Beach Volleyball on Anna Maria Island: Where to Play
Sun, soft white sand and a volleyball net might be all you need for a perfect afternoon on Anna Maria Island.
Whether you're looking for a casual game with family and friends or you're visiting the island for a beach volleyball tournament, Anna Maria Island has public sand volleyball courts in two convenient Gulf-front locations: Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach and Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.
Both beaches offer much more than volleyball, too, making it easy to turn a quick game into an entire beach day.
Beach Volleyball at Manatee Public Beach
Located in the heart of Holmes Beach, Manatee Public Beach is one of Anna Maria Island's most popular public beaches and a convenient place to play beach volleyball.
Location: 4000 State Road 64 and Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
Manatee County currently lists the sand volleyball courts as open play and located just off the parking lot. The beach also offers restrooms, showers, concessions, a gift shop, picnic areas, a playground, lifeguards and a trolley stop.
That combination makes Manatee Public Beach an especially convenient choice for families or groups. Play a few games, cool off in the Gulf, grab something to eat and spend the rest of the day enjoying the beach.
Vacation Rentals Near Manatee Public Beach
Want to stay close to the action? Tuscan Tides and Fountainhead 2 – Gone Coastal are two Island Real Estate Vacations properties to consider when looking for accommodations near this area.
Staying in Holmes Beach also puts you in a central location for exploring the rest of Anna Maria Island.
Beach Volleyball at Coquina Beach
Head to the southern end of Anna Maria Island and you'll find another great place to play at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach.
Location: 2650 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
Coquina Beach has open-play sand volleyball courts available from sunrise to sunset. The park also offers restrooms, showers, concessions, picnic areas, grills, a playground, lifeguards, a paved walking trail and a trolley stop.
With its wide stretch of Gulf-front beach and extensive amenities, Coquina Beach makes it easy to combine volleyball with swimming, a picnic or a full day by the water.
Vacation Rentals Near Coquina Beach
If you'd like to stay in Bradenton Beach with convenient access to the southern end of the island, take a look at Runaway Bay 209.
You can also browse our complete selection of Bradenton Beach vacation rentals to find the location and amenities that work best for your stay.
Beach Volleyball Tournaments on Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island isn't just for casual beach volleyball.
Coquina Beach has also served as a tournament venue for the Sunshine State Outdoor Volleyball Association (SSOVA) and AVP events. In May 2026, Coquina Beach hosted the AVP Contender South Florida event presented by SSOVA as well as the AVP Juniors Florida Regionals.
Tournament schedules change from year to year, so players and spectators should check the current SSOVA tournament schedule before planning a trip around an event.
Tips for Playing Beach Volleyball on Anna Maria Island
A little preparation can make your beach volleyball day much more enjoyable:
- Bring a volleyball. Don't assume equipment will be available simply because the public courts and nets are set up for play.
- Arrive early. Manatee Public Beach and Coquina Beach are popular destinations, and arriving earlier can make parking and planning your day easier.
- Plan around the Florida sun. Early morning and later afternoon games can be more comfortable than playing during the hottest part of the day.
- Bring water and sunscreen. Even with Gulf breezes, Florida sunshine can be intense.
- Check for tournaments or events. If you're specifically heading to Coquina Beach to play, checking the current event calendar ahead of time is a good idea.
Take the Free Anna Maria Island Trolley
Don't feel like moving the car after you find a parking spot? That's another reason the island trolley comes in handy.
Both Manatee Public Beach and Coquina Beach list a trolley stop among their amenities.
The free Anna Maria Island Trolley travels along the island, making it convenient to combine a beach day with restaurants, shopping and other attractions.
Make Beach Volleyball Part of Your Anna Maria Island Vacation
Beach volleyball is just one of the many ways to enjoy the outdoors during an Anna Maria Island vacation. Start the morning with a game on the sand, cool off with a swim in the Gulf and then spend the afternoon exploring everything else the island has to offer.
With vacation rentals throughout Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach, Island Real Estate Vacations can help you find a home base close to the beaches and activities that matter most to your family.
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Meet the Author - Sarah Wilson | Vacation Rental Specialist
Sarah Wilson is an experienced Vacation Rental Specialist with more than 20 years of experience in vacation rental management, sales, and customer service. She enjoys helping guests have a smooth and memorable vacation while building trusted relationships with both guests and property owners. Sarah is known for her attention to detail, strong communication, and commitment to providing exceptional service throughout every stay. When she's not helping guests enjoy Anna Maria Island, you'll likely find her on the beach—a true mermaid in disguise! 🧜♀️🌊
