Best Sunset Viewing Locations on Anna Maria Island (By Golf Cart!)
If you’re on the hunt for the most stunning sunset viewing locations on Anna Maria Island, you’ve come to the right place!
At Beach Ride Rental, we’re all about finding those golden-hour gems and helping you get there aboard a stylish, comfortable golf cart.
From wide Gulf-facing beaches to quiet bayfront piers, this island packs some of Florida’s most unforgettable sunset spots into just seven miles, so book your golf cart, plan your trip, and drive into the sunset.
Coquina Beach
With its towering Australian pine, wide stretches of sand, and view of the beautiful Longboat Pass Bridge, Coquina Beachis a dream come true for sunset seekers who want space, natural beauty, and golf cart access.
- Where: South End of Bradenton Beach
- Instagram Tip: Snap through the pine trees to catch one of the best sunsets in Anna Maria Island.
- Golf Cart Tip: There are huge golf-cart parking lots in both the Gulf and bay sides of Coquina Beach. Seriously, this is the most golf cart-friendly beach on the entire island!
Leffis Key Preserve
Are you looking for a different perspective? Head to Leffis Key Preserve for a quick nature walk that’ll lead you to a 26-foot-high hill where you’ll be able to see the Gulf on one side and Sarasota Bay on the other.
This is the only natural elevated view in the area and is perfect for quiet, introspective sunsets at Anna Maria Island.
- Where: Hilltop Overlook
- Golf Cart Tip: Park in the lot across from Coquina Beach. Golf carts are welcome, and the trail is a short, smooth walk.
- Instagram Tip: Panoramas! Capture the sunset behind the mangroves, or go wide from the top for maximum drama.
Bean Point
If you ask a local where to go for the best sunset Anna Maria Island has to offer, chances are they’ll say Bean Point Beach.
Raw, wild, and totally underdeveloped, this is the place to visit when you want to feel like you’ve found your own private piece of paradise.
- Where: Northern Tip of Anna Maria
- Golf Cart Tip: Use residential streets like Fern or Gladiolus. Park legally and walk a few minutes to the beach access signs.
- Instagram Tip: Sunset with Egmont Key in the distance = instant classic. Frame it with sea oats or driftwood for that effortless natural vibe, and to show off you got to experience a Bean Point Beach sunset.
Rod & Reel Pier
Don’t let the east-facing location fool you; at the Rod & Reel Pier, you can still get a gorgeous Anna Maria Island sunset, and with its major Old Florida charm, you’ll get vintage vibes, pelicans, and the kind of photos you’ll want to look at again and again!
- Where: North Anna Maria (Bayside)
- Golf Cart Tip: Drive up North Shore Drive. There’s a small lot plus legal cart parking nearby.
- Instagram Tip: Line up your shot down the pier, catch the string lights twinkling, and grab a glowing bay reflection after sundown. That kind of picturesque shot is what makes this pier one of the best sunset viewing locations on Anna Maria Island
Coquina Dunes & Boardwalks
Not ready to leave Coquina yet? The northern boardwalkarea near Cortez Beach offers an elevated dune-side view that’s more secluded and photogenic than the main beach, which means fewer crowds and more nature.
If you’re serious about finding the best places for sunset views in Anna Maria Island, make sure to drop by.
- Where: North End of Coquina
- Golf Cart Tip: Park in the northernmost Coquina lot. Follow the wooden trails to the dunes. No stairs, all smooth paths. It’s a bit of a walk, but you’ll get there just fine!
- Instagram Tip: Use boardwalk railings for leading lines. Catch the sun behind sea grass or go low for a textured dune shot.
Catch the Sunset, Skip the Stress
Whether you’re chasing pastel skies or the perfect silhouette shot, these sunset viewing locations on Anna Maria Island deliver the kind of moments that stick with you.
At Beach Ride Rental, we make sunset-hopping simple. Our carts are comfy, street-legal, and perfect for cruising from Coquina to Bean Point and everywhere in between.
Book your cart nowand catch the sunset at Anna Maria Island the local way. No traffic, no worries, just golden-hour magic.
Yes! Sunset cruises often depart from places like Keyes Marina or Waterline Villas, which feature golf cart-friendly parking zones,that make it easy to roll up, park, and board your cruise.
It depends on where you want to film and what kind of content you’re planning. Usually, public property is fair game if you’re keeping things small, but anything bigger or on private property requires permits, so check before filming!
Rod & Reel Pier is pretty popular, so make sure to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before official sunset time on Anna Maria Island. That gives you a chance to snag a spot along the pier’s edge, or capture frame-worthy shots under the iconic sign before the beaches with sunsets glow fades.
Absolutely. A few top picks include:
- The Sandbar Restaurant:Dine toes-in-the-sand style right at sunset.
- Beach House Restaurant: Beachfront dining with sweeping Gulf views.
- Daiquiri Deck: One of the island’s top rooftop bars, with panoramic sunset vibes.
All are accessible by golf cart and offer dedicated parking near the venue or beach access areas.
On Anna Maria Island, sunset times shift seasonally:
- Winter (Dec–Feb): around 5:45–6:00 pm
- Spring & Fall: between 6:30–7:00 pm
- Summer (Jun–Aug): around 8:00 pm
To plan your perfect golf cart sunset tour, track the daily sunset time Anna Maria Island via weather apps or Google!