The Bradenton Area is located on the West Coast of Florida, 45 minutes from Tampa and just one and half hour’s drive from Orlando.

Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key are treasured for their authentic Old Florida charm, breath-taking scenery and 16 miles of sugar-white sand beaches, wildlife, comprising what many refer to as ‘hidden Florida’. Bradenton has on average 249 sunny days per year and reaches highs of 33°C in the summer.

Bradenton is celebrated for its funky dining and shopping districts, including the Village of The Arts, a vibrant community home to over 35 artists. Visitors have the opportunity to find affordable fine art, bespoke jewellery, ceramics and collectibles and explore quaint bookshops, boutique cafes, restaurants and galleries in this charming area of restored 1920’s and 30’s cottages.

Children will never get bored of the endless activities on offer in The Bradenton Area. When they are not enjoying the fantastic watersport facilities on the golden sand beaches they can visit The South Florida Museum, home to the local celebrity Snooty, the oldest living manatee in the world.  Another family favourite is the Mixon Fruit Farm where families can take a tour on the Orange Blossom express tram through the fruit groves with a stop off at a children’s magical maze and wildlife rescue centre.

Top 10 Must Do’s

1. Horse Surfing: Great World Nature Tours is one of the only companies in the world that offers this exciting experience to horseback ride along Palma Sola Bay and then take a dip in the surf.

2. Rent bikes and explore Anna Maria Island: The best way to explore Anna Maria Island’s beautiful seven mile coast line is by bike.

3. Turtle Monitoring: Visitors in Bradenton can join Anna Maria Island Turtle watch and walk along Bradenton’s local beaches helping the guides to monitor the turtles from May – September.

4. Rod and Reel Pier: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Rod and Reel Pier restaurant sitting on the end of the pier in Anna Maria City as the sun rises.

5. Dinner and Cocktails at Sandbar: Enjoy tropical cocktail and delicious fresh seafood whilst watching a beautiful sunset from the covered deck right on the white sand beaches.

6. Bradenton’s Riverwalk: Explore the 1.5-mile long Riverwalk Park that includes everything from an interactive splash fountain to a gallery of outdoor art.

7. Mixon Fruit Farms: Visitors can take a tram tour of the famous citrus grove before stopping at the Wildlife education area where they can experience an up-close look at wild animals.

8. Bradenton’s South Florida Museum: Is the largest natural and cultural history museum on Florida’s Gulf Coast. As well as featuring galleries on Florida’s history and marine life there is the Parker Manatee Aquarium which is home to the world’s oldest living manatee; Snooty.

9. Paddle Boarding: The Bradenton area in Florida is one of the best places to hit the surf and experience Paddle Boarding with local paddle boarding specialists SUP Anna Maria.

10. Bradenton’s The Village of Arts: Located in the heart of The Bradenton Area is The Village of Arts, a vibrant community of over 35 artists living and working together and showcasing to the public fine art, jewellery and ceramics.