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
Toni Zarghami,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Holmes Beach, FL sell after 120 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Holmes Beach, FL over the last 12 months is $1,093,750, up 20% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
BUY ONE OR BOTH SIDES OF THIS DUPLEX PROPERTY. STEPS TO THE BEACH AND LOCATED IN A WEEKLY RENTAL ZONE! Check out mls # A4698503 - Exceptional Island Investment Opportunity Just One Block to the Beach! Welcome to 202 Peacock Lane, Unit B, a beautifully remodeled half-duplex perfectly positioned for vacation rental investors, second-home buyers, and those seeking the ultimate Anna Maria Island
3 blocks to beautiful beaches and water of Anna Maria Island, Florida. This is YOUR CHANCE to own YOUR island getaway or permanent residence at Sunbow Bay. Fully turnkey furnished and ready for you to spend the winter in or rent out. Remodeled kitchen and baths. Store your condo under the building and launch from the dock and Kayak through mangrove tunnels and Anna Maria Sound. Dog friendly
Newly priced to reflect today’s market — this beautifully maintained Holmes Beach home offers an exceptional opportunity just a 2-minute walk from the beach! Experience the relaxed coastal lifestyle of Anna Maria Island in this turnkey-furnished home filled with Old Florida charm. Whether you’re searching for a primary residence, island retreat or income-producing property, its versatile living
Welcome to Tidal Daze, a beautifully designed coastal sanctuary poised just a short stroll from the sugar-sand shores of Holmes Beach—where turquoise water, gentle Gulf breezes, and legendary sunsets become part of your everyday rhythm. A proven vacation rental with an established income history, this exceptional 4BD/3.5BA residence offers a rare balance of refined style, easy comfort, and
Tucked along an extraordinary 225 feet of waterfront, this custom coastal retreat distills the very essence of island living—breathtaking water views, exceptional privacy, and thoughtfully designed spaces that move effortlessly between serene relaxation and spirited entertaining. A palm-lined driveway sets the tone, where timeless architecture and lush tropical landscaping leave an unforgettable
Tucked away in a quiet area of the island in a lush, tropical setting just moments from the beach, this beautiful 5BD/4BA residence captures the essence of coastal living with effortless style and thoughtful functionality, offering an exceptional opportunity in a desirable weekly rental zone. Framed by swaying palms and vibrant landscaping, the home welcomes you into a light-filled interior where
Set within the beachfront enclave of Playa Encantada, this beautifully maintained two-bedroom, two-bath residence offers an effortless coastal lifestyle just steps from the sand and the island trolley — placing the area's finest shops, restaurants, and attractions within easy reach.Inside, an open and light-filled layout creates an inviting sense of space. The kitchen is appointed with
New price you can't pass up! This building is built up and never flooded in the 2024 storms. First-floor corner unit with amazing bay views in the waterfront community of Westbay Cove on Anna Maria Island. This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo offers a bright, functional layout with abundant natural light and peaceful views of the bay. The kitchen features custom cabinetry, tile backsplash, and newer
Where the water meets the good life — welcome to elevated island living in the heart of Holmes Beach. Offered completely furnished and truly turnkey, this beautifully reimagined 2BD/2BA retreat blends timeless coastal character with modern comfort, ready for you to simply arrive, unpack, and begin.Renovated top to bottom, the light-filled, open-concept interior is finished with recessed
Welcome to this beautifully remodeled and furnished coastal retreat in the heart of Holmes Beach. Set on a generous 0.24-acre corner lot, this spacious single-level home offers four bedrooms, two and a half baths and 2,223 square feet of inviting living space.The bright, open interior is designed for effortless gathering and entertaining. The updated kitchen features an oversized island with
LUXURY COASTAL LIVING AT IT’S FINEST! This one-of-a-kind residence, designed by Emily Anne Smith, stands on one of the most sought-after streets in Anna Maria, just one home from the Gulf and a short walk to the charm of Pine Avenue. The location offers an exceptional combination of beach proximity, walkability, and privacy.Thoughtfully designed for both entertaining and multi-generational
A rare Gulf Front Statement Residence in Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island. Presenting an exceptional gulf front residence where scale, privacy, craftsmanship, and the beauty of Anna Maria Island come together in a truly distinctive offering. Set along the Gulf of Mexico this extraordinary elevated 3,200-square-foot residence offers a rare combination of generous proportions, refined finishes,
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
Seller Financing available! 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
Rare opportunity to build barefoot luxury in the heart of Holmes Beach. This coveted corner lot sits just a short stroll from the sugar-sand shoreline and turquoise Gulf water of Anna Maria Island — and concept elevations and plans are already available, giving you a head start on the home you've been picturing. Located in a weekly rental zone, the possibilities here are as exciting as they are
Island Paradise! Fully Furnished 2 BR / 2 BA Long-Term Rental --Escape the hustle and bustle of short-term vacation spaces and settle into permanent island time at 2904 Avenue B, Unit B, Holmes Beach, FL 34217. Tucked away as a private back unit just steps from the pristine, sugar-white sands of the Gulf of Mexico, this charming beach duplex offers the perfect blend of coastal tranquility
The advertised rate of $5,513/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of September 25, 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
BOAT SLIP #12 FOR RENT... Available for a 25' boat. 2' draft. Water available. 12 month lease. $50 application fee. 1st, last & $500 deposit required for lease. Canal located off Bimimi Bay & open water. No fixed bridges. Sub-leasing NOT permitted.
The advertised rate of $3,314/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of September 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
The advertised rate of $7,029/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of September 5, 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
The advertised rate of $3,439/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of November 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
The advertised rate of $2,587/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of September 6, 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
The advertised rate of $3,746/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of November 24, 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
The advertised rate of $2,538/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 22, 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
The advertised rate of $2,717/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of September 5, 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
The advertised rate of $5,751/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 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
The advertised rate of $3,542/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 22, 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
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