Vacation rentals in Holmes Beach

Holmes Beach is the center town of the three cities on the seven-mile barrier island of Anna Maria, just south of Tampa Bay. Like neighboring Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria, Holmes Beach offers the benefit of dual coasts, overlooking Tampa Bay to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west. That means stunning sunsets as well as sunrises. As its name implies, the beach is the main draw here, with three miles of powder-soft white sand that rolls up from the turquoise waters of the Gulf. Beyond the shore, it becomes a playground for watersports, both motorized — jet skiing and speedboating are big here — and non motorized, including sailing and paddleboarding. From those boats, people fish, snorkel, and dive, looking for sharks, stingrays, dolphins, and manatees that inhabit the area.

You don’t earn the nickname of the Florida Suncoast without some delightful weather, and Holmes Beach’s nearly 250 days of annual sunshine provides just that. The hottest weather comes in summer, but so, too, does the rain — often in short spurts rather than day-long drenchings. Things cool off a smidge in winter, when you might need to wear a sweatshirt or light jacket. Spring and fall see plenty of sun and balmy temperatures minus the vacationing crowds. It’s also when you’ll find many of the area’s big festivals, including October’s BayFest, and November’s Symphony on the Sand. Be sure to pay extra attention to weather alerts if you’ve booked one of the area’s vacation rentals for the end of summer, when hurricane season is at its peak.

Holmes Beach

Everyone comes here for the beaches, and for very good reasons: they are pristine, gorgeous, and offer plenty of space to spread out. Holmes Beach spans three glorious miles, an endless buffet of white sand and blue-green saltwater. The main public beach access point at Manatee Public Beach piles on the amenities, including picnic tables, restrooms, and a concession stand.

Sarasota Bay / Barrier Islands Paddle Trails

Launch a canoe or kayak from the 63rd Street Memorial Boat Launch or Kingfish Boat Launches in Holmes Beach and head out onto some of the 75 miles of paddle trails in Manatee County. Hug the edge of the island and tour it from another angle, or skip across the bay to visit the Neal and Perico Preserves.

Egmont Key State Park

An island just to the north of Anna Maria accessible only by boat, Egmont Key State Park gives boaters from Holmes Beach a perfect spot for a day trip. This mostly wildlife refuge contains even more beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and a historic 19th-century lighthouse. Visitors can pick up shells, snorkel, fish, and bird-watch from the island.