Bradenton - Jan 2025 refresh

Beaches & watersports | "floribbean" flavors | sustainable exploration | arts & culture

Bradenton

Beaches and nostalgic small towns make up Anna Maria Island, 7-mile-long and narrow barrier island set a short and scenic ride west from Bradenton proper via the Palma Sola Causeway. The waters here are an electric turquoise color, clear and generally warm, hitting up to 86 degrees in the summertime. The island’s skinny east-west width means you can walk from the Gulf to the Bay side in minutes, should you want to launch a kayak, cast a line or just get a different view. There are no high-rises obstructing the Gulf and bay views here, thanks to local ordinances. Manatee Beach is the island’s central hub. It’s an idyllic spot to spend a day, with amenities like picnic tables, outdoor showers, volleyball courts, on-duty lifeguards and a café serving waffles, wraps and platters—plus ice cream and tropical cocktails. Wheelchair mats are in place to ensure the beach is accessible to all.

Quieter beaches can be found on the northern end of the island. Arrive by golf cart or bicycle to access serene Bean Point Beach as there’s limited parking nearby. Coquina Beach on the south side is accessible via ample free parking. Once there, you'll find handy amenities like restrooms, changing rooms and a beach restaurant. South of Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key is, well, longer (at 11 miles), with pristine white-sand beach as far as the eye can see. Many travelers visit for its luxury resorts, golf courses with incredible vistas and, of course, its ultra-chill ambiance. Tip: While exploring both keys, think about renting a golf cart or moped from a local outfitter as an easy, eco-friendly way to get around and avoid parking challenges. Anna Maria Island also offers free trolley service.

Treasure islands

Wherever you find yourself in the Bradenton Area, its bay, sound, river, canal and Gulf waters will be nearby. You'll want to do as the locals do and immerse yourself in "the life aquatic" each sun-kissed day. That could mean gliding through the mangroves and marshes of Robinson Preserve in a kayak one day; angling from a breezy pier or knee-deep coastal waters the next; snorkeling off the beach in the morning; and kicking back on a dolphin cruise at sunset. Keep your eyes peeled for other beloved permanent residents, too—sea turtles, manatees and birds from pelicans to bald eagles. All manner of rentals—paddle boards, canoes and snorkel equipment for starters—are available from local outfitters. Be sure to sport reef-safe sunscreen and to observe local wildlife from a respectful distance.

Water activities and wildlife

the Florida sun getaway with soul

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Craft brews

On Bradenton's Manatee Avenue, 3 Keys Brewing and Gastrobrew balances a tempting homebrewed beer list (including a coconut-piña colada ale in true "Floribbean" style) with a robust food menu—including personal pizzas and vegan-friendly barbecue jackfruit nachos. Visit Thursday through Tuesday for live performances in the backyard beer garden.

Florida fusion cuisine

As the name implies, "Floribbean" dishes are where the bounty of the local waters meets a wide variety of Caribbean culinary styles—Cuban, Jamaican, Haitian and Bahamian among them. The result is colorful, ultra-fresh fare with bright and addictive flavors, and you'll find plenty of it at local restaurants. Try some while digging your toes in the sand at Sandbar Seafood & Spirits on Anna Maria Island, where the crabmeat-stuffed shrimp with Bahamian rice and the beachfront seating are equally compelling draws. Overlooking the Sarasota Bay in Cortez Village, the near century-old Star Fish Company specializes in simply prepared, just-caught seafood. Seating is limited, so either get there early or be prepared to chill by the water with a drink until a table opens up. The water views and potential dolphin sightings make for an easy way to pass some time. Make sure to try the famous hush puppies.

Getting around the green way

Love it like a local

Preserving the health of the Gulf, precious wetlands, mangroves, tidal marshes and Florida pine forests is a major priority in the Bradenton Area, and supporting sustainability efforts can be an enriching part of a getaway here. From shopping at local businesses; to dining on local-grown vegetables and sustainably caught seafood; to abiding by the signs on the trails at nature preserves; to volunteering in beach cleanups, there are many ways to enjoy all the region has to offer while making a positive impact. This video provides an inspiring guide on sustainable travel, including tips from Leave No Trace. The national nonprofit has partnered with Bradenton and the Gulf Islands on their "Love It Like a Local" initiatives to ensure the beauty and health of the region for generations to come.

Green gathering spaces

The Bradenton Riverwalk—a 1.5-mile outdoor gathering space set along the Manatee River—is a jewel in the city's crown. A riverfront amphitheatre hosts concerts and music events, while the fishing pier, playground, splash pad, skate park and volleyball courts add to lineup of things to do. With the nearby marina and restaurants, you could easily make a day of it here. In Bradenton's northwest corner—where the Manatee River meets Tampa Bay—you'll find the stunning 27-acre De Soto National Memorial. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; it's thought to mark the landing site of the first extensive exploration by Europeans of the modern-day southern U.S. Walk nature trails, cast a line, paddle the river and learn about the site's role in history from National Park Service rangers.

Villages full of art and history

A vibrant oasis of creativity, art and eclecticism awaits at the 275 bungalows and wood-frame homes that collectively make up the live/work/play artists' community known as Village of the Arts in downtown Bradenton. Time your visit to coincide with the first Friday or Saturday of the month for the chance to explore the colorful galleries, shops and restaurants via the Village Art Walk. Many galleries and shops are also open weekends or by appointment. Manatee Village Historical Park offers another immersive, large-as-life adventure. Visitors are invited to walk through a collection of historical and replica points of interest illustrating Manatee County life during its founding period (1840-1918). Twelve buildings—including a one-room schoolhouse, a courthouse, a general store and a family home—showcase antique furnishings and objects from Florida's pioneer times.

Sandbar Seafood & Spirits

Beaches & watersports

"Floribbean" flavors

Sustainable exploration

Arts & culture

Plan your trip

Emerson Point Preserve

De Soto National Memorial

Coquina Beach

Bean Point

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Motorworks Brewery

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Gulf Islands Ferry

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Billed as Bradenton's first craft brewery, Motorworks Brewery sits in what used to be an auto dealership. The property has been transformed to include a large dog- and kid-friendly beer garden with lawn games and a stage that hosts plenty of local bands. Listen with a citrus-infused Pulp Friction IPA in hand.

In case you didn't already know, sipping a good beer at the end of a day in the sun and surf is a special kind of satisfying. Five Bradenton taprooms serve up local craft brews to deliver that "ahhh"-inducing first sip with hoppy flavors unique to the area.

As you might imagine, on an island as narrow as Anna Maria Island, an influx of visitors can result in challenges when it comes to parking and traffic. In response, a new and eco-friendly public transit solution made its debut last year: the Gulf Islands Ferry. The ferry picks up passengers in downtown Bradenton for a scenic ride to the Anna Maria Island City Pier on the north end and the Bridge Street Pier toward the south. From there, free trolley service runs the length of the island, with a total of 35 stops. Service starts at 6 a.m. and runs every 20-30 minutes all the way until 10:30 p.m. Another idea for a more serene and green getaway: consider traveling in late spring, early summer or fall. These off-peak travel windows make for visits that are easier on the environment and your budget—plus, you'll have more room to spread out at beaches, restaurants and attractions.

Village of the Arts

Manatee Village Historical Park

Shopping in the Village of the Arts

I t’s not a great mystery why Florida is one of the most popular U.S. vacation destinations, year after year. The dependable sunshine, easy and affordable flight access and the well-known family attractions make it an obvious choice. But if you’ve only been to Florida’s best-known tourist spots—and we mean this with all due respect—you’re doing it wrong. The Bradenton Area on Florida’s west coast is a getaway you may not know, but should. Set on the shores of the Manatee River and the Gulf of Mexico, its white soft-sand beaches and sea glass-colored waters are reason enough to head over for a break from chilly temps and winter squalls. But savvy snowbirds also return to this Florida escape because of its low-key, welcoming vibes. Once you're off the plane (see flights here) and settled into your vacation rental or hotel, chances are you’ll unconsciously take to the rhythm of local life—playing on the water, dining on the day’s fresh catch, strolling the quaint shops downtown and exploring the wilds on foot or bike. And in the first Florida destination to partner with sustainability leader Leave No Trace, it's easy to do all this while staying in Mother Nature’s good graces. Scroll on for a taste of Bradenton’s authentic Florida charm—and how to plan your trip.

Beaches & watersports | "floribbean" flavors | sustainable exploration | arts & culture

Coquina Beach