What is the best way to get to your destination?

The Bradenton Area includes Bradenton, the ‘Friendly City’ on the mainland and two barrier islands, Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island, which are situated in the centre of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Visitors can fly non-stop to Tampa International airport from Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic or Gatwick with British Airways. Tampa airport is just a 40-minute drive to the Bradenton Area so it’s very easy. Alternatively, UK travellers can fly via Atlanta from Dublin or Manchester with a 1 hour connecting flight direct into Sarasota Bradenton International airport, which means they arrive just 15 minutes from the beach and with shorter queues on arrival. In both cases, the journey can feasibly be taken by taxi, which negates the need for expensive car hire fees.

What are the must-see sights or must-do activities?

Visitors here can enjoy a truly relaxing holiday with close proximity to Florida’s main theme park attractions, in both Tampa and Orlando, whilst being able to make an easy return to this easy-going hideaway. This makes it a really popular option for twin-centre holidays, especially for families looking to unwind at the beach after a week in the parks. Specifically, Tampa’s Legoland and Bush Gardens are in nearby Tampa and Orlando is less than a two-hour drive away.

Families

• Beach life here is everything and Anna Maria Island has just been voted one of the best islands throughout the US in Conde Nast Traveller’s UK Reader’s Choice awards. It’s an intimate destination, just 7 miles long and 1 mile wide and yet there are eight different beaches here all of which appeal to a variety of preferences. For family fun head to Manatee or Coquina Beach where there is plenty to do with volleyball, children’s parks and cafes or, if you prefer a bit more solitude head to Bean Point a beautiful spot at the  northern-most tip for Anna Maria Island.
• Don’t miss The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature (Bradenton): Kids love to explore planetarium shows and see ancient artifacts and natural history exhibits. The Bishop Museum is also home to the renowned Manatee Rehabilitation Programme.
• Robinson Preserve: Nature enthusiasts will love this 600-acre coastal park which offers Kayaking, nature trails, and a lookout tower you can climb up and see for miles around – ideal for outdoor adventurers.
• Visit the Village of the Arts, an eclectic community of artists and creatives whose homes open as galleries and studios to visitors who love their creative flair.
• Sand Dollar painting at the Shiny Fish Emporium: Kids and adults can hand-paint their own real sand dollars. 

Couples

• Sunset at Bean Point: A quiet, romantic spot located at the northern tip of Anna Maria Island.
  Private sunset cruise or sailing charter: Many operators offer couple-friendly, romantic catamaran trips.
• Bridge Street has a lot of history and atmosphere, you’ll find cute shops, casual eateries, rooftop bars, and live music at night.
• Dinner at The Sandbar Restaurant: Clients can dine right on the beach with their toes in the sand and fresh seafood on their plate, whilst watching some of the best sunsets in all of Florida.

Luxury travellers

• Suggest clients stay at a high-end beachfront villa or boutique resort. Look for options like Anna Maria Island Beach Resort or Bali Hai Beachfront Resort, or if visitors prefer total privacy, choose a stunning ocean-facing private villa for a stylish home from home.
• Private yacht or charter fishing experience: Full or half-day private tours with captain included.
• Book a private chef or organise a spa day courtesy of Sea-renity Spa.
• Helicopter or parasailing experience over the Gulf for unique perspectives and stunning views.

Groups and friends

• Rent a beach house with pool: There are many large, stylish vacation homes on Anna Maria Island catering to groups with BBQs, beach access, and game rooms.
  It’s easy to get around Anna Maria Island, choose from a free public trolley bus or rental a bike or golf cart for a fun and social way to travel.
• Rent a boat and enjoy Sandbar Sundays at Holmes Beach: People gather by boat at the shallow sandbars to enjoy music, drinks, and good vibes.
• Pine Avenue Shopping (Anna Maria Island). Go for trendy shops, gourmet donuts, boutiques, and cute cafes.
• Kayak or paddleboard tour: Explore the serene waterways and mangroves on sit-on-top kayaks at Robinson Preserve.

All travellers

• Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum: Quick but insightful stop to learn about the island’s roots.
• Cortez Historic Fishing Village (Bradenton): The oldest working fishing village in Florida, with fresh seafood markets and a rustic vibe.
• Manatee Village Historical Park (Bradenton): A charming peek into the history of Gulf Coast Florida with preserved buildings.

What are the accommodation options?

Private villa rentals

Available throughout Anna Maria Island, private rentals offer strong value for money, particularly for families and large groups. Each property is designed and furnished to a high spec with everything you need from a swimming pool, barbecues, children’s play equipment etc. As a slender unspoilt island, everything is within walking distance and the beach, nearly always, is at the end of the road – a rarity in Florida. 

Hotels

Many hotels offer self-catering with hotel style services. 

• The Compass by Margaritaville is great for all travellers and budgets. 123 rooms overlooking a stunning marina and the picturesque Neal preserve. With two bars and restaurants, one of which is Floridays, a real favourite with the locals.
• Waterline Villas and Marina, a Marriott Autograph Collection, is the only full-service hotel on Anna Maria Island. Great for families and all travellers. 37 two-bedroom suites with spacious living areas featuring gourmet kitchens, balconies and washer/dryer, a resort-style swimming pool etc.
• The new Mello on the Beach offers one, two, and three-bedroom accommodation located directly on Manatee Beach.
• Silver Surf is a family-run resort suitable for all budgets, with private beach access and a prime location within walking distance of local restaurants and shops
• At the more luxury end of the scale the Bali Hai beach resort is positioned on the beachfront, including suites with private pools.
• Mainsail Beach Inn also offers two-three-bedroom condos directly on the beach, with the features of a luxury home combining the services and amenities of a world-class hotel.
• In Bradenton, try out the recently-opened Palmetto Marriott Resort and Spa, which offers 252 guest rooms and the most exquisite seafood at the rooftop restaurant.

When should clients visit? 

Timing a trip to the Bradenton Area just right can make a big difference, especially for UK travellers looking to balance weather, value, wildlife, and local charm. 

Summary by priorities:

Great weather: March-May
Quieter beaches: September-early November 
Wildlife watching: May-July 
Cheapest prices: September-early October

How long to go for?

For years, Anna Maria Island’s home rentals had a reputation for strict 7 night minimum stay rules however things are changing and whilst the minimum stay rules still exist in Holmes Beach in the centre of the island, Many newer or managed properties on the northern and southern ends of the island now offer shorter stays. Knowing this gives agents the upper hand when planning twin and multi centres as a lot of customers are looking to combine city/parks/beach. It’s now much easier to offer 3 nights in Orlando with 4 nights on the beach at Anna Maria Island so agents can respond to tighter schedules and offer bespoke itineraries.

Where can agents find out more?

Agents can visit the Bradenton Area website or the YouTube channel for more information.

Trade team contact details

Name: Jo Exell
Job title: Bradenton Area CVB account director – trade
Email: jo@goshpr.co.uk 
Phone: +44 (0)7801408097

Social media channels

Facebook: @visitbradentongulfislands

Instagram: @visitbradentongulfislands

LinkedIn: Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau 

Pintrest: @visitbradenton

YouTube: @visitbradenton