Bradenton | Travelzoo

Foodie Finds

Bradenton

Live your best salt life in Florida's secret sweet spot

life on the water

Getting here & staying here

land-based fun

foodie finds

ld Florida—that fabled blend of charm and chill—is actually alive and well, if somewhat hidden. So welcome to your treasure map. It'll lead you to a spot between the Gulf of Mexico and Manatee River, where soft white sands meet clear, liquid turquoise and lush, moss-draped foliage—along with every conceivable watersport, breezy beachfront bars and reality-defying sunsets. But this place is most definitely real. Steeped in history, Bradenton is home to not only turn-of-the-century bungalows and a quaint Old Main Street, but also relics of the indigenous Calusa society that thrived here centuries ago. Then there's the local nature, which can seem like an endless array of parks, preserves and hiking, biking and paddling trails—especially once you factor in the adjoining sister communities of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. And when you're ready to refuel? The tide-to-table dining here is, well, off the hook—and perfectly paired with the local craft breweries and live-music joints. Then again, in a place so inherently laid back—where the salt life is the law of the land—you'd be forgiven for spending your entire stay taking in the view from a hammock or beach lounger.

Land-based fun

Life on the water

As stellar as Anna Maria Island's offerings are, you'll also want to explore the waters around the mainland, where you'll have easy access to numerous paddling trails. At Robinson Preserve, for example, you'll find a five-mile circuit that connects the Manatee River, Perico Bayou and Palma Sola Bay. Whatever your ride of choice—kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard—expect to paddle past mangroves, jumping mullet and all manner of marsh bird. Another favorite local paddling spot? Jiggs Landing Preserve, where the Braden River-fed reservoir makes for great boating, birding and other animal spotting (think gators and otters, for starters). And if don't think you'll be ready to part with these surroundings by day's end, know that there’s a range of cute cabins for rent—as well as picnic areas.

There’s a reason for all the “Salt Life” stickers you’ll see. On Anna Maria Island, which is seven miles long and ringed by wide, uninterrupted swaths of sugar-white sand, life revolves around the calm, bathtub-warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico—the ideal playground for humans, dolphins, manatees, sea turtles and all manner of fish. For anyone who falls into that first category, options range from skim boarding to stand-up paddling to parasailing to kite surfing, but that's really just the short list. Book a dolphin cruise—or a boat for a day of fishing. (Word to the wise: Summer is migration season for giant tarpon.) Or just cast off from the many piers, bridges and wade-able shallows and hook a snook. If you prefer observing fish to hooking them, grab some snorkel and/or scuba gear and explore the surrounding reef and beach habitats (you’ll find a number of local shops that offer rentals, instruction and tours).

Almost 50 cities have nonstop service to the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport (SRQ), with national, regional, budget and charter airlines increasing service at a steady clip. In the last few months alone, Southwest has announced new nonstop service from DC, New York City, Dallas and Grand Rapids (plus increased service from Chicago); Allegiant has announced new nonstop service from DC; Elite has announced new nonstop service from White Plains; and Avelo is now flying from New Haven, Connecticut. Translation: Flying here is already easy—and only getting easier.

Getting & staying here

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Introduction

Start planning your Bradenton escape today.

The newsiest additions to the scene include Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound, where boaters love dropping anchor (there's a marina literally out back) and everyone loves the fun vibes and great views—and SpringHill Suites Bradenton Downtown/Riverfront, whose rooftop pool and lounge offer the ultimate overview of the hotel's lively namesake neighborhood. If you prefer something at the venerable end of the spectrum, consider the Historic Landmark Residence Palmetto Riverside Bed and Breakfast, where 19th- century details (think four-poster beds and crown molding) meet 21st-century amenities such as flat screen TVs and hi-speed Wifi. And for those who can’t get enough beach time (which is the headliner here, after all), the iconic Tortuga Inn Beach Resort is an Anna Maria Island area go-to, while the Zota Beach Resort makes a strong case for traveling a bit farther south to Longboat Key, where amenities include an infinity pool on the infinite-seeming Gulf and a well-appointed wine bar.

Of course, even the best nature museum serves as a mere intro to an area so steeped in natural beauty. So you'll definitely want to hit the hiking, biking and walking trails that lace Bradenton and its sister islets, with favorites that include The Bradenton Riverwalk (a five-acre public green space along the Manatee River with kid-friendly bonuses like a splash-pad and playgrounds) and the Longboat Key biking trail (a nearly 10-mile mile, view-filled path—for the ambitious—can connect you to biking trails on Anna Maria Island, too). For more immersive nature experiences, head to De Soto National Memorial, where you can take 45-minute guided trail walks through various ecosystems; Neal Preserve, with shell trails and boardwalks that wind through not only pristine coastal environments, but also indigenous burial sites; Perico Preserve, former farmlands turned native-habitat bird sanctuary; and Palma Sola Botanical Park, whose lures include a butterfly garden, rare palms and flowering trees—and midweek evening yoga.

Downtown Bradenton’s Old Main Street packs outsized charm (think 19th-century buildings with cheerfully painted facades, greenery-draped balconies and street-level shops, taverns and restaurants) into a mere three blocks. In fact, Bradenton’s intimate scale makes for a series of eminently manageable outings: Less than a mile from Main Street is the Village of the Arts—blocks of colorfully restored 1920s bungalows that house an eclectic mix of outsider and mainstream artists. Try to catch a First Friday Artwalk to get a lively look at the local paintings, sculpture, fashion and jewelry. (The event is so fun, it actually extends into Saturday.) In fact, cultural complexes are something of a specialty in the area. Don’t miss the Manatee Village Historical Park (a largely open-air ode to Old Florida); ArtCenter Manatee (where you'll find galleries, an epic art library, educational spaces and great gifts for art lovers) and The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature (leave time for the resident planetarium, and—depending on when you're in town—Stelliphorous, a monthly event that gives you the astronaut's-eye view on the night skies, and includes a live Q & A with experts).

Even if seafood reigns supreme on Anna Maria Island, BBQ fans love eating here, too, with Mr. Bones serving up legit ribs, pulled pork and homemade sauces—and Smoquehouse offering up regional variations (think classic Cuban sandwiches, but BBQ style) in addition to smokin' standards such as brisket and chicken. Back in Bradenton, buzz-generating newcomer Mean Dean’s Local Kitchen serves up another unique spin on Cuban sandwiches—in this case, a drunken one, thanks to mixture of dark rum and espresso that the pork slow-roasts in. (Note that the Cedar Plank Salmon rivals the sandwich among the restaurant's fans.) On the other hand, in a region that's played such a prominent role in Florida's citrus history, herbivores do well, too—whether at open-to-the-public farms and stands (check out Geraldson’s and Mixon Fruit Farms) or on veg-forward menus such as Birdrock Taco Shack's, where you'll find the likes of Edamame Pineapple Bang-bang tacos and Hummus tacos. To wash everything down, head to one of the famed Bradenton breweries, whether Motorworks Brewing (mango habanero ale, anyone?); Darwin Brewing Company and Taproom (where the brews often incorporate indigenous-to-Florida ingredients); 3 Keys (great pub fare in addition to great beer); or the Good Liquid Brewing Company (where you can participate in the local penchant for cornhole on Thursday nights). All of the above have beer gardens, perhaps best enjoyed under the night sky—sometimes, with live music. But if you're looking for the ultimate sundowner spot, head to the aforementioned Sandbar on Anna Maria Island, where the house cocktails pair perfectly with the legendary oranges, pinks and purples on view over the water.

Though restaurants of all kinds win raves here, seafood is the big culinary lure, and it doesn’t get any fresher than in Cortez. Just west of Bradenton, you'll find this National Register of Historic Places-listed fishing village—and boats that still come in every morning to, essentially, sell your lunch to the chef at Cortez Kitchen. Adjacent Anna Maria Island favorites The Beach House—and its sister restaurant The Sandbar—are known not only for their fried Gulf shrimp and house-smoked fish dip, but also for supporting local growers and employing sustainable practices such as sea-turtle-friendly lighting. And if you're one of those people who could eat seafood for breakfast, lunch and dinner, consider the Old Florida-evoking favorite The Rod and Reel Pier at the far north end of Anna Maria Island, where you can start the day with the famed seafood omelet and return later for the likes of grouper reubens, fried oyster dinners and legendary wildlife sightings (the dolphin and tarpon spotting has proven particularly good from this pier).

ld Florida—that fabled blend of charm and chill—is actually alive and well, if somewhat hidden. So welcome to your treasure map. It'll lead you to a spot between the Gulf of Mexico and Manatee River, where soft white sands meet clear, liquid turquoise and lush, moss-draped foliage—along with every conceivable watersport, breezy beachfront bars and reality-defying sunsets. But the place itself most definitely is. Steeped in history, Bradenton is home to not only turn-of-the-century bungalows and a quaint Old Main Street, but also relics of the indigenous Calusa society that thrived here centuries ago. Then there's the local nature, which can seem like an endless array of parks, preserves and hiking, biking and paddling trails—especially once you factor in the adjoining sister communities of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. And when you're ready to refuel? The tide-to-table dining here is, well, off the hook—and perfectly paired with the local craft breweries and live-music joints. Then again, in a place so inherently laid back—where the salt life is the law of the land—you'd be forgiven for spending your entire stay taking in the view from a hammock or beach lounger.

The newsiest additions to the scene include Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound, where boaters love dropping anchor (there's a marina literally out back) and everyone loves the fun vibes and great views—and SpringHill Suites Bradenton Downtown/Riverfront, whose rooftop pool and lounge offer the ultimate overview of the hotel's lively namesake neighborhood. If you prefer something at the venerable end of the spectrum, consider the Historic Landmark Residence Palmetto Riverside Bed and Breakfast, where 19th- century details (think four-poster beds and crown molding) meet 21st-century amenities such as flat screen TVs and hi-speed Wifi. And for those who can’t get enough beach time (which is the headliner here, after all), the iconic Tortuga Inn Beach Resort is an Anna Maria Island are go-to, while the Zota Beach Resort makes a strong case for traveling a bit farther south to Longboat Key, where amenities include an infinity pool on the infinite-seeming Gulf and a well-appointed wine bar.

Words by: Suzanne Gerber