Just 20 minutes from downtown Bradenton, Anna Maria Island is perfect for a laid-back beach day, with a collection of beautiful beaches spread along the island’s shoreline, each offering white sand, clear water, and a relaxed coastal vibe. For an easy beach day, Manatee Public Beach (our favorite!) offers convenient access, free parking, amenities, and chair and umbrella rentals. While you’re there, stop by the Anna Maria Island Beach Café for a casual bite or drink right on the sand—perfect for brunch, lunch, and sunset views.

If you head a few minutes south toward Bradenton Beach and Cortez Beach, you’ll find plenty of fun beach shops, waterfront restaurants, and laid-back local bars. Toward the north end, the island becomes quieter and more residential, leading to Bean Point Beach — a hidden local gem known for its natural, untouched feel, incredible sunsets, and nearby local favorites (though the beach itself does not have amenities or restrooms). See below for some of our favorite restaurants, cafés, coffee shops, and ice cream spots around the island!

If you’re planning a beach day, we recommend heading out early—ideally by 9:00 AM or even earlier—as traffic can build quickly and parking becomes very limited later in the morning.

Besides Anna Maria Island, other nearby beaches include Pass-a-Grille, Treasure Island, and St. Pete Beach for classic beach towns and sunsets. Check out Lido Beach for a more upscale vibe, and Siesta Key Beach for its famous white sand and wide shoreline.

Saturday mornings Farmer's Market in Downtown Bradenton on Saturday mornings (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) with vendors including food trucks, baked goods, coffee, and handmade goods.

The Bradenton Riverwalk is a scenic 2-mile waterfront park and walking path stretching along downtown Bradenton and the Manatee River. Our wedding venue is located directly on the Riverwalk, making it the perfect spot for a sunset stroll, relaxing river views, and easy access to nearby restaurants, coffee shops, and the Saturday morning farmer’s market. Keep an eye on the water — you may catch a glimpse of dolphins and manatees!

A bucket-list activity about 15 minutes from downtown Bradenton, beach horseback riding with Florida Beach Horses or C Ponies offers guided rides along the shoreline, through the water, and at sunset with stunning Gulf views. Book at least a month in advance, and leave early in case there's traffic getting there.

Lazy Turtle Rentals is one of our favorite ways to explore Anna Maria Island—rent bikes in the morning, grab breakfast next door at North Shore Café, and spend the day riding around enjoying the beautiful views, with a stop at Two Scoops for ice cream along the way.

A popular local boat tour company offering public (shared) and private dolphin-watching tours, sunset cruises, snorkeling trips, and sandbar stops around Anna Maria Island.

A peaceful coastal nature spot with boardwalk trails, observation towers, kayaking, and wildlife.

Kayak and paddleboard rentals with easy access to spots like Robinson Preserve—perfect for a peaceful paddle through mangroves and local wildlife around Bradenton and Anna Maria Island.

The Bradenton area offers plenty of great golf options for all levels, from scenic public courses to well-kept private clubs. Local favorites include IMG Academy Golf Club, The Links at Greenfield Plantation, and University Park Country Club, all known for beautiful layouts and Florida scenery. There are also many additional courses nearby, making it easy to fit in a relaxing round during your stay.

A lively beach town near Siesta Key Beach with restaurants, bars, live music, and shops—perfect for a beach day or sunset outing.

Catch a baseball game at LECOM Park in downtown Bradenton, home of Pittsburgh Pirates spring training and the minor league Bradenton Marauders. Or, head north to Tropicana Field to catch a Tampa Bay Rays game.

The Mote Aquarium is a fun, family-friendly waterfront aquarium with sharks, manatees, sea turtles, and interactive marine exhibits, located near the Shops at UTC.

A beautiful cultural landmark with bayfront gardens, a historic mansion, an art collection, and the Tibbals Learning Center & Circus Museum showcasing circus history.

About 25 minutes from downtown Bradenton, downtown Sarasota is a walkable area known for great restaurants, rooftop bars, boutique shopping, art galleries, and live music—perfect for a day or night out exploring. Some of our favorite spots include Classico, Marina Jack, O’Leary’s, Boca, Bar Hana, the Westin rooftop, and Art Ovation rooftop.

An upscale, walkable shopping and dining area with boutiques, restaurants, and ice cream shops surrounding a central circle. Our favorite restaurant there is Columbia Restaurant!

The St. Pete Pier is a beautiful waterfront destination with nearby parks, restaurants, and views of Tampa Bay. Along the waterfront and Gulf Drive you’ll find lots of great dining options, plus fun daytime markets and shops. At night, Central Avenue comes alive with nightlife, bars, and entertainment—perfect for a full day of exploring and sunset views.

A modern open-air shopping and dining destination with popular retailers, restaurants, and seasonal events.

St. Regis Longboat Key spa offers a luxurious, oceanfront escape with relaxing treatments and all-day resort amenities when you book a spa treatment—perfect for a spa day or pampering.