Bradenton Beach FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Bradenton Beach, Florida.
1. Coquina Beach
TRANQUIL WHITE SAND PARADISE
Coquina Beach offers tranquil white sands and ample shade, ideal for shelling, romantic walks, and dolphin watching. The beach is less crowded with a serene vibe and scenic views, perfect for visitors looking to escape the busier tourist spots. Beachgoers can enjoy picnic areas and volleyball courts, making it ideal for family outings or fun days with friends.
2. Bradenton Beach
RELAXED GULF SWIMMING SPOT
Bradenton Beach features a relaxed environment with clear, warm Gulf waters perfect for swimming and water activities. The beach offers a bounty of shells and sand dollars for avid beachcombers looking to collect treasures. Visitors can enjoy the colorful tapestry of nearby seaside cottages, quaint boutiques, and yummy eateries, all within walking distance of the soothing waves.
3. Coquina Bayside Park
KAYAKER'S MANGROVE PARADISE
Coquina Bayside Park serves as the premier destination in Bradenton Beach for non-motorized water sports like kayaking and canoeing. Visitors can paddle around the mangrove trees, look for wildlife, or stop on one of the many sandbars for a picnic lunch. The park offers a fun and adventurous way to spend a day exploring the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
4. Manatee Public Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY GULF SHORE
Manatee Public Beach is a popular family-friendly destination on Anna Maria Island with amenities including restrooms, picnic tables, and a playground. The beach features soft white sand and clear Gulf waters perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and watching spectacular sunsets. Visitors appreciate the beach's convenient location and the nearby Beach Cafe that serves food and refreshments throughout the day.
5. Bean Point
PRISTINE NORTHERN TIP
Bean Point sits at the northern tip of Anna Maria Island, offering a more secluded beach experience with stunning panoramic views where Tampa Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico. The unspoiled shoreline provides excellent opportunities for shelling, bird watching, and spotting dolphins in their natural habitat. Visitors enjoy the lack of commercial development, creating a peaceful atmosphere perfect for those seeking natural beauty and tranquility.
6. Leffis Key Preserve
NATURAL MANGROVE ECOSYSTEM
Leffis Key Preserve offers a unique waterfront experience with elevated boardwalks through mangrove forests and stunning views of Sarasota Bay. The preserve features several small beaches and tidal pools where visitors can observe marine life in its natural habitat. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the variety of birds, fish, and native plants that make this ecosystem a perfect spot for those looking to relax and enjoy Florida's natural beauty.
7. Beer Can Island
DRIFTWOOD-STREWN HIDDEN GEM
Beer Can Island (officially known as Greer Island) is a unique beach at the northern tip of Longboat Key, characterized by weathered driftwood, fallen trees, and a natural, untamed shoreline. The beach offers a more adventurous experience than manicured tourist beaches, with excellent fishing opportunities and spectacular sunset views. Visitors enjoy the secluded atmosphere, shallow waters perfect for wading, and the interesting photographic opportunities created by the beach's distinctive landscape.
8. Cortez Beach
SURFER'S FAVORITE SPOT
Cortez Beach is known for having some of the best waves in the area, making it a favorite spot for surfers and bodyboarders when conditions are right. The beach offers concrete groins extending into the water, creating excellent fishing spots and interesting areas for exploration. Visitors appreciate the less crowded atmosphere, ample parking, and the beautiful stretches of white sand perfect for sunbathing and beach walks.
9. Holmes Beach
CENTRAL ISLAND BEACH HAVEN
Holmes Beach stretches along the central portion of Anna Maria Island, offering a perfect balance of residential charm and tourist amenities. The beach features powdery white sand, gentle surf, and clear waters ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. Visitors enjoy the convenient access to nearby shops and restaurants while still experiencing the laid-back, Old Florida atmosphere that makes Anna Maria Island special.
10. Palma Sola Bay
SHALLOW WATER RECREATION AREA
Palma Sola Bay offers a unique waterfront experience with its shallow, warm waters perfect for wading, kiteboarding, and paddleboarding. The causeway running through the bay provides easily accessible shoreline areas where families can set up for the day with picnics and beach games. Visitors appreciate the calm waters protected from Gulf waves, making it an ideal spot for those with young children or those seeking a more relaxed water experience.