Florida’s Gulf Island Coast A year-round summery vibe and warm, secluded feel work wonders on Anna Maria and Longboat Key, Florida’s Gulf Islands, making this the ultimate Florida beach retreat. Delighted visitors are treated to an overabundance of natural beauty and a mild annual average temperature of 75 degrees. (Extreme summer and winter temperatures are mellowed by the Gulf of Mexico.) A diverse and fragrant floral parade of passion flowers, brilliant hibiscus, striking bougainvillea, cheery alamanda, and fragrant jasmine color the inland landscape. And a 27-mile stretch of powder soft sandy beaches, dotted with wispy sea oats and scrubby Australian pines, lines a shimmering expanse of aquamarine gulf waters, creating an ideal setting for visitors to decompress and sink into leisure. Nature lovers, serenity seekers and beachgoers find it easy to explore this coastal gem. The area boasts three equally unique locales that charm visitors with their individual appeal: the Mainland, Anna Maria Island, and Longboat Key. On the Mainland, visitors can explore the city of Bradenton situated along the coast, or the Cortez Historic Fishing Village and the quirky and colorful Village of the Arts, a mix of art galleries and shops. On the dreamy barrier island known as Anna Maria, visitors wander pastel-washed seaside cottages found neatly tucked away in little byways. A convenient trolley system allows easy travel from the northern-most point of the island all the way down to Coquina Beach at the southern tip. Drifting over the Longboat Pass Bridge leads to the 11-mile-long Longboat Key, a pristine and soothing beach destination just south of Anna Maria Island. Beach aficionados can practice the lost art of doing absolutely nothing guilt-free, but there is plenty of activity to be found for those who want to do more than just snooze in a hammock. The area’s famed liquid asset – sparkling gulf water – offers up the chance to swim, water ski, sail, kayak, snorkel, scuba dive, and fish in the Florida sun. Florida’s Gulf Islands offer an ample supply of boat docks, marinas, fishing piers, boat rentals, and excursion boat tours. On dry land, golfers are smitten with the dozens of exceptional courses, and tennis buffs can raise a racquet at IMG’s world-renowned Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy. Wrapped in this coastal paradise, it is easy to forget its accessibility to nearby Sarasota and St. Petersburg. Enjoy a quick jaunt to Sarasota to experience The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art or the stylish St. Armand’s Circle shops and restaurants. A short drive across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge brings visitors to St. Petersburg, where they can marvel at the famous art of eccentric Salvador Dali at the Salvador Dali Museum, or stroll along BayWalk, a Mediterranean- themed downtown waterfront entertainment complex. Avid shoppers don’t have to miss a beat during their beach stay, indulging in an excursion to nearby Ellenton, home of the Prime Outlets with over 135 brand name outlet stores. Finding delight in the details, visitors have come to expect gracious and personalized service in each little beach town. Most accommodations on Anna Maria Island feature the comfy extras guests adore: pillow-top mattresses, extra large plush towels, private patios, gas barbecue grills, and bicycles for navigating around the island. Anna Maria Island is graced with a lovely ensemble of boutique inns and cozy mini-resorts that make guests feel like long-awaited friends. On Longboat Key, visitors can choose from posh digs to family style accommodations, showcasing the gulf’s snowy-white dunes and turquoise waters, and making every guest feel right at home. Florida’s Gulf Islands fulfill more than just an appetite for fun, serving up a scrumptious collection of dining options. For those who crave seafood, you will not be disappointed. From beach shacks offering the best crab cake you’ll ever devour, to gourmet fare at award winning establishments, local restaurants are bound to please even the most finicky diners. Here, dining alfresco makes everything taste better, so most eateries, from swanky to casual, offer breezy outdoor seating with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. For those staying in accommodations with kitchen facilities, it’s a snap to create personal culinary creations with fresh fish and stone crab purchased at local markets or right off the boat at area marinas. As they cross small bridges to the barrier islands, visitors encounter unabashed natural beauty. Rich with native wildlife such as manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, and tropical birds, this destination is reminiscent of a yet to be discovered Florida beach hamlet. Nature tours and scenic state parks allow visitors to revel in Florida’s natural splendor. Clearly marked hiking trails make easy going for those who want to unwind and appreciate the unspoiled beauty. Back on the beach, vacationers can stroll along shoreline strewn with seashells and the occasional perfect sand dollar. Together, the unhurried pace and natural wonders of Florida’s Gulf Islands sweetly solicit the affection and devotion of anyone who’s ever napped on a beach blanket. LONGBOAT KEY BRADENTON
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