Bradenton Beach, Florida
Bradenton Beach is a city on the southern end of Anna Maria Island, a part of Manatee County, Florida. The community is named after the pioneer Joseph Braden. Anna Maria is one of the islands off the main coast of Florida off the city of Bradenton. It boasts of picturesque villages and pristine beaches. A scenic shoreline byway starts at the southern end of the seven mile long Anna Maria Island and ends north of Bradenton Beach. This is known locally as the Gulf Drive and offers unforgettable views of the Sarasota Bay, Gulf of Mexico and Coquina Beach. There are also plenty of opportunities to go swimming, sunbathing, wildlife viewing and picnicking along the way.
About The Community
The City of Bradenton Beach was the main hub of activity on Anna Maria Island for decades. From 1922 until the late-fifties, the only bridge that connected the island community to the mainland was the Cortez Bridge that extended from Bradenton Beach. The historic Bridge Street in the center of town continues to its bay end to meet the historic Bridge Street Pier along the Intercoastal Waterway. Walk along this famous pier that has been restored from a tiny fishing pier to one of the most popular spots in the city and catch the magic of Bradenton Beach. The attractive restaurants and shops that line the pier always have something new to offer and people enjoy fishing and other leisure activities here.
Important Links
Vicinity of Bradenton Beach
Additional Details
The business district and community of Bradenton Beach at the southern end of Anna Maria Island is tailored to meet the needs of vacationers who come to enjoy the surrounding beaches. Despite this, Bradenton Beach still remains the epitome of old Florida. You can revel in the heartwarming glimpse of an age gone by when you see the picturesque seaside inns and small cottages that line this stretch of beach. Base yourself here and travel at leisure along the Gulf Drive. There are small stores selling live bait for fishing enthusiasts and shells for collectors along on Gulf Drive, as well as pizza and ice cream shops. There is a free parking lot for beach access and shopping.
There are several unique places to stay when you want to enjoy some rest and recreation in this lovely beach town. Bridgewalk is a vacation resort with apartment style accommodations. Tortuga Inn and Beach Resort is a small, charming upscale inn with a Key West feel. The Bungalow Beach Resort is reminiscent of a bygone era. It has been restored with care to feature the gracious classic 1930’s style island resort look. It has its own private beach area with white sand dunes, sea oats and swaying coconut palms.
The City of Bradenton Beach is just another great place in the West Coast of Florida where you can sunbathe in peace while you feast your eyes on the aqua blue surf and cool off in the refreshing tropical breeze.