Best Spots to Watch the Sunrise on Anna Maria Island

Photo Credit: Clifton Cross

The sunrise time on Anna Maria Island shifts throughout the year, changing by a few minutes each day. While exact times can be checked via a weather app, here's a general guide:

• Winter (December – February): Between 7:00 AM and 7:20 AM. The cooler air and quieter mornings make this a peaceful time to enjoy the sunrise.
• Spring (March – May): Between 6:30 AM and 6:45 AM. Warmer mornings create ideal conditions for a sunrise beach walk.
• Summer (June – August): Between 6:25 AM and 6:40 AM. Expect early sunrises and warm, humid mornings.
• Fall (September – November): Between 6:45 AM and 7:00 AM. Comfortable temperatures and clear skies make this an excellent time for sunrise viewing.

For an exact sunrise time during your visit, check a sunrise/sunset tracker  Time and Date.

Best Sunrise Spots on Anna Maria Island

Bean Point Beach

Photo Credit: Simon Way

• Address: North end of Anna Maria Island, Anna Maria, FL
• Best for: Seclusion, nature views, and photography.

Bean Point Beach is one of the most scenic and peaceful spots on Anna Maria Island (and one of our personal favorites!). Located at the northern tip of the island, it offers stunning sunrise views where the Gulf of Mexico meets Tampa Bay.

Because Bean Point is less developed and more secluded, it provides a tranquil setting with soft sand, driftwood, and occasional wildlife sightings. Visitors can take a quiet morning walk, listen to the lapping waves, or watch for dolphins frolicking offshore. Parking is limited, so arriving early is recommended.

Bayfront Park

• Address: 316 N Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL
• Best for: Relaxing on a bench, taking a morning walk, or watching the sunrise over the bay.

Bayfront Park is a popular sunrise location thanks to its unobstructed views of Tampa Bay. The park features benches, picnic areas, and shaded spots, making it a comfortable place to enjoy the morning light.

From here, you can see the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in the distance and might even spot manatees or dolphins in the calm waters. With plenty of parking and nearby restrooms, and easy walking distance, Bayfront Park is a convenient and scenic sunrise destination.

Anna Maria City Pier

Photo Credit: Chris Ferrara

• Address: 100 N Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL
• Best for: Fishing, photography, and panoramic water views.

Although damaged by Hurricane Milton, the Anna Maria City Pier remains a great location for watching the sunrise from the nearby shoreline. The pier extends into Tampa Bay, providing expansive water views and a great perspective on the morning colors reflecting on the water.

Bayfront Park Fishing Pier

• Address: 316 N Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL
• Best for: A quiet sunrise with a fishing-friendly atmosphere.

This small fishing pier provides another great spot for sunrise viewing. With less foot traffic, it's a peaceful option for those who enjoy quiet moments on the water.

The wooden pier extends into Tampa Bay, offering uninterrupted views of the sunrise. It's a great spot to bring a coffee and watch the morning light shimmer on the bay.

Coquina Beach Bayside

Photo Credit: Linda White Wolf

• Address: 2650 Gulf Dr. S, Bradenton Beach, FL
• Best for: A quiet sunrise away from the crowds, with scenic trails and nature views.

While  Coquina Beach is known for stunning Gulf Coast sunsets, its Bayside area provides a beautiful sunrise experience. Nestled between Leffis Key Preserve and Sarasota Bay, this location offers boardwalk trails, shaded picnic areas, and a peaceful setting.

The natural surroundings make this a great place for birdwatching, photography, or simply enjoying the fresh air.

Holmes Beach Public Access (Bayside)

• Address: Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL
• Best for: A sunrise near vacation rentals, with easy access to coffee shops.

Holmes Beach offers several small bayside access points where visitors can watch the sunrise without traveling far. One of the most convenient spots is near Marina Drive, where public docks, benches, and calm waters create a perfect place to start the day.

After watching the sunrise, you can stop by one of Holmes Beach's cafés for breakfast or a morning coffee.

Neal Preserve

Photo Credit: Carolyn Bartlett

• Address: 12301 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL
• Best for: A sunrise walk with panoramic wetland views.

Neal Preserve is a hidden gem just across the bridge leading into Anna Maria Island. It features elevated boardwalks through coastal wetlands, offering a unique sunrise perspective. From the observation towers, visitors can take in wide-open views of the bay while spotting birds and other wildlife in the morning light. Take a  kayak out for an extra special morning experience.

Grassy Point Preserve

• Address: 3021 Avenue C, Holmes Beach, FL
• Best for: A hidden, nature-focused sunrise experience.

Grassy Point Preserve is a secluded sunrise spot in Holmes Beach, offering mangrove-lined trails and wooden boardwalks with stunning sunrise views over Anna Maria Sound. Since it's less frequented by tourists, it provides a quiet setting for nature lovers looking to start their day in a peaceful, scenic environment.

Leffis Key Preserve

Photo Credit: Billy McDonald

• Address: 2351 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, FL
• Best for: A nature walk with panoramic sunrise views.

Leffis Key Preserve offers a unique sunrise experience, featuring elevated boardwalks and a small hill with scenic overlooks of Sarasota Bay. The elevated vantage point provides a wide, unobstructed sunrise view, perfect for photography and birdwatching.

If you prefer a quiet, nature-filled morning, this preserve is an excellent alternative to the busier beaches and piers.

Tips for a Great Sunrise Experience on Anna Maria Island

Photo Credit: Jesse Adair Creative

Catching the sunrise is simple, but a little preparation can make the experience even more enjoyable. Here are a few helpful tips for a smooth and memorable morning:

• Arrive Early – Try to get to your sunrise spot 15–20 minutes before the sun actually rises. This allows you to enjoy the changing colors and the peaceful transition from night to day.
• Bring Bug Spray – Mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be active in the early morning, especially near mangroves and still water.
• Wear Layers – If you're visiting in winter or early spring, mornings can be chilly. A light sweater or jacket can help keep you comfortable.
• Pack a Light Breakfast or Coffee – If you plan to sit and relax, bring coffee, tea, or a light snack to enjoy while the sun comes up.
• Respect the Quiet – Many people visit sunrise spots for a peaceful start to their day. Keep voices low and avoid playing loud music.
• Check Parking Options – Some popular locations, like Bean Point, have limited parking, so be sure to plan ahead and park legally.

Start Your Day with a Beautiful Sunrise on Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island offers a variety of breathtaking sunrise spots, from secluded beaches like Bean Point to nature reserves like Leffis Key and Grassy Point Preserve. Whether you prefer a waterfront park, a scenic pier, or a quiet nature trail, there's no shortage of places to watch the sunrise on Anna Maria Island.

If you're planning a stay, choosing your  Anna Maria Island Vacation Rental in  Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, or  Longboat Key puts you just a few minutes walk away from these stunning sunrise locations. Book your stay with Anna Maria Island Beach Rentals and wake up to the best sunrise views the island has to offer for your family vacation.