Bradenton & Anna Maria Island
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Bradenton & Anna Maria Island
Bradenton Area, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key are located on Florida’s west coast. It is a place where traditional Florida charm can still be found, brimming with opportunities to experience Florida at its most real and authentic, flip flops are a way of life and the speed limit never exceeds 35mph. High rise condos and fast food restaurants are pleasantly absent - instead it is home to beautiful turquoise waters and its award-winning white-sand beaches, including the reclusive Whitney Beach on Longboat Key and seven miles of uninterrupted beach on Anna Maria Island.
No more than a few blocks (or cute houses) wide, Anna Maria Island has the sounds of waves and visions of the sunset in every location. Bradenton Area provides access to accommodations and outdoor activities - while at the same time offering an enjoyable selection of shops, restaurants, performing arts, wildlife, history and other attractions.
Unbeatable Beaches
Having successfully resisted the intense development present in the rest of the state, traditional Florida still thrives on the 16 miles of sugar white beaches, with options for those looking to snorkel, shell, play beach volleyball or enjoy some seclusion. Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island was recently named one of the world’s top island beaches for perfect sand by Conde Nast Traveller readers.
Characterful Accommodation
You won't find any chain hotels on Anna Maria Island and nothing is over 3 storeys in height. The emphasis here is on independent, character and charm. There are condos, villas and homes which vary in character and style to suit all budgets. The abundance of luxury homes, which can accommodate anything up to 16 people, are all decorated beautifully with modern amenities. Trip Advisor recently included Anna Maria Island in its Top 20 Rising Vacation Holiday Destinations in the U.S.
Delicious (and Distinct) Dining
Florida is known for its many delicacies and unique cuisine. However, the Bradenton Area brings even more to the table, thanks to the many delicious heritage seafood products from the Gulf of Mexico, which are featured on the menus of many restaurants. From mid-October through to mid-May, locally harvested stone crabs scuttle into seafood restaurants. For something a little different, Bradenton Area’s Anna Maria Fish Company is the first USDA certified company in the
United States to produce Bottarga; the sun-dried and salt-cured roe of grey striped mullet. A rare delicacy (retailing for more than $100 for a pound) and long-standing tradition in Mediterranean cuisine, Bottarga, here in the Bradenton Area, is a locally sourced and sought-after treat for locals and visitors alike. Cortez Fishing Village is the oldest working fishing village in Florida, with a fish market on site. Visitors can also take a boat charter, perch on the pier or even kayak out to sea and drop your line before having your catch cooked to your liking in one of the local restaurants. Head to Anna Maria Island for a true toes-in-sand experience with a choice of three restaurants directly on the beach!
Superior Shopping
Those who get nostalgic for the time when chain restaurants, stores and hotels were not on every street corner should look no further than Pine Avenue on Anna Maria Island where local shops, boutiques, cafes (and the Community Edible Gardens where you can pick your own free vegetables) line the “Greenest Little Main Street in America.” Head to Two Scoops for delicious, gourmet ice cream!
Kid’s Stuff
Roughly an hour and a half from the crowded amusement parks, Bradenton Area favourite TreeUmph! Adventure Course lets kids swing through the trees on the treetop adventure course, while tackling zip-lines and obstacles. Visitors to the South Florida Museum, the largest natural and cultural history museum on Florida’s Gulf Coast, will also get to meet Snooty, the world’s oldest-known manatee (and the city’s mascot)!
Excellent Eco-Adventures
The Bradenton Area boasts exquisite nature preserves and hidden creeks through which visitors can embark on guided or self-guided eco kayak tours. Top locations include Emerson Point Preserve – a 365-acre preserve at the mouth of the Manatee River where kayakers can take in Florida’s wildlife and native plant communities while exploring both prehistoric and historic sites. Enjoy the mile and a half long Riverwalk which runs alongside the Manatee River and offers outdoor activities for all ages.
Delightful Downtowns
Along the brick streets of Old Main Street in the Bradenton Area, visitors will find top dining options, with ample outdoor seating to enjoy the great weather and a friendly atmosphere. Though Old Main Street is reminiscent of years past, its vibrancy makes it the heart of the Bradenton Area, and its proximity to the Riverwalk makes it a popular spot to meet.
Private Homes
We have a fantastic selection of homes in the Bradenton area, including stunning beachfront locations, properties with private pools and homes large enough to sleep multiple families. Enjoy the best of the area’s beaches, try out all types of water and boat activities, or enjoy a spot of golf. Spread out in the comfort of your own property, with plenty of space for everyone and enjoy living like a local. All are fully equipped and come with everything you need for a self-catering stay.
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to see a selection of the properties that we can book.
Holiday Ideas
Our favourite stays
Bradenton Area Private HomesSelf Catering ApartmentsFrom £1220 per week
We have a fantastic selection of homes in the Bradenton area, including stunning beachfront locations, properties with private pools and homes large enough to sleep multiple families. Enjoy the best of the area’s beaches, try out all types of water and boat activities, or enjoy a spot of golf. Spread out in the comfort of your own property, with plenty of space for everyone and enjoy living like a local. All are fully equipped and come with everything you need for a self-catering stay.
Click here
for a selection of available homes or please let us know what you are looking for and we would be happy to help you find your ideal home.
Zota Beach ResortFirst ClassFrom £282 per room per night
Located on the Gulf of Mexico, this is Longboats' newest luxury beach resort which features modern touches in the relaxed ambiance of Florida's West Coast. There is easy access to upscale shopping, entertainment and restaurants at St. Armands Circle.
Onsite there is 187 guestrooms, outdoor pool area, kitchen and bar and a beachfront setting on Longboat Key. The stylish rooms come well equipped with coffee maker, flat screen TV and WiFi.
Shorewalk Vacation Villas2 Bedroom Self Catering ApartmentFrom £435-725 per week
Set on 30 acres, with six lakes and four miles of jogging paths, only eight miles from Anna Maria Island's beaches.
The resort also features two swimming pools, tennis courts, a club house and games room. The two bedroom, two bathroom apartments are well equipped with eat-in kitchen, including dishwasher, microwave and washer/dryer, all cooking utensils, free WiFi, living/dining area and screened porch. The apartments sleep up to six people with a maximum of four adults.
Courtyard Bradenton RiverfrontModerateFrom £156 per room per night
This riverfront hotel is located close to downtown Bradenton and is just a short drive from the beach. There is also easy access to the Ellenton Premium Outlets, Bradenton beach and Waterlefe golf & River Club
The rooms are spacious and well-furnished and have flat screen televisions, coffee makers, marble bathrooms and air conditioning. Onsite, there is also an outdoor pool, fitness centre and restaurant.
Hampton Inn BradentonModerateFrom £180 per room per night
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this hotel is located on Bradenton’s Riverwalk in the heart of downtown and is just a short drive from the beach as well as nearby to the South Florida Museum.
The rooms are nicely furnished and have flat screen televisions, coffee makers and wireless internet. There is also an onsite pool and fitness room.
