Largest city on Anna Maria Island with a strong local identity
Holmes Beach, located on Anna Maria Island off the Bradenton coast, has successfully blended the business of tourism with the pleasure of living full-time in a waterfront community. “A good thing about Holmes Beach is that the short-term rental housing is concentrated in one specific area. So you have nice neighborhoods throughout, where you can walk around and meet your neighbors,” says Jason Sato, a Realtor with Sato Real Estate who grew up in Holmes Beach.
The city of around 5,000 full-time residents is the largest of the three municipalities comprising Anna Maria Island. It’s located between the small cities of Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach and is connected to the Bradenton mainland by the Anna Maria Island Bridge. Its population is roughly five times that of either of its island sisters. Its status as a tourist haven ultimately has been a benefit to the residents who call the city home. “Growing up in Holmes Beach and living on Anna Maria Island now, from a resident standpoint, tourism has meant more shops, more restaurants and more activity.”
Many Holmes Beach homes include private docks for boating and waterfront access.
Holmes Beach is ranked among the most beautiful beach towns in the United States.
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Single-family homes range from beach cottages to estates
The city’s distinct residential identity is strengthened by the relative affordability of its housing. “Holmes Beach is probably best if you’re not looking for a home that you can rent out,” says Sato. “It’s the best bang for your buck on Anna Maria Island. You can find a nice home here for under $1 million. You can’t do that anywhere else on the island.” Single-family housing consists of cozy beach homes, traditional ranch-style homes, elevated coastal homes and waterfront estates. “There’s a wide range in prices,” says Sato. “From under $1 million to just over $10 million.” Condominiums, which are more prevalent in Holmes Beach than the other two cities, start in the $600,000 range.
Holmes Beach has many single-level ranch homes ideal for easy living near the water.
Sprawling Holmes Beach estates feature resort-style pools and tropical landscaping.
Holmes Beach condominiums offer low-maintenance living near beaches and shops.
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A local A-rated elementary and B-rated mainland schools
Students can attend Anna Maria Elementary, an A-rated school in Holmes Beach, and mainland schools, Martha B. King Middle and Manatee High, a B-rated institution that is the oldest public high school in Bradenton.
Anna Maria Elementary in Holmes Beach serves 195 students with an A-rated curriculum.
Martha B. King Middle School near Holmes Beach has 914 students and a B rating.
Manatee High School serves Holmes Beach and is one of Bradenton’s largest public schools.
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More beaches and boatable canals than other island cities
Water is the obvious center of recreational activity in the city, which features more beaches than the other municipalities combined. Manatee Public Beach is a popular gathering spot along the Gulf of Mexico. The beach also features sand volleyball, children’s play areas and a gift shop for when the relatives come to visit. There are two boat ramps in the city, providing convenient access to the bays on the other side of town that connect to the open waters of the Gulf. Many of the residential streets are on fingers of land that create unique opportunities for boaters. “There’s more access to the beach and boating than in the other areas,” says Sato. “Holmes Beach has the most boatable canals, so there are more options for boaters. There are also way more waterfront homes for the boaters.” A city park provides additional recreation, including courts for tennis and pickleball and a skating rink. The Key Royale Club offers its members exclusive access to a 9-hole golf course, the only course on the island.
Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach has showers, restrooms, and a tiki bar for beachgoers.
Kayakers can access Anna Maria Sound from Holmes Beach’s many launch points.
Holmes Beach offers sunshine, soft sand, and clear Gulf waters for beach lovers.
Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach features the island’s only private golf course.
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Marina Drive is home to shops, taverns and local favorites
Retail and dining options are concentrated along Marina Drive, which features the Island Shopping Center and Duffy’s Tavern, an island institution known for its burgers. Residents also have access to a full-service Publix and an array of eateries throughout the city. Popular among the locals are Skinny’s, another established eatery offering warm food and cold beer, and The Ugly Grouper, a funky Old Florida restaurant with a 3,000-pound metal fish out front. Those looking for upscale waterfront dining will find it at Beach Bistro.
Visitors might be greeted by colorful parrots at the Island Shopping Center in Holmes Beach.
Duffy’s Tavern in Holmes Beach is a longtime favorite for burgers and casual island dining.
Publix in Holmes Beach is a convenient spot for groceries and everyday essentials.
The Ugly Grouper in Holmes Beach serves seafood with a side of local art and island vibes.
Beach Bistro in Holmes Beach offers upscale dining with Gulf-front views.
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Photography Contributed By
Leila Sally
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
TJ Zopf,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Holmes Beach, FL sell after 94 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Holmes Beach, FL over the last 12 months is $900,000, down 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
GREAT VACATION rental history with many repeat guests!!!! This charming home at the beach could be all yours. Nestled in the heart of Holmes Beach, where you can take a short stroll down Holmes Boulevard to city center where you will find adorable shops and restaurants where you can sit, sip, and dine and enjoy a real small town coastal experience. This lovely bungalow style home features a
BEACHY KEEN... Just steps from the pristine shores of Anna Maria Island, this exceptional townhome is ideal as a weekend escape, a seasonal retreat from Old Man Winter, or a smart investment while retirement plans are still taking shape. Whether you’re tired of renting, dreaming of a coastal getaway, or looking to diversify with Florida real estate, this property checks all the boxes. Inside,
Welcome to Mango Tango! This stunning 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath coastal retreat is perfectly positioned less than three blocks from the sugar-white sands and turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Currently operating as a high-performing vacation rental, this property offers the ultimate combination of island charm, modern comfort, and investment potential. An outood Oasis Awaits! Step into your own
Steps from the Gulf of Mexico on a quiet street in Holmes Beach, this elevated duplex offers the perfect balance of coastal relaxation and rental income opportunity, and it’s being sold turnkey, fully furnished and ready to go! Each unit features 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with spacious open living areas, comfortable coastal decor, and plenty of natural light. A shared pool sits in the private
GREAT VACATION rental history with many repeat guests!!!! This charming home at the beach could be all yours. Nestled in the heart of Holmes Beach, where you can take a short stroll down Holmes Boulevard to city center where you will find adorable shops and restaurants where you can sit, sip, and dine and enjoy a real small town coastal experience. This lovely bungalow style home features a
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Welcome to Shell Point, a lovely waterfront community in the heart of Holmes Beach. This lovely updated condo is conveniently located near the Holmes Beach Boat ramp, tennis courts, basketball courts , dog park, and all within walking distance to shopping, fabulous dining and of course the beautiful beaches of Anna Maria Island. This lovely 2
THIS ISLAND RETREAT ALSO IS A BOATERS DREAM, SEPARATE DEEDED BOAT SLIP . Do not miss out on this lovely coastal single family island home also has a separate deeded boat slip and water access right across the street from you. No bridges to go under either, just perfect for the avid boater. There is also plenty of room for a pool on this sizable lush tropical lot . Nicely located towards the north
Tucked away on a quiet, picturesque street in the heart of Holmes Beach, this ELEVATED WATERFRONT retreat offers a rare private coastal sanctuary. Perfectly positioned on a sprawling 225-foot waterfront SAILBOAT-DEPTH CANAL with NO FIXED BRIDGES and DIRECT ACCESS to Bimini Bay, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the shimmering GULF OF MEXICO. Wrapped in lush, tropical landscaping and framed by a
Chic Art Deco Canalfront Retreat! Escape to paradise in this stunning 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home perfectly blending vibrant Art Deco Palm Springs style with tropical serenity, this residence offers an unforgettable island experience. Step into a world of bold colors, terrazzo tiles, sleek lines, and retro glamour and a brand new remodel built by Moss. The open-concept living space flows
Beachfront Bliss – Gulf Views from Every Angle! Just one house from the beach, this 4-bedroom, 4-bath coastal stunner delivers postcard-perfect Gulf views straight from the kitchen sink—yes, you’ll actually smile while scrubbing plates! Natural light throughout, high ceilings, 2 sided fireplace, wet bar in the living room, open living area that flows into a chef’s kitchen. Stainless steel
One-of-a-kind beachfront condominium at Tiffany Place. Rarely available in this boutique building of only 33 units is this fully renovated coastal retreat offering direct Gulf views from the primary suite and balcony, something few units can claim. Every inch of this elevated second-floor condominium has been thoughtfully updated with high-end finishes, from the gorgeous porcelain tiled floors
Nestled along a serene canal and embraced by a curtain of mature tropical palms, this custom-remodeled residence unfolds as a private coastal estate—an intimate sanctuary where luxury, tranquility, and effortless island living exist in perfect harmony. Masterfully re-imagined by Eason Builder Group, the home was completely gutted and rebuilt just four years ago, and last year the entire first
Paradise Found while being just a 3-minute stroll to the soft sands and turquoise waters of the Gulf beaches!!! This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom coastal retreat is the ultimate island getaway. Step inside to an open, light-filled living space perfect for relaxing after a day at the beach. Relax on the front balcony with morning coffee and a gulf breeze. The spacious primary suite features a luxurious
Successful rental Property. Exclusive gulf-front living in Holmes Beach. On the pristine shores of Anna Maria Island, this exquisite corner-unit condominium offers an unparalleled blend of luxury, privacy, and breathtaking gulf views. In an exclusive 16-residence community, with only eight units in each building, this intimate complex is positioned between a sparkling heated pool and the powdery
Located in the quaint Shell Point condominium community, this second story end unit offers a rare 3BD/2BA layout filled with potential and ready for your personal touch. Featuring impact windows for peace of mind, this spacious condo invites natural light from multiple exposures, creating a bright and airy feel throughout. A well-designed floor plan provides comfortable living spaces, while the
The advertised rate of $11,106/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of August 23, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
Annual rental! Completely renovated duplex inside and out. This unit is a beautiful 3bdrm 2 full baths with a great location and a short walk to the beach. New hurricane windows. Fully equipped kitchen with a washer and dryer inside the unit. Nice outside area for entertaining. 2 cars off street parking. Occupancy March 15th, 2026. New roof in the process of being installed.
The advertised rate of $12,825/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of May 1, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
Annual turnkey furnished rental available for a 4.1.26 move in. Nestled on a quiet street in Holmes Beach, this renovated 2 BR / 1 Bath Island Cottage may just be what you are looking for. Be on vacation 365 days of the year. Relax on the pristine Gulf Beaches of Anna Maria Island which are just a short walk away. Explore local shops and venues using the local Island Trolley located just up the
The advertised rate of $10,455/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of April 20, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
Available for a 4.1.26 move in. The rental rates are as follows: Off Season (May through December): $3,500 per week or $6,000 per month. In Season (January through April): $3,500 per week or $9,000 per month. The vacation home is beautifully renovated and elevated, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It features a large pool and spa in a tropical backyard oasis. The interior has a lovely
This annual rental is a completely remodeled, furnished 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom second floor condo in a waterfront community at 6300 Flotilla Dr Unit #98 offers 1,151 square feet of living space. The living room features ample space for relaxation. Cable TV is included for two tv's as is free WIFI. Each bedroom provides plenty of closet space, while the modern bathrooms are designed for
Experience the best of island living in this beautifully furnished 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom bayfront home in Holmes Beach. Perfectly positioned with sweeping direct bay views, this property offers the ultimate coastal retreat. Step outside to your private dock with boat lift, making it easy to spend your days boating, fishing, or simply enjoying life on the water. Relax poolside while taking in
Property Id: 1760224Available month-to-month beginning in May 2026. This is a 1 BR/1 BA with a sleeper sofa in main room.55+ community with some flexibility on age. On-site laundry, shuffleboard, and marina. Pickleball, park, and playground nearby. This property won't last long due to its high-demand location. Just 50 steps to the beach and free trolley, enjoy all the beauty Anna
Beautifully renovated 2BR/2BA half duplex available for rent in Holmes Beach. This fully furnished property has been completely updated — everything is brand new and thoughtfully selected. The home is fully equipped and move-in ready — just bring your flip-flops and bathing suits.Enjoy a welcoming front patio, beautiful tropical landscaping, and a fully fenced yard offering privacy and
Experience the ultimate island lifestyle in this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home, available for an annual lease. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood just steps from the sugar-white sands of the Gulf of Mexico, this property perfectly blends classic "Old Florida" vibes with modern necessities.The open-concept living area features abundant natural light and serene island decor. The fully
Why wait any longer to enjoy the best Anna Maria Island lifestyle in coveted Key Royale? This lovely canal home is a fabulous rental opportunity available for immediate occupancy. It is being offered for rental periods of three months or more. Monthly rate for January through April is $10,000, May, October, and November is $8,500 and June through September $6,500. Bring your boat and enjoy direct
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