Bradenton / Anna Maria island
There’s nothing closer to a laid-back family’s heart than an authentic beach vacation, and few places are more authentically Florida than Bradenton/Anna Maria Island.
You won’t find theme parks or enormous malls here – the vibe is much more powdery white sands you have all to yourself, Gulf Coast sea breezes, kayaking with dolphins, horseback riding on the beach, old fashioned fishing piers and friendly locals who always have the time to tell you what’s good on the menu, where to catch a sunset or the best place to spot manatees in the wild.
Fall in love with downtown Bradenton, home of legendary farmers markets, quaint architecture and a Riverwalk with a high chance of live entertainment, if you time it right. There’s never a bad time for Anna Maria Island, regularly named one of the world’s top islands. It’s only seven miles long but feels like another world.
Make time to stroll around the cute shops, rent a bike or linger over lunch in charming, family-run restaurants. This enchanting little island offers endless views, but to gaze on one of the finest, make for Anna Maria Bayfront Park and grab an eyeful of magnificent Tampa Bay.