BEACH LIFE, PLAYING IN THE GULF AND MORE IN BRADENTON FLORIDA
#1 BEACH LIFE ON THE GULF COAST
Florida's Gulf Coast Beaches are infamous for their beauty, their clearwater, turquoise Caribbean-esque hues and non-stop sunshine. You've come to the right place. Pull up a seat and explore these natural beauties!
ANNA MARIA ISLAND BEACHES: Discover the highest-rated beaches. Pick one to relax and enjoy or explore them all on Anna Maria Island. Click here for Anna Maria Island Beach information.
BRADENTON BEACHES: What a great way to see the beautiful beaches and shores. Bradenton Beach scenic ride.
COQUINA BEACH: One of the most popular Gulf Cost beaches.
MANATEE BEACH: Did someone say all you can eat pancakes, here? Get the pancake syrup ready.
FORT DE SOTO PARK: The largest park within the Pinellas County Park System, Fort De Soto park consists of 1,136 acres made up of five interconnected islands (keys). Get packing for a day escape.
WHITNEY BEACH: Remote, natural and gorgeous, too -- North Longboat Key. What to do on Whitney Beach.
LONGBOAT KEY BEACHES: Tranquility at its finest. The ultimate list of Longboat Key Beaches and parking areas. This is a must if you are considering driving through Longboat Key, just south of Coquina Beach. Ready for your Longboat Key day trip?
#2 RESTAURANTS ON THE GULF COAST
When it comes to Fabulous Restaurants, there are just so, so many to choose from. Below is our list -- and past guests -- favorites! Please let us know if you've discovered a restaurant that should be on this list.
The gulf coast is serving up some of the best and fresh local fare -- you'll never run out of places to discover and the delicious dishes will keep you coming back again... and again and again.
The Beach House
200 Gulf Dr N
Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
(941) 779-2222
Spectacular waterfront gulf views, modern decor. Takes our number one position -- for food, ambiance and killer views! Hands down, best views this side of the bridge. Elegant, open air restaurant (or dine inside) or stop in for drinks after an action-packed day at the beach.
Visit The Beach House's website.
Bridge Tender Inn
135 Bridge St.
Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
(941) 778-4849
Lively American bar & eatery with indoor space & a dockside bar & occasional live music. You'll love the classic sunsets and beach life at the fun, high energy tiki bar.
The Bridge Tender Inn & Tiki Bar website.
Kokonut Hut Tiki Bar
900 Gulf Dr N
Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
For a fun and beachy ambiance stop by for tropical cocktails, casual grill fare & live music in a breezy tiki bar overlooking the beach.
Visit the Kokonut Hut Tiki Bar website.
The Seafood Shack
4110 127th St W
Cortez, FL 34215
(941) 794-1235
Steps to the Bridge on Cortez Rd. where the Palma Sola Bay meets Sarasota Bay.
The Sandbar Restaurant
100 Spring Ave
Anna Maria, FL 34216
(941) 778-0444
Sister restaurant to The Beach House. best grouper sandwich in town, or so guests have said! Beautiful views of the gulf, beachfront dining, indoor and outdoor.
Visit The Sandbar Restaurant's website, and learn what all the fuss is about.
Tide Tables Restaurant & Marina
12507 Cortez Rd W
Bradenton, FL 34210
(941) 567-6206
Casual seafood overlooking the Intercoastal. Gorgeous views... tiki bar, marina. Old Floirda style!
Visit Tide Tables Restaurant & Marina's website.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar On the Pier
200 Bridge St
Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
Great views, great plates and family friendly. Multiple locations. Try the Broiled Oyster Sampler -- you'll be back!
There's just no end to the amazing Anna Maria Oyster Bar's locations.
Oma’s Pizzeria & Restaurant
201 Gulf Dr N
Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
(941) 778-0771
Casual pizza and Italian fare.
One of the most loved pizzerias, Oma's.
Pier 22
Old Main St
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 748-8087
Spectacular Manatee River-front dining!
Pier 22's location and fare never disappoint.
Georgie's Garden Cafè & Georgie's Bar
229 N Cattlemen Rd #69
Sarasota, FL 34243
(941) 952-5001
Chic and lively by day or night. Fantastic, cosmopolitan neighborhood to meet friends or people watching.
The Muse At The Ringling
5401 Bay Shore Rd
Sarasota, FL 34243
(941) 360-7390
Unexpected. Gorgeous. Contemporary museum. Modern American menu and beautiful patio.
Unfortunately the Muse is currently closed.
#3 FUN BY LAND BY THE GULF
Discover a fun side of Bradenton you never even knew existed -- beaches or rivers not needed.
PARKS, PRESERVES & BEACHES: Manatee County provides some of the best recreational activities and facilities in the state with 33 parks, 12 preserves, and miles of beaches. So many wonderful day trips ahead.
BRADENTON RIVERWALK: You'll find a range of treasures unmatched in other cities our size. With a unique mix of arts, culture, heritage, and sports, Bradenton offers something for everyone—a farmers’ market, free films, cultural history museum, performing arts center, planetarium, historic Main Street, Riverwalk park, marina, aquarium, Major League Baseball, and a lively Village of the Arts. Enjoy a variety of events and attractions in our walkable community, every day. Don't miss out on this spectacular sunset must-do.
VILLAGE OF THE ARTS: The Village of the Arts is an eclectic live-work community made up of colorful historic cottages that house everything from award-winning restaurants to specialty shops, studios, healing arts, bakeries and Bradenton’s best art galleries. Cute and cozy coming right up.
VINEYARDS: Yes, we said vineyards!! Complete with tastings and tours. Who would've thought vineyards in Florida, Fiorelli's Vineyard makes it a reality.
HIKING TRAILS: Yes, hiking in Florida is a real thing. Find cycling trails here, too. Gulf Coast Florida is the perfect place yo live an active lifestyle.
BEARADISE RANCH: You won't believe this is a real thing. Bring the kids and the grandparents for this one. Get a glimpse of Bearadise.
ANDERSEN RACEPARK: this one speaks for itself. Crowd-please! Something your kids will thank you for forever.
ELLENTON ICE AND SPORTS COMPLEX: 115,000 square feet “igloo-like” complex state-of-the-art facility on the Florida Gulf Coast offering recreational and entertainment activities for all ages! The complex features two NHL size ice rinks, a 13,500 sq/ft indoor roller/ball hockey rink, gym, fitness studio, dance studio, off ice training gym, Sports Academy, conference rooms, birthday party rooms, pro shop, massage therapy and concession area. A very popular destination for locals and vacationers.
TREE-UMPH: Bradenton zip-lining for beginners to extreme zippers... skateboard zip-lining too! Just try it!
SUNCOAST AERIALS: Want to capture a day with your family trying a new sport? Or on a fishing trip? Or kayaking around mangroves? Video, stills, drone footage. Great quality, great prices. Call Jon at Suncoast Aerials. SunCoast Aerials provided these great photos on our website.
BUSCH GARDENS: In one hour's drive, you'll arrive at Florida's Theme park and Animal Encounters. Busch Gardens is much closer than you think!
LEGO LAND: Yes, this is exactly what you think it is . An action packed theme and water park. Pack up the kids and get on over to Lego Land.
RED BARN FLEA MARKET: Owned and operated by the same family since 1981, the Red Barn in Bradenton, FL, combines a traditional flea market, plaza shops, food courts and open-air farmers markets in a 145,000 sq.ft area. Enjoy 80,000 sq. ft. of air-conditioned indoor shopping, fresh produce, entertainment and a variety of prepared foods. Embark on a treasure hunt through more than 600 flea market booths and shops. You’ll always find something new at the Red Barn! Just minutes away.
MIXON FRUIT FARMS: Tram rides through the groves, shoppe, cafes, rent the venue for a wedding or large party, too. Often times, there is a Groupon offer available for the Tram Ride with ice cream. Beautiful venue and grounds.
DAKIN DAIRY FARMS: Tours, cafe and picnics. Great for the whole family. Great for when you may actually want to escape the beaches.
SEGWAY TOURS: Great way to see the sights. Different options offered. See Bradenton by Segway.
HORSEBACK RIDING: On land and on the beach. Horseback riding by sea and by land.
LECOM: Home to the Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training. Time it right and get in on it. A favorite destination for many of our out of towners.
FLORIDA RAILROAD MUSEUM: The only museum where you get to ride the exhibit. Come join the fun. Learn more when you click here.
ST. PETE'S PIER: Stay on top of reconstruction updates, gorgeous views of the Gulf Coast.
#4 FUN BY SEA ON THE GULF COAST
From parasailing to fishing and kayaking, SUPing, jet skiing, kiteboarding and everything in between, Bradenton is surrounded by water for all your favorite activities!
Amazing-filled days of sun, fun and water sports, all within reach. There are many options to choose from but the ones that made our list is based on guest feedback for customer service, experience and price (not necessarily in that order).
PARASAILING: Amazing birdseye views of the Gulf, Anna Maria Island and of course, neighboring cities. Parasailing is a fun actvity or all ages.
FLYBOARDING: Amazing, extreme water sport. A must try. Learn more about flyboarding.
KITEBOARDING: An extreme sport which will require multiple days of lessons. If you have the time to commit and the desire, Tampa Bay is the perfect place to try out kiteboarding.
WAVERUNNER AND JETSKI RENTALS: And Pontoon Boat Rental, Fishing Skiff Rentals, Deck Boats, Dolphin Encounters, Champagne Cruises, Sunset Cruises and more... What a great way to see Florida's coastline, from the sparkling blue waters.
KAYAK, SUP and more: The Cortez Surf & Paddle Shop is just seconds before the bridge from Bradenton to Anna Maria Island. Great way to spend the day for active persons.
SCUBA, SNORKELING & SHELLING: Visit the Blue Water Explorers for schedules and deals.
RIVERBOAT TOURS: Cruise the river in Old World Florida charm on the Gulf Coast.
WILDLIFE ECO TOURS: Enjoy a tour of beautiful Sarasota Bay and the ICW at Anna Maria Island! Offering daily dolphin watch/sightseeing tours, sandbar express, Egmont Key express, sunset cruises, circle island tour, fishing and a verity of private cruises.
#5 CULTURE, MUSEUMS, SHOPPING, SPAS AND MORE
Revel in relaxation, meander tree-lined streets brimming with store-fronts; discover the arts; meditate, refresh and renew with yoga and spa services.
MUSEUMS:
SARASOTA BALLET: Experience the ballet, right here in nearby Sarasota. Who would have thought Ballet in Florida?
ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE: From Nov-July, the professional Asolo Rep actors and designers present a unique rotating repertory of classics and recent Broadway hits in the beautifully restored former opera house from Dunfermline. Discover theatre.
SOUTH FLORIDA MUSEUM: The largest natural and cultural history museum on the Gulf Coast. See our planetarium.
SALVADOR DALI MUSEUM: Discover an unparalleled collection of Salvador Dali artwork in an exceptional waterfront setting, the #1 attraction in St Petersburg FL US, rain or shine. Beautiful art and restaurants to be seen.
THE RINGLING MUSEUM: There’s always something to see at the Ringling. Beautiful, Versailles-like grounds to stroll the day away.
LIBRARY:
TINGLEY MEMORIAL LIBRARY: Anna Maria Island. Learn more when you click here.
MANATEE COUNTY LIBRARY LOCATIONS: Learn more when you click here.
SHOPPING:
BRADENTON SPOTS: Shop till you drop! And then catch a great dinner in town. Bradenton shopaholics unite.
ELLENTON PREMIUM OUTLETS: All your face designers in one gorgeous space. Vacation shopaholics unite.
SHOP IN TOTAL ELEGANCE: St. Armands Circle is absolutely gorgeous. Stroll, shop and dIne the day — and night away. Some of the finest shopping on the Gulf Coast.
THE MALL AT UNIVERSITY TOWN CENTER: This is THE MALL of the Florida’s Gulf Coast. Take a break from the sun and go lose yourself in a shopper’s paradise. Stay for the day.
SPA:
SEA-RENITY SPA: Try the island’s ONLY massage on the beach in a private tiki hut. Shop for fabulous little treasures, too. Beach yoga classes offered, as well.
ALUNA WELLNESS: An eco-friendly holistic center offering massage, acupuncture, wellness treatments and organic skin care. The Anna Mara Island center boasts five treatment rooms, a relaxation and meditation room and a lovely zen garden located directly across from the beach. Perfect place to be pampered.
THE WELLNESS SPA at IMG ACADEMY: Revel in total relaxation. Chic and professional spas.
SPA-NORTHWEST: Massage, acupuncture, spa services, facials and yoga classes. Prepare to spend the day.
THE BLUE DOOR: Great therapeutic massages. A wide array of services for all your spa needs.
BELLAGENA: The expert staff at Bellagena Skin Care Studio & Day Spa includes licensed aestheticians and massage therapists who are experienced in the arts of skin care, hair removal and bodywork.
YOGA & MEDITATION:
ISLAND YOGA SPACE: Located at the north end of beautiful Anna Maria Island Florida, offers daily classes and creative workshops in a unique, tranquil setting. The upstairs studio, directly across from the white sands and turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, is the Island’s original and premier location for practicing yoga.
SEA-RENITY SPA YOGA ON THE BEACH: Restore and renew, yoga right on the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico. Suitable for all levels. Bring a sheet, instead of a yoga mat, to use in the sand. Classes are offered by donation. No reservations needed– just drop in. Check website for schedule.
SPA-NORTHWEST YOGA: yoga classes in Bradenton Florida.
THRIVE YOGA & FITNESS: Offers in-studio classes and beach yoga, as well. Learn more when you click here..
SCREAMING BUDDHA: Serious Yoga classes... prepare to sweat!
YOGA ARTS: Yoga studio, located in an historical, two story house in the Village of the Arts, Bradenton.
HEALTH CLUBS:
YOUFIT: They offer inexpensive day passes.
LA FITNESS: Get working out!
ANYTME FITNESS: Learn more when you click here.
CRUNCH FITNESS: A vacationer's favorite.
SHAPES FITNESS FOR WOMEN: Caters to women.
#6 IT’S CALLED THE GOLF COAST… FOR GOOD REASON
Golf aficionados unite!! There's a reason Florida's Gulf Coast is also known as the GOLF Coast.
There's a reason it's called the GOLF Coast down here on the Gulf Coast of Florida. The golf courses are endless. Below are golf courses in the vicinity. There are brochures available at the Clubhouse and at the main office should you desire to venture a little further away.
PINEBROOK IRONWOOD GOLF CLUB:
4260 Ironwood Circle
Bradenton, Fl 34209
Phone:(941) 792-3288
This golf course tops our list, based on the fact that you can simply just walk across Cortez and you are there. It is directly on the other side of Cortez Rd. It is open to daily golfers as well as annual golfers. 9 Holes as little as $16.00 (walking). Walking distance to Shorewalk Vacation Villas.
IMG GOLF ACADEMY:
4350 El Conquistador Pkwy
Bradenton, FL 34210
(941) 758-1464
A GOLD Standard -- Gorgeous golf course, complete with pro lessons, memberships and so much more.
WATERLEFE GOLF & RIVER CLUB:
1022 Fish Hook Cove
Bradenton, FL 34212
(941) 744-0393
Designed by Ted McAnlis, their championship par 72 course offers eight different tees ranging from 4,800 yards to 6,900 yards that are challenging and fun for golfers of all skill levels.
MINIATURE GOLF AT SMUGGLER'S COVE:
2000 Cortez Road
West Bradenton, FL 34207
(941) 756-0043
Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf Courses feature 18 Holes of adventure style golf in which you’ll navigate through caves, pirate ships, waterfalls and live alligators! Each Smugglers location has an Educational American Alligator Exhibit which are home to 20-30 American Alligators!
BRADENTON COUNTRY CLUB:
4646 Ninth Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34209
Phone: 941-792-1600
True country club golf with amenities par none. Member for a day rates includes lunch for two.
UNIVERSITY PARK COUNTRY CLUB:
7671 The Park Blvd.
University Park, FL 34201
(941)359-9999
Daily fee players must reserve three days in advance. Rated #1 golf course in the area.
FOR MORE GOLF COURSES, CLICK ON GUIDES BELOW:
Click here for Sarasota and Bradenton Golf Advisor or click here
There are numerous golf courses here in the Bradenton-Sarasota area. If you would like additional information, please stop in at the Clubhouse at Shorewalk Vacation Villas or the Main Office. You may also contact Maria at (917)559-5448.