Experience the Gulf Coast the way it’s meant to be: serene, stunning, and sea-worthy.
Located in the heart of Parrish, your new home at Rye Ranch® provides easy access to all the area offers: natural beauty, vibrant cities, and some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches.
From Rye Ranch, you’re perfectly positioned to explore this coastal paradise. Just a short drive away, you’ll find soft white sand, warm turquoise waters, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to stay all day.
Whether you’re planning a fun family beach day or have your heart set on a sunset stroll, you’re never far from a beautiful beach.
Top Beaches Within Reach
When you’re craving sand and saltwater, these are the best beaches near Parrish, each bringing its own unique character and charm.
Anna Maria Beach
Anna Maria Beach captures the very essence of the Gulf Coast. This stunning stretch of sand has it all: soft white sand, warm water, and picture-perfect sunsets.
Located at the northern end of Anna Maria Island, one of the area’s many barrier islands, this beach is slightly off the beaten path. Away from the crowds, this tranquil atmosphere is ideal for families or anyone seeking a more low-key beach day.
The waters at Anna Maria Beach are warm and calm. You’ll rarely find waves, but you will likely spot playful dolphins, pretty seashells, and—if you’re extra lucky—fossilized shark teeth. Kayaking and canoeing are also favorite ways to explore the shoreline from the water. Boat rentals are available aplenty if you don’t have your own!
The charming “Old Florida” vibe is easy to find on Anna Maria Beach. Pastel-colored eateries sell light beach snacks, creamy handcrafted ice cream, and the most delicious grouper sandwiches on the coast.
Coquina Beach
This beach’s namesake hints at what you should expect. Coquinas are a tiny species of local clam, about the size of your thumbnail. As waves deposit them on the shore, they burrow into the sand, much to the delight of children and other beachgoers. While coquinas are live creatures, keep looking and you’ll find plenty of shells to add to your collection.
Coquina Beach balances comfort with fun. You’ll find all the conveniences you need for an easy, enjoyable beach day. Coquina Beach amenities include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, lifeguard stations, barbecue pits, volleyball courts, and more. There’s even a shaded walking/ biking path, for when that Florida sun starts beating down.
Parking is another good reason to choose Coquina Beach. Unlike some of the smaller beaches near Rye Ranch, this one has ample on-site parking, and it’s free. For holidays and other busy beach days, nearby overflow lots provide a free trolley to the beach.
Manatee Public Beach
This popular beach is a lively, family-friendly spot right in the heart of Holmes Beach. And it might be one of the most fun-filled beaches on Anna Maria Island. Families, groups, and anyone looking for an exciting but casual beach day will fall in love with Manatee Beach.
This stretch of beach is buzzing with all the activities you need to enjoy a fantastic beach day. The warm, clear waters of the Gulf Coast invite you to swim, snorkel, and paddleboard. When you dry off, there are playgrounds for the little ones, volleyball courts, and picnic tables. And the locally famous AMI Beach Café serves up delicious treats and bites, including locally loved “all you can eat” pancakes, fish tacos, and specialty drinks in souvenir cups.
With so much to do, parking does fill up early. But even if you park off-site, you’ll find easy beach access via the island’s free trolley system.
Siesta Key Beach
Spend a day at Siesta Key Beach, and you’ll instantly understand why it’s consistently ranked as one of the top beaches in the U.S. The relatively shallow waters of the Gulf are especially warm here, making them ideal for swimming and wading. Even little ones can splash along the shore.
Siesta Key Beach also provides all the amenities you need for a comfortable, family-friendly beach day: picnic areas, snack shacks, playgrounds, restrooms, showers, and more. Lifeguards watching over the Gulf add a sense of safety, while the free trolley service encourages you to explore the island.
But what really sets Siesta Key apart is its white sand, composed of 99% pure quartz. It’s not only powder soft, it stays cool even on the hottest days, making walks, shell-hunting, and sandcastle competitions much more enjoyable.
Lido Key Beach
Lido Beach offers the best of both worlds, beach and city, making it a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike.
The beach itself is a West Coast stunner, with the white sands, warm waters, and welcoming vibe the area is known for. The amenities are top-notch, with free parking, restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic areas with grills, and chair and umbrella rentals. And like other local beaches, the warm, clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
But surprisingly, some of the top Lido Key beach activities take place away from the Gulf. You can kayak or paddleboard through the mangrove tunnels for shade and a closer look at local wildlife. Or take a short walk to St. Armand’s Circle, a well-known Sarasota destination with endless art galleries, shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Hidden Coastal Gems
Beachfront hotspots are ideal when you’re seeking outdoor activities and amenities. But the Gulf Coast’s beauty shines through in more secluded areas. When you’re looking for a quieter beach day, these are the spots locals highly recommend.
Bean Point
This lesser-traveled beach is tucked into the northern tip of Anna Maria Island, just beyond the more popular Anna Maria Beach.
Bean Point offers the best of a Manatee County shoreline in a quiet setting. You’ll have plenty of room on the sand to stretch out your beach towel, hunt for shells, and simply breathe in the area’s beauty. The quieter pace of Bean Point allows marine wildlife to thrive. Peer through the crystal-clear waters and you’ll see sand dollars, stingrays, dolphins, and more.
The scenery here is incredible. This hidden gem offers panoramic views of the Gulf, Tampa Bay, and the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge. And away from the busier beaches, you’ll have the stunning, fiery Gulf of Mexico sunsets all to yourself.
Palma Sola Causeway Beach
Most of the beaches near Rye Ranch aren’t dog-friendly, but this scenic spot welcomes everyone, including those four-legged family members (as long as they’re on leashes). And the location is convenient, right on the way to the Anna Maria Island beaches.
The calm bay waters are ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. With its picnic tables and grills, locals love this peaceful beach for family gatherings and simple meals. And thanks to the smaller crowds, the wildlife is thriving; birds, fish, and marine mammals call Palma Sola home.
Beach Day Essentials
Before you head to one of the Gulf Coast’s beautiful beaches, here are some things to keep in mind.
Even secluded beaches can get busy. To avoid the crowds, try a weekday visit or arrive by mid-morning. Avoid the midday heat with a late-afternoon trip to the beach, staying for the coast’s legendary sunset.
Most beaches provide parking, often free. If the parking lots are full, both Anna Maria Island and Siesta Key offer free trolleys from their off-site lots.
Most importantly, be diligent with your sun protection. Choose waterproof sunscreen with a high SPF, and reapply often. Don’t forget UV-rated sunglasses to protect your eyes, and consider wearing a shirt or hat with sun protection.
And here’s a quick beach packing list to help you prepare:
- Beach toys for the little ones and a pail for gathering shells
- Blanket
- Beach chairs
- Grill accessories, if you’re planning to cook
- Snacks (for the more secluded beaches)
- Towels
- Umbrella
- Water gear, such as goggles and snorkels
- A cooler with plenty of water and juicy, hydrating fruit
- A volleyball, so you can use the courts
And here’s a tip from the locals: bring baby powder. Sprinkle some on your legs and feet at the end of your beach adventure, and the sand brushes right off.
Rye Ranch: From Front Doors to Sandy Shores
One of the joys of living in Rye Ranch is the proximity to some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches. Whether you’re looking for a quiet area to unwind or a spot buzzing with activity, these sandy beaches have something to suit every family and every mood.
In just a short drive, you’ll be dipping your toes in the water and searching for seashells. From a nearly private sunset at Bean Point to a friendly volleyball game at Coquina Beach, there are some great beaches near Rye Ranch for your next coastal adventure. It’s the authentic Gulf Coast lifestyle, and it’s yours to explore and enjoy.
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