Bradenton / Anna Maria Island
There’s nothing closer to a laid back family’s heart than an authentic beach holiday, 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, 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 manatee in the wild.
You can give your kids more freedom to fall in love with downtown Bradenton, home of legendary farmer’s markets, quaint architecture and a Riverwalk with a high chance of live entertainment, if you time it right. Although 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, hire a bike and do like the people lucky enough to live here do or linger over lunch in charming, family-run restaurants. Naturally, there are endless views on this enchanting little island, but to gaze on the finest, make for Anna Maria Bayfront Park and grab an eyeful of magnificent Tampa Bay.