Bradenton CVB | May 2024

Learn more

Summer Is Calling, And It’s Telling You to Visit Florida’s Bradenton Area

Re-charge at your own pace.

SPONSORED BY Bradenton cvb

Located just south of the Tampa/St. Petersburg metro, the Bradenton Area is uniquely separate from the daily, chaotic grind of large cities and modern suburbia. Here you can unplug and unwind, while chilling out on some of Florida’s iconic beaches and its slow-paced, island-infused charm. You and your friends or family will fall in love with bucket-list worthy experiences you’ll cherish for a lifetime. From a variety of wet n’ wild watersports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, kayaking, deep sea fishing and other watercraft fun, to world-class museums, diverse dining options, eco-friendly hiking, and intimate, breathtaking beachfront lodging- Florida’s Bradenton Area has it all.

Here in New Haven and the surrounding area, spring is in the air, but it's hard not to wish for that irresistible summer weather. So why not jump-start your warm weather travel with a getaway to the Bradenton area, where Florida warm temperatures and welcoming sunshine are waiting for you! Florida’s Bradenton Area, composed of Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, and Longboat Key, provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable getaway or vacation. Situated along the picturesque, tranquil seaside coastal stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast, Bradenton, Florida and its surrounding Gulf islands is easily accessible via Avelo Airlines, with non-stop service from New Haven/HVN to Sarasota/Bradenton/SRQ. With these convenient, direct flights that bypass the congestion of LaGuardia and JFK airports, now is the ideal time for that couple’s trip or family vacation that transports you to a slice of paradise, sugar sand beaches, and the turquoise waters of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Experience the island lifestyle of Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key.

Looking for some island adventure? Then be sure to explore Anna Maria Island, a seven-mile-long barrier island just west of Bradenton. With award-winning beaches like Cortez Beach, postcard-perfect sunsets, and authentic, fresh seafood dining, Anna Marie Island will captivate you like nothing else. For pan seared wild caught Grouper cakes, pan seared diver scallops and more, visit The Ugly Grouper, or for a fast, casual eatery try SmoqeHouse, which offers an array of inspired, hand crafted sandwiches, salads, soups, and fries. For a laid back afternoon of beach fun, find your way to Longboat Key, where secluded Beer Can Island awaits. Known for its 12 miles of white-sand beaches, luxury resorts, waterfront golf, and upscale dining, Longboat Key offers plenty to do for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and retirees. Enjoy a lavish poolside beverage at Zota Beach Resort, or visit the Mote Marine Science Education and Outreach Center at Ana Maria City Pier, where visitors can see the resident manatee as well as other local marine animals, including sharks. And of course, delicious dining (and shopping!) is also on the menu when it comes to a visit to the Bradenton area. In the mood for some local sports? Kick back with classic peanuts and crackerjacks at Bradenton's Lecom Park where you can watch the Minor League Bradenton Marauders swing for the fences.

Hit the trails and explore the Bradenton Area’s natural wonderland.

For reconnecting with nature, you and your family will marvel at the endless string of hiking trails that are easily accessible within more than a dozen nature preserves. Encompassing hundreds of acres and multiple ecosystems, each preserve offers a variety of trails with abundant wildlife. Emerson Point Preserve on Snead Island, just west of Palmetto, sits on a lush, 365-acre peninsula that separates the mouth of the Manatee River from Lower Tampa Bay. Along a network of shelled hiking trails, you’ll experience pristine coastal habitats and interesting historical sites. Be sure not to miss the short climb up the observation tower, which provides gorgeous views of Tampa Bay and Egmont Key. For birding and other wildlife viewing, navigate your way to Neal Preserve, conveniently located on Perico Island in northwest Bradenton. Here you can immerse yourself in mangrove forests that meld into the marshy grass flats of the Intracoastal Waterway. The preserve includes a half-mile walking loop and two-story observation platform that often reward onlookers with an array of seabirds, including gulls, terns, and raptors. Other popular Bradenton area nature preserves include De Soto National Memorial, one of Florida’s 11 National Parks, Robinson Preserve, a 679-acre nature sanctuary with nearly 7 miles of walking trails, Leffis Key Preserve, and much more. For those interested in a more laid-back wildlife experience, Bishop Museum of Science + Nature offers the unique Gentle Yoga with Manatees every sunday through spring and summer.

With live theater, educational, kid-friendly historical parks, Ranger-led kayak tours, beach markets, and an array of delicious dining options, it’s no wonder that couples, families, and solo travelers alike are discovering that Florida’s Bradenton Area is their favorite go-to, warm weather destination. The eclectic Beach Market at Coquina Beach offers local artisan-inspired crafts and fresh produce, and A-list worthy live theater runs at Manatee Performing Arts Center. And don't miss the area's annual Friendly City Flea, a summer night market and music series popping up once a month throughout the summer. Travel back in time with a visit to Cortez Historic Fishing Village and visit the old fish houses, where you can listen to locals tell tall tales of fishing adventures in the bays and waterways of the Gulf of Mexico. With its slow-paced charm and eco-friendly Love it Like a Local mantra, an on-trend travel initiative that educates visitors on how to love the Bradenton Area as if they were a local, New Yorkers and Connecticut “Nutmeggers” have come to appreciate the natural, awe-inspiring beauty of this idyllic slice of authentic Florida.