by the pier when we went as they were doing some pipe work so it was quite a mess ,if you want to go swimming think some of that area has strong currents. We went on Holmes beach which was never crowded when we were there and great for swimming. We walked the whole stretch of beach right up to the Pier one day nowhere seemed very busy.

[Lola]

We'll be there on Tues! Going straight to the North End of the Island near Pine Ave etc. Can't wait

[Glee Fan]

We went in August last year and the beaches were practically empty, certainly not busy. I also recommend Two Scoops!

[IlDivoette]

Thank you for all your replies.

Sounds like the north might be for us beachwise, but would like to see the island as well, so may try the trolley and have a look around definitely stopping for donuts and ice cream

[Guest]

The trolley is a great way of getting around the island. You can pick it up at the City Pier and travel to Coquina Beach which itself is lovely although if you enter the water there are areas of strong currents. These areas are signposted. Enjoy.

[walt4it]

We are big fans of the beaches beyond the Sandbar at the North end of the island. Bean Point has some strong currents where the Bay waters meet the Gulf but you can avoid this area and find yourself in beach heaven.
We found a place which made us feel as though we had the whole beach to ourselves last August. Amazing place

Have a few tourist maps that I brought home last summer. if anyone would like one - just PM me ( OP I will allow you first option)