Bradenton Area Trade Partner Hub
This authentic slice of Florida on the West Coast, just 40 mins south of Tampa, is renowned for its pristine beaches, vibrant culture and warm hospitality. Its unique blend of small-town charm and natural beauty is why this region boasts a 94% visitor return rate. So, once you know, you know. Come to the Bradenton Area to discover Anna Maria Island – one of the less well known but most beautiful destinations Florida has to offer. Just 7 miles long and 1 mile wide and lined with pristine, sugar white sand beaches and the warm turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Stay in stylish, family friendly, beachfront homes and hotels and enjoy year-round sunshine away from the stresses and strains of everyday life while relaxing and reconnecting with family and friends.
Find exactly what you’re looking for via the links below…
Suggested tour operator partners: Specialist Operators
Get to know Bradenton: What The Bradenton Area Is Known For | Top Things To Do | What Makes The Perfect Itinerary For The Bradenton Area? | Suggested Stays | Short Stay Home Rental Info
Flights, getting around & when to visit: Flights | Getting Around | When to Visit
Essential travel information: Entry requirements | Currency | Time Difference | Driving in Florida | Tipping | Plug Sockets & Voltage
Training, incentives & competitions: Training Requests | Incentives & Competitions
Fact sheets, visual assets, & key contacts: Fact Sheets | Visual Assets | Key Contacts
YouTube & Social Media: “A Leave No Trace Guide to the Bradenton Area” Video | Socials
Bradenton Area Specialist Operators
What The Bradenton Area Is Known For
Discover the charm of Bradenton and Anna Maria Island with these top five favourite pastimes of the locals. These activities highlight the best of everything this much sought after Gulf Coast destination has to offer with a mix of relaxation, culture, and nature.
Beach Life
Beach life is everything on Anna Maria Island, which was recently voted one of the world’s best islands by UK readers of Conde Nast Traveller.
There are no less than 8 pristine and uncrowded beaches across Anna Maria Island each offering something different depending on what kind of day you’re after, whether it’s a day spent barely seeing a soul or a public beach with cafes and play parks, you can sample them all. The low surf and calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico make for hours of safe play and fun on family-friendly beaches spotting Coquina shells in the sand and Pelicans resting on the waves.
These award-winning beaches stretches for miles across sugar white, soft sand which always feels refreshingly cool underfoot.
Natural Beauty
The Bradenton Area is a haven for nature lovers, brimming with diverse landscapes and outdoor adventures. From mangrove-lined waterways to powder-soft beaches, the region is rich in natural beauty just waiting to be explored.
One standout is Robinson Nature Preserve, a 600-acre coastal park offering scenic walking and biking trails, as well as launch points for kayaking and paddleboarding through peaceful mangrove tunnels. Climb the observation tower for sweeping views of the preserve and surrounding areas. It’s an ideal spot for hiking, birdwatching, and experiencing Florida’s unique ecosystems up close.
Also worth a visit is Emerson Point Preserve, located at the tip of Snead Island, where tranquil trails wind past ancient Native American mounds offer stunning waterfront vistas.
Culture
In Bradenton, explore the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature – one of Florida’s largest cultural and natural history museums. Discover fascinating artefacts, interactive exhibits, and a state-of-the-art Planetarium. A standout feature is the Manatee Rehabilitation Center, where you can meet rescued manatees being cared for before their return to the wild. This unique blend of science, conservation, and education makes the museum a must-visit for visitors of all ages.
Sightseeing
Shopping
Stroll Along Historic Bridge Street and immerse yourself in Anna Maria Island’s rich history. Bridge Street and Pine Avenue are Anna Maria Island’s shopping hot spots, offering unique, artisan shops, fabulous spots to eat and a vibrant arts scene, all within a picturesque setting. If you like shopping for fashionable items, you must visit the Ellenton Premium outlet in the Bradenton Area which is one of Florida’s best known designer-outlet shopping malls, perfect for keen shoppers looking to bag a bargain or two.
Top Things To See & Do
Bradenton offers a vibrant mix of coastal charm and cultural flair, where you can spot dolphins at play, enjoy unforgettable sunsets, and dive into a variety of water-based adventures. From exploring the working waterfront at Cortez Marina and catching a game to wandering through the colourful Village of the Arts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
On-the-Water Activities
Water-based adventures are at the heart of the Bradenton area’s appeal, offering experiences for every pace and interest. Embark on an eco tour to discover local marine life and fragile coastal habitats, or join a ‘Catch and Cook’ expedition where you reel in your own dinner and have it prepared fresh. Thrill-seekers can enjoy parasailing or jet-skiing, while those seeking a gentler outing can opt for a guided kayak or paddleboarding session. Don’t miss the chance to join a sunset cruise or a dolphin-watching tour for unforgettable moments on the water.
Cortez Fishing Village
Sunsets and Dolphins
Catch some of Florida’s most stunning sunsets from the unspoiled beaches of Anna Maria Island, where vibrant skies meet tranquil Gulf waters. Keep an eye out for the local pod of dolphins, often seen playfully swimming just offshore – an unforgettable sight that adds magic to any evening by the sea.
Village of the Arts
Sport
For UK golf lovers, there are more than 300+ golf courses in the region and the area will play host to the Senior PGA Championship at the Concession Golf Course in Bradenton from 2026-2028. Baseball fans come to see the Pittsburgh Pirates at their springtime training ground, at LECOM park. IMG Academy, a leading sports education brand, is located in Bradenton, a short drive away from Anna Maria Island. Parents can relax on the beach while sporty offspring can attend the prestigious sports camps held there.
To discover so many more experiences that can be had by your customers on their trip to paradise, check out the official Bradenton Area Tourist Board website:
What Makes The Perfect Itinerary For The Bradenton Area?
A holiday to the Bradenton Area promises laid-back coastal charm, with a welcoming vibe, great food, stylish places to stay, and the flexibility to combine beach time with cultural or nature-filled twin-centre escapes.
The Vibe
On Anna Maria Island, forget freeways, high rises, and mega malls. Instead, picture flip-flops, sandy paths leading to pristine beaches, and dining with your toes in the sand. This is Florida – but not the one you might expect. Here, authentic Florida charm still thrives.
The Bradenton Area offers a peaceful retreat on Florida’s Gulf Coast, perfect for stress-free family getaways. Visitors come to slow down, soak up year-round sunshine, and reconnect with loved ones away from everyday pressures. Anna Maria Island is loved for its low-key, unpretentious vibe.
There are no chain restaurants here – only warm welcomes at family-run eateries, boutique hotels, and artisan shops. Thanks to local building policies, ocean views remain uninterrupted, with no buildings taller than three stories, allowing palm trees to often tower above, preserving the island’s natural beauty.
Twin-Centre Holidays
The Culinary Experience
In the Bradenton Area, culinary experiences range from casual, toes-in-the-sand beachside dining to upscale restaurants offering refined atmospheres. Visitors can savour fresh, sea-to-dock seafood and farm-to-table dishes showcasing the region’s bounty. Many eateries provide stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, perfect for enjoying dramatic sunsets while dining. The area’s diverse food scene includes relaxed café-bars, charming local bistros, and sophisticated dining rooms, all emphasising quality and freshness. Ingredients are often locally sourced, highlighting the best of Florida’s coastal and agricultural produce. Whether craving freshly caught seafood or innovative, seasonal fare, Bradenton’s culinary offerings promise a memorable dining experience that captures the essence of the Gulf Coast lifestyle.
Accommodation Options
Suggested Stays
A holiday to the Bradenton Area promises laid-back coastal charm, with a welcoming vibe, great food, stylish places to stay, and the flexibility to combine beach time with cultural or nature-filled twin-centre escapes.
Waterline Villas & Marina, Autograph Collection
This upscale island retreat features spacious two-bedroom villas with full kitchens, a resort-style pool, marina access, on-site dining, and complimentary bikes – perfect for a stylish, comfortable stay on Anna Maria Island.
Silver Surf Gulf Beach Resort
This relaxed beachfront resort offers private beach access with complimentary loungers and umbrellas, a heated outdoor pool, water sports rentals, daily grab-and-go breakfast, and a friendly, laid-back vibe near the Gulf.
Mello on the Beach
Mello on the Beach offers colourful, retro-style vacation rentals just steps from the sand, featuring kitchenettes, private patios, a heated pool, and a laid-back vibe perfect for a beachside escape.
Compass by Margaritaville
This vibrant, tropical-style hotel offers a relaxed island vibe with coastal-inspired rooms, a waterfront pool, tiki bar, and easy access to nearby beaches – ideal for carefree stays on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Shorewalk Vacation Villas
Spacious two-bedroom condos with full kitchens, screened lanais, and access to pools, tennis courts, and a clubhouse. Located near shopping and dining, just minutes from Bradenton’s beaches and attractions.
Legacy Hotel at IMG Academy
A modern hotel with comfortable rooms, a heated pool, fitness centre, and on-site dining. Perfect for holidaymakers seeking relaxation, nearby beaches, and easy access to sports events and outdoor activities.
Why Travel Agents Should Know About Shorter Stays When Booking Home Rental Properties on Anna Maria Island
Within the three cities on Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach has a rule of a seven night minimum stay. The two other cities, Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach have many other options without a minimum stay.
Bradenton Beach (southern tip) and Anna Maria City (northern tip): Many newer or managed properties now offer shorter stays – this gives you the upper hand when planning mixed-destination itineraries or shorter holidays.
The bottom line is knowing you’re not restricted to 7 night bookings in every part of Anna Maria Island helps you respond to tighter schedule and build truly bespoke itineraries. Book home villa rentals with Seabreeze Vacation Rentals and Prime Vacations.
If you need a list of suppliers or property managers offering short stays contact Jo Exell, UK Trade Account Director for Bradenton Area CVB – jo@goshpr.co.uk.
Flights, Getting Around & When To Visit
Flights
The area is well connected with several flights operated daily from London to Tampa which is just a 40-minute drive to the Bradenton Area. You can travel with British Airways out of Gatwick and Virgin Atlantic out of Heathrow.
Virgin and Delta also operate daily flights from Dublin and Manchester via Atlanta, arriving into the local Sarasota Bradenton International airport.
Tip: Customers flying into SRQ have the benefit of landing just 20 minutes from the beach. Arriving so close to the destination also negates the need for car hire, so there is a significant saving to be made here, depending on what sort of holiday you want.
Delta has also recently launched a daily direct flight from Amsterdam – Tampa. The flight is well served by KLM with numerous connecting flights from Scotland and the north of England so customers can bypass a London connection and benefit from competitive rates and comfortable schedules with flights originating in Edinburgh/Glasgow/Aberdeen/Newcastle flying to Amsterdam and on to Tampa.
Getting Around
On Anna Maria Island, leave the car behind and explore by foot, bike, golf cart or take the free trolley bus that runs the length of the island all day long. With a 20mph speed limit across much of the 7-mile-long, 1-mile-wide island, traffic remains slow, safe, and easygoing. For a relaxed and scenic ride, hop on the free public trolley, which runs the length of the island. It’s a convenient way to see the sights – just hop on and off at your leisure to discover beaches, shops, and local eateries along the route without the hassle of parking.
When to Visit
The best time to visit depends on what your customers are looking for – whether it’s perfect weather, fewer crowds, or greater value. Generally speaking, the ideal time for UK holidaymakers is from May – August through to December, when temperatures are more comfortable, humidity levels drop, and domestic tourism tapers off slightly. This shift not only improves availability but often results in better prices on accommodation and activities, making it a more appealing and cost-effective period to enjoy everything the destination has to offer.
Temperatures range from 20-30°C, June to December. June to August can be hot and humid with brief storm showers.
Essential Travel Information
Entry Requirements
- UK passport holders can enter the USA for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program
- You’ll need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) online at least 72 hours before flying. It’s about $21 USD and lasts 2 years
- Your passport must be e-passport style and valid for the duration of your stay (no 6-month rule)
Currency
- US Dollar ($ USD) is the currency
- Contactless cards work almost everywhere (Apple Pay too), but it’s handy to have a bit of cash for tips and small local shops
- ATMs are widely available but may charge a small fee
- Tip: Let your bank know you’re travelling to avoid card blocks!
Time Difference
- The Bradenton Area is in the Eastern Time Zone
- That’s 5 hours behind the UK in winter, and 4 hours behind when we’re on British Summer Time (March-October)
- Jet lag tip: Arrive in the evening and crash early to reset quickly
Driving in Florida
- You can drive with your UK licence (no IDP needed for short stays)
- Drive on the right-hand side
- Speed limits are strictly enforced – especially in residential/beach areas
- Parking on Anna Maria island can be tricky in high season – look for public beach lots or check with your accommodation
Tipping
Tipping is a big deal in the US. Service staff rely on tips as part of their wages – it’s not optional like in the UK! It’s often not included in the bill, so double-check before paying. Expect to tip:
- 15–20% at restaurants
- $1–2 per drink at bars
- $1–2 per bag for hotel porters
- Taxi/Uber drivers: 10–15%
Plug Sockets & Voltage
- The US uses Type A and B plugs (flat pin)
- Voltage is 120V – so bring a travel adapter and check if your hairdryer/straighteners are dual voltage (or they might not work properly)
- You’ll probably want to bring at least 2 adapters – phones, tablets, etc
Training, Incentives & Competitions
Training Requests
For Zoom or in-person training requests, contact jo@goshpr.co.uk.
Incentives & Competitions
Coming soon: WIN a £100 Fortnum and Mason luxury hamper. Details to follow…
Fact Sheets, Visual Assets & Key Contacts
Fact Sheets
For a detailed map, top 10 things to do, itinerary ideas and more, view and download your guide to Bradenton, Anna Maria Island & Longboat Key here.
Key Trade Contacts
Your contacts within the UK are:
Jo Exell (UK Trade Account Director) – jo@goshpr.co.uk +44 7801 408 097
Barry Johnson (Senior Account Director PR) – barry@goshpr.co.uk +44 7715 502 054
Official destination website – www.bradentongulfislands.com
A Leave No Trace Guide to the Bradenton Area
Visit Bradenton Area on Social
