FLORIDA PLACES AND DESTINATIONS:
BRADENTON BEACH

Bradenton Beach, Florida






Not far from Bradenton itself, Bradenton Beach is a small and charming island community located at the southern end of Anna Maria Island. SIster cities on the island are Holmes Beach and Anna Maria City.

Anna Maria Island can be reached by bridge from either mainland Bradenton or from Longboat Key to the south.

Bradenton Beach’s claim to fame are the miles of sugar sand beaches on the Gulf side, and safe harbor on the bay side, not to mention fishing and unique shops of Bridge Street.

Bridge Street is the center of the Historic Old Town District, once the bustling center of Bradenton, now rejuvenated and re-landscaped and lined with quaint shops, restaurants, bars and accommodations.




Also rejuvenated, after suffering structural damage during the Hurricane season of 2004, the historic Bradenton Beach City Pier has reopened featuring a 2.2 million dollar renovation.

Making use of the amazing views and incredible fishing, features of the new pier include a completely rebuilt restaurant, bathhouse and washrooms, Bait and Tackle Shop, harbormaster's office and a 300 foot day dock.

Beaches and Parks in Bradenton Beach include The Katie Peirola Sunset Park on Gulf Drive right on the beach with picnic tables sheltered under 'Tiki' huts, and the Herb Dolan Park with views of Sarasota Bay, Anna Maria Sound and Tampa Bay.

Also located within the city are County managed parks including Coquina Park, Coquina Bayside and Leffis Key Nature Walk.



Photo: Visit Florida