Like most resort areas on Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach is blessed with miles of sugar white sand that gently slopes into the warm coastal waters. The Gulf side of the beach is a favourite for just strolling along the water’s edge, picking shells and swimming under lifeguard supervision.

The bay side tends to offer more in water craft activities that include parasailing, and jet ski riding. Here you are also likely to find several boat charters that specialize in deep sea fishing.

There are a couple of small parks in Bradenton Beach, worthy of note only because one, Herb Dolan Park, offers great views across to Sarasota and Tampa Bay whilst the other, Katie Peirola Park, is a great spot for sunsets.

The City Pier has recently reopened following hurricane damage in 2004 and is popular for fishing. It was interesting to hear that when the old wooden bridge connecting Bradenton Beach to the mainland was replaced the island side of the bridge was retained as a fishing pier. Today, after its two million dollar refurbishment the pier is home to a restaurant, tackle shop and restrooms.  Whether you are into fishing or not, this is a lovely spot for a stroll and to watch the catch coming in.

Bridge Street is the historic centre of Bradenton Beach and, as it was directly at the end of the old wooden bridge linking it to the mainland; it became a thriving and prosperous community. When the old bridge was replaced it lost some of its appeal and many businesses closed down. However, today after a major restoration project, Bridge Street has rediscovered its charm and can offer the visitor quaint little shops selling antiques, paintings and a variety other crafts. There are some lovely pavement cafes as well as more up market restaurants and bars.

At the end of the day, if the weather is good, head back to the beach, the pier or Katie Peirola Park, and be prepared to witness a spectacular sunset across the Gulf of Mexico. There is nothing better to lift the soul after an enjoyable day exploring this little piece of paradise in central Florida.

It was one of those places that we had read about but hadn’t really put at the top of our priority list to visit, but a chance meeting with a couple of Americans while we were waiting for the Illuminations, Reflections of Earth firework display in Epcot  helped us to change our minds.

The two Bradenton residents enthused about Anna Maria Island so vehemently that they persuaded us to take the two hour drive to the south of Tampa Bay the very next day.

This was a world away from the Orlando theme parks and really was a paradise in the sun with just about every conceivable water sport attraction within easy reach. For us, the starting point was a leisurely stroll along the pristine white sands with the occasional paddle in the crystal clear water to cool the feet. The Americans had told us this was once one of Florida’s best kept secrets and it’s not difficult to understand why.

There is a distinctly private feel to the island, almost as if you are invading the space of some of the luxury mansions complete with immaculately manicured lawns that sweep majestically down to the beach.  We were happy to mind our own business and enjoyed a period of quiet solitude amongst the sea turtles and the playful dolphins who, it seemed, were putting on a special performance just for us.

Unfortunately the secret’s well out and although you can still find your own piece of paradise, the island is now a Mecca for day trippers seeking outdoor activities and a popular destination for honeymooners and film crews. 

We certainly found walking to be quite a gentle pursuit and it enabled us to explore not only the shell lined shoreline but also to get close up and personal with a variety of tropical birds and other wildlife, all within the city limits of Anna Maria on the northern most tip of the island.

Of course, there are alternatives. The island runs a free trolley service between the three main towns of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach so it is very easy to get around quickly. More sedate forms of transport include bike rentals which are plentiful, or if you prefer to sightsee from the water, canoes and small charters are readily available.  

We really were impressed with what we had seen and could only thank our American cousins for their recommendation. We will definitely be coming again.

We choose a villa a Bradenton, which would be a good base to explore the area. Bradenton was an ideal location to visit not only the numerous beaches around but also Busch Gardens.

A favourite for the whole family was Anna Maria Island.

Driving along the coast road from Bradenton Beach to Holmes Beach and then onto the northern tip was Anna Maria Island.

On arrival at Anna Maria Island we found free car parking just along from the South Pier, across the road was a small shopping mall with restaurants, clothes shops and an Ice Cream Parlour.

We wandered along the pier and found at the end a restaurant, outside seating and people fishing. Our Boys who were 13 and 10 wanted to join in. This was not a problem as the Pier had a bait shop which not only sold bait but hired out fishing rods by the hour. So for a few dollars we had and lovely afternoon with the boys fishing. The adults were happy sitting in the glorious sunshine enjoying a cold drink which were also readily available from the bait shop.

After a couple of hours we decided to visit the Ice Cream Parlour “Two Scoops” to cool down and then make our way back home. The boys loved this unexpected experience that they asked to return the next day.

We decided that we would go to Wal-Mart to purchase rods, which they could keep. New rods in hand we returned to the pier the very next day.

Whilst there we even caught sight of many Dolphins, Sting Rays, Pelicans and various Fish on the end of the rods.

The locals at the bait shop, restaurant and pier were most welcoming, friendly and chatty. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there and plan to return next year. We would recommend a visit along to Anna Maria island whether you want to fish are just laze on the beautiful white sandy beach.