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Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key

Discover the Bradenton Area, this unspoilt destination on Florida’s Gulf Coast covers the small city of Bradenton on the mainland just 40 minutes drive from Tampa and its two barrier islands. Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island. This destination oozes 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. 

Bradenton & Anna Maria Island Offers

Getting There

Getting to Anna Maria Island and Bradenton is easy—just a 45-minute drive from Tampa International Airport or 1.5 hours from Orlando. Fly direct from the UK with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic 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.

LongBoat Key

Longboat Key, just south of Anna Maria Island, blends laid-back charm with luxury. Relax on Whitney Beach, explore Beer Can Island, visit Shore restaurant to see and be seen and stay at the Zota Beach 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 Island Oyster Bar or Tide Tables in Cortez Fishing Village and check out the Sandbar Restaurant or The Beach House for toes-in-the-sand dining with and the best sunset views in all of Florida. Enjoy rooftop cocktails at the Daiquiri Deck on Bridge Street or try craft beer at Motorworks brewery and relax in Florida’s biggest beer garden

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. 

Family

Throughout the entirety of the destination, families will find plenty of activities to enjoy together. Embark on an Eco tour, enjoy a ‘Catch and Cook’ expedition, fuel your adrenaline with parasailing or jet-skiing or take to the waves in a more leisurely fashion with a guided kayak or paddle boarding session. Don’t miss a memorable sunset cruise or dolphin watching tour 

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 Island?

US Dollar

What is there to do in Bradenton & Anna Maria Island

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.

Places to visit:

Discover the charm of Bradenton and Anna Maria Island with these top five favourite pastimes of the locals. These activities highlight the best of everything this much sought after Gulf Coast destination has to offer with a mix of relaxation, culture, and nature.

Shopping

Stroll Along Historic Bridge Street and immerse yourself in Anna Maria Island’s rich history. This area offers unique, artisan shops, fabulous spots to eat and drink and a vibrant arts scene, all within a picturesque setting. If you like shopping for fashionable items, you must visit the Ellenton Premium outlet in Bradenton which is one of Florida’s best known designer-outlet shopping malls, perfect for keen shoppers looking to bag a bargain or two.  

Beach life

Beach life is everything on Anna Maria Island, which was recently voted one of the world’s best islands by UK readers of Conde Nast Traveller.
 
There are no less than 8 pristine and uncrowded beaches across Anna Maria Island each offering something different depending on what kind of day you’re after, whether it’s a day spent barely seeing a soul or a public beach with cafes and play parks, you can sample them all. The low surf and calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico make for hours of safe play and fun on family-friendly beaches spotting Coquina shells in the sand and Pelicans resting on the waves.  
These award-winning beaches stretches for miles across sugar white, soft sand which always feels refreshingly cool underfoot.  

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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