Bradenton FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Bradenton, Florida.
1. Bradenton Beach
SUGAR SANDS AND FISHING
Bradenton Beach is a small town located on Anna Maria Island known for its fishing piers and sugar-sand beaches. Visitors can explore the quaint strip of shops and restaurants while enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery. The beach offers a perfect blend of relaxation and recreational activities for all ages.
2. Manatee Public Beach
PARADISE WITH WHITE SANDS
Manatee Public Beach welcomes visitors with soft, powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters creating a personal paradise. Lifeguards are on duty year-round, making it a safe option for families looking to enjoy the tranquil shoreline and endless horizons. The beach features amenities for a complete day of relaxation and is particularly beautiful during sunrise and sunset.
3. Coquina Beach
SHELL SEEKER'S PARADISE
Coquina Beach is ideal for shell seekers looking to collect treasures along its pristine shoreline. Part of the Bradenton Area's 16 miles of uninterrupted sugar-white coastline, this beach offers a unique experience for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy the adjacent Coquina Bayside Park for non-motorized water sports like kayaking and canoeing.
4. Cortez Beach
SURFER'S DREAM SPOT
Cortez Beach draws surfers with its favorable wave conditions along the Gulf coast. The beach provides a more active atmosphere compared to other beaches in the area, making it perfect for water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of riding waves while still appreciating the beautiful white sand shoreline typical of Florida's west coast.
5. Holmes Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY COASTAL FUN
Holmes Beach is a slam dunk for families seeking a safe and enjoyable beach experience on Anna Maria Island. With its gentle waves and clean shoreline, it provides the perfect setting for children to play and adults to relax. The beach offers convenient amenities and is close to local restaurants and shops, making it ideal for a full day of family fun.
6. Bean Point
SOLITUDE BY THE SEA
Bean Point is perfect for those seeking solace away from more crowded beach destinations. Located at the northern tip of Anna Maria Island, it offers stunning panoramic views where visitors can watch the meeting of the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. The unspoiled natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal spot for reflection, photography, and quiet beach walks.
7. Bradenton Riverwalk
SCENIC WATERFRONT PATHWAY
The Bradenton Riverwalk is a 2-mile paved stretch that runs between the Green and Desoto bridges along the Manatee River, offering magical views at sunset and sunrise. This vibrant public space buzzes throughout the day with amenities including an amphitheater, skate park, beach volleyball courts, and a fishing pier. Visitors can stroll along the river, enjoy recreational activities, or simply take in the scenic waterfront views.
8. Emerson Point Preserve
NATURAL WATERFRONT SANCTUARY
Emerson Point Preserve offers a more natural waterfront experience where visitors can explore mangrove forests and coastal habitats. The preserve features hiking trails, observation platforms, and areas for kayaking and canoeing along the water's edge. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to spot local wildlife while enjoying the peaceful waterfront setting.
9. Leffis Key Preserve
COASTAL NATURE SANCTUARY
Leffis Key Preserve in Bradenton Beach is a natural sanctuary where visitors can relax and enjoy the untouched beauty of Florida's coastal ecosystem. The preserve offers walking trails through mangrove forests with scenic overlooks providing stunning views of Sarasota Bay. Nature lovers will appreciate the opportunity to observe native wildlife and birds in their natural habitat while escaping the busier beach areas.
10. De Soto National Memorial
HISTORIC WATERFRONT PARK
De Soto National Memorial combines historical significance with beautiful waterfront views along the Manatee River. Visitors can explore the park's living history programs, nature trails, and beaches while learning about the 1539 expedition of Hernando de Soto. The memorial offers a unique blend of educational experiences, outdoor recreation, and scenic water views perfect for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.