Staycation #4: Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island, FL

Australian pines on Coquina Beach - Bradenton CVB

BRADENTON BEACH – Bradenton Beach is perhaps the liveliest of the three Anna Maria Island towns and while it maintains the quaint and distinct character of the island, it still manages a unique personality that sets it apart. The beautiful Australian pines contrast starkly with the blue waters and very few places make such smart use of ocean views, with restaurants and hotels on both sides of Gulf Drive angled or raised to celebrate the scenery of the sea.

Bradenton Beach isn't as manicured looking as say, Siesta Key. It has a rustic and artfully weathered ambience that reminds me of the Caribbean. The narrow strip of island sports a beautiful beach that can often be seen from the bay side and the distinct architecture calls you back to an old Florida that's all too uncommon inland. Historic Bridge Street houses most of the attractions, including restaurants, pubs, shops and min-golf.

Fresh seafood lovers will swoon over the menu at the Bridge Tender Inn and the delicious, reasonably priced French fare at Island Creperie is a pleasant surprise. The Sun House offers fine dining and an elevated view of the beach or cross the street to the Gulf Drive Cafe for casual, affordable food that can be enjoyed right on the Gulf of Mexico. Just a stone's throw north is Beachhouse, an upscale member of the Chiles Restaurant Group of waterfront Island establishments. If you're hungry for Pizza, Oma has delicous New York style slices that will make northerners feel at home and an ocean view that will remind them how far they've traveled.

The Bridge Street Pier provides great fishing and a world-class view of the bay that makes it easy to stroll. There are several charter services on both sides of the bridge and

The Cortez Fishing Village - photo by Dennis Maley

you can kayak, jet-ski or parasail. Seaduced Watercraft Adventures in the Bradenton Beach Marina has a great fleet of powerboats, pontoons and sailboats and also provides courses for those who long to learn the art of boating. Captain Larry and friends can outfit you for just about any water adventure, whether you want to man it yourself or utilize one of their captains and just enjoy the ride. Seaduced really goes the extra mile to ensure that your day on the water is low stress and lots of fun.

From the pier, you can see A.P. Bell and the Cortez Fishing Village across the water. It doesn't get any more "old Florida" then this authentic fishing village where local fisherman work the grass flats to supply three fish houses. Drive over and enjoy some of the best local seafood at Starfish Company and the Cortez Kitchen.

Starfish has all of the casual fish dishes you'd expect, including the mullet Cortez is famous for, and you won't find a more serene setting than this dockside fish shack. Served in a cardboard box with plastic utensils, what Starfish lacks in frills they more than make up for in authenticity.

While Bradenton Beach prides itself on its quiet setting, there's still plenty to do as far as nightlife. The Drift Inn and the Sports Lounge on Bridge Street are typical beach pubs, while most of the restaurants have laid back bars as well.

The Bridge Street Pier - Bradenton CVB

The Fishing Hole is a great little mini-golf setup right on Bridge Street and there are several homemade ice cream shops on Gulf Drive, but it's worth a drive over the bridge to Tyler's for homeade ice cream that might be the best I've ever had. Having the attractions of Holmes Beach and Anna Maria just minutes away are a big plus, and the free trolley will take you all over the island. So, the next time you're up for a weekend getaway, save yourself the hassle of travel and book a stay in Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island, your paradise in the backyard.