Bradenton Beach

Located in the city of Bradenton Beach, Bradenton Beach is a long and wide beach situated near the northern side of Anna Maria Island. Bradenton Beach has beautiful white sand and is surrounded by many old fallen tree stumps where you will many families and couples. Bradenton Beach is situated in front of the very beautiful Palma Sola Bay at the northern end of the town of Longboat Key. 

Bradenton Beach offers many amenities including lifeguards, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, barbecues, boat ramps, a party scene, a playground, and a pier. 

There are many fun activities at Bradenton Beach including swimming, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, biking, fishing, sailing, beachcombing, picnicking, photography, and sunbathing. 

Bradenton Beach is situated at 200 Gulf Drive North – to access the beach, drive down to 500 Gulf Drive South where you will find a free parking lot.  After parking, you will need to walk six minutes north to the beach. 

If you are looking for attractions near Bradenton Beach, you can drive 20 minutes to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium that is home to sea creatures including jellyfish, great white sharks, captive killer whales, rockfishes, African penguins, and the Pacific Sea nettles. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are spread across 15 acres and feature preserved collections of more than 20,000 plants including orchids, bromeliads, banyans, bamboo, wildflowers, a butterfly garden, a koi pond, and an edible garden. The historical Sarasota Opera House has been the performance stage for many world-renowned artists including Elvis Presley, Will Rogers, Charlton Heston, and Dorothy Lamour. Another great attraction near Bradenton Beach is St. Armands Circle which is well-regarded for its shopping centers, boutiques, ancient shops, and restaurants. 

If you get hungry, there are many restaurants within a seven-minute drive of Bradenton Beach. Drift Kitchen and Bar is an Italian-American restaurant emphasizing seafood, craft cocktails, and has an extensive wine list. The upscale restaurant Lido Beach Grille is well-regarded for its pre-dinner drinks gathering in the Sunset Lounge and Champagne brunch held every Sunday. Another good restaurant near Bradenton Beach is the vegetarian-friendly Cafe L'Europe which boasts its award-winning American-European cuisines and wines. 

If you are looking for a hotel near Bradenton Beach, there are many hotels within a 15-minute drive. Spread across 440 acres, The Resort at Longboat Key Club is a 4-Star beachfront hotel featuring a golf course, spa, gym, an oceanside pool, six restaurants, 20 tennis courts, and bike and water sports equipment rentals. The 3-Star pet-friendly hotel Lido Beach Resort has a pool, bar, gym, convenience store, and two restaurants with one on the roof. If you are looking for affordable hotels near Bradenton Beach, the 3-Star Sandcastle Resort at Lido Beach offers a lounge, pool, gift shop, and restaurant – and Holiday Inn Sarasota - Lido Beach welcomes pets and has a poolside bar, restaurant, and fitness center.