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Brandenton & Anna Maria

Discover Bradenton’s charm with its vibrant downtown, scenic trails, and tranquil waterways. Relax on sugar-white sands, savour fresh Floribbean seafood, and explore unique shops. Enjoy captivating art, cultural events, and rejuvenating spas in this coastal gem where history, nature, and creativity meet.

Brandenton & Anna Maria Offers

Getting There

Getting to Anna Maria Island and Bradenton is easy—just a 45-minute drive from Tampa International Airport or 2.5 hours from Orlando. Fly direct from the UK with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta, or American Airlines, or connect via major U.S. hubs to Sarasota-Bradenton Airport. Then, unwind in this laid-back Gulf Coast gem.

Bradenton

Explore Bradenton’s downtown with a visit to The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, featuring a planetarium and manatee rehab centre. Discover local art at Village of the Arts, or step into pioneer history at Manatee Historical Park. Stroll the scenic Riverwalk for waterfront attractions, including a skate park, amphitheatre, and splash zone.

Anna Maria Island

This charming barrier island is full of adventure, shopping, and coastal charm. Stroll Pine Avenue—“America’s Greenest Little Main Street”—or explore historic Bridge Street, a nod to the island’s past. Discover local art at Back Alley Treasures and Artist Haven AMI, or head out on eco tours and boat trips to spot manatees and dolphins.

Long Boat Key

Long Boat Key, just south of Anna Maria Island, blends laid-back charm with luxury. Relax on Whitney Beach, explore Beer Can Island, or visit sharks and manatees at Mote Marine Aquarium. Enjoy kayaking and birding at Joan M. Durante Park, shop at St. Armand's Circle, tour Ringling Museum, or golf at Longboat Key Club.

Honeymoon Island & Caladesi Island State Park

Beaches

Anna Maria Island offers serene spots like Bean Point and Anna Maria Beach, lively Manatee and Holmes Beaches with playgrounds and cafes, and Bradenton Beach for surfing and shelling. Paddle to Longboat Key for Greer Island’s rustic charm or stroll Whitney Beach’s white-quartz sand, spotting sandpipers, ospreys, and gulls along the shore.

Food & Drink

Savour Floribbean cuisine with fresh grouper, shrimp, and stone crab infused with Caribbean spices. Dock and dine at Anna Maria Oyster Bar or Tide Tables in Cortez. Enjoy sunset views at Mar Vista on Longboat Key and Caddy’s in Bradenton. Sip local wine at Bunker Hill and Fiorelli, or try craft beer at Motorworks and 3 Keys.

Food & Drink
Outdoors

Outdoors

Hike shelled trails at Emerson Point and birdwatch in Neal Preserve. Tackle Robinson Preserve’s Canopy Zone, kayak the Manatee River, or paddleboard Palma Sola Bay. Enjoy dip-netting, eco tours, or a Segway ride through mangroves. For thrills, zip through TreeUmph!, race at Andersen Park, or try a unique horseback “sea-fari.”

Family

Throughout the entirety of the destination, families will find activities to enjoy together. Whether it’s a sunset cruise aboard Captain Memo’s Pirate Ship from Clearwater Marina, trip over to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for the day, spotting dolphins aboard the Little Toot, ziplining in Weedon Island Preserve, or quality time on the beach, there is something for all ages.

Family
Top things to do

Top things to do

Explore the area’s rich past on the History Trail, from the Anna Maria Island Historical Society to De Soto Memorial and the Florida Railroad Museum. Visit Bishop Museum, Parker Manatee Aquarium, and Jiggs Landing for fishing and kayaking. Stroll Palma Sola Botanical Park, tour Gamble Plantation, shop local markets, and discover vibrant public art across Bradenton.

What currency is used in Bradenton & Anna Maria?

Bradenton & Anna Maria use the US dollar as its currency.

What is there to do in Bradenton & Anna Maria

Robinson Preserve
This gorgeous natural preserve in Bradenton is a must-see for outdoor lovers. Explore scenic trails, kayak through mangrove tunnels, or climb the observation tower for panoramic views. It's a peaceful spot where you can enjoy Florida’s natural beauty and maybe even spot a dolphin or two.

Coquina Beach
Located on Anna Maria Island, Coquina Beach is perfect for a relaxing day by the ocean. With soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and shady picnic spots under tall Australian pines, it’s great for swimming, sunbathing, or grabbing a bite at the beachside café.

Bridge Street
This charming historic street is the heart of Bradenton Beach. Stroll past quirky shops, grab an ice cream, and enjoy a breezy dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants. You can also fish off the pier or hop on the free island trolley for more exploring.

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
A fascinating place to learn something new, this Bradenton museum features a planetarium, exhibits on Florida wildlife, and even a manatee rehabilitation center. It’s a great family-friendly stop that mixes science, history, and fun.

 

When is the best time of the year to visit?

Bradenton and Anna Maria Island offer a perfect blend of nature, beaches, and charm. Explore Robinson Preserve or Leffis Key for peaceful trails, kayaking, and stunning views. Relax on the soft sands of Coquina Beach or the family-friendly Manatee Beach, both ideal for swimming and picnics. For a touch of history, visit De Soto National Memorial, or stroll along Bridge Street for shops, waterfront dining, and island vibes.

Bradenton & Anna Maria Island

  • Jan 18°C
  • Feb 19°C
  • Mar 23°C
  • Apr 25°C
  • May 27°C
  • Jun 29°C
  • Jul 30°C
  • Aug 30°C
  • Sep 29°C
  • Oct 27°C
  • Nov 22°C
  • Dec 19°C

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