Anyone in need of things to do in Bradenton Beach will not be disappointed upon checking out any excellent seafood restaurant, beach, boardwalk, and more. The Bradenton Beach area holds more than 25 local beaches and over 100 places to eat, not to even mention several piers and pubs. You’re sure to come to experience the main tourist attractions, but if you want to feel like a local, there are a few destinations you won’t want to miss. Check out these spots during your stay in our Bradenton Beach vacation rentals!
Shop At The Bridge Street Market
On Sundays from 10 to 3, you need to be right here for all the action. Head to 107 Bridge Street to experience this special market, offering local-only vendors and services (along with prices) you ought to take advantage of. They sell excellent artisan works, spanning multiple bazaars and small shops (each with a different assortment of products made out of pure clay, wood, hay, stone, stubble, and so much else).
They also have local music playing every week, and if you like what you hear, some of the tent shops there can sell you a CD on the spot (or, in some cases, even load you with a free sample or two) at less than usual price. This market tends to go on from around November to April, depending on weather and other restrictions.
The catchphrase that commonly spreads around here, according to locals, is this — “Shop, Dine, and Play, from Beach to Bay.” That’s how The Bridge Street Market makes itself known, drawing locals and visitors from around the country. See it all!
Visit Coquina Beach
For beaches on Anna Maria Island, this one easily tops the rest. Coquina Beach gives you 22 total acres to swim around to your heart’s content, and not only that, but it’s also loaded with tons of cabanas, kids’ play areas, picnic tables, and even a café. People from all walks of life and moods (whatever they feel like doing) come to this beach, knowing that they can have a good time and do something they’ll like. Its hours range based on weather, season changes, and more, so you should also check out the information online before going. Typically, the beach is open from sunrise to midnight daily. Parking is usually free if you can find an available parking spot.
The address for the beach is 2650 Gulf Drive, just a few miles from Anna Maria Island. Once you come into town, you can head to a local beach shop to get your equipment or beach essentials before heading down to the sand. Just bring some sunscreen and plenty of water, especially if you’re visiting in the summer months!
Take A Walk on The City Pier
The city pier is a historic landmark you can’t miss if you’re here. It typically opens around the same times as Coquina Beach, with changing availability by season or weather. If you come with any loved ones as early as 7 a.m., you’ll be able to buy a fresh, locally made egg sandwich with coffee at a great price. You can then enjoy your breakfast as you take a relaxing stroll along the pier. If you go right under that main pier pavilion, you might be lucky enough to get a nice high-top setup for a good, dry picnic table and plenty of coverage from the elements.
Many of the local venues are just within earshot, and as such, you can hear them playing relaxing music nearby; enjoy it as you walk all around. Get a scoop of ice cream as you walk the pier, too. They sell many different flavors here, so the whole family is sure to find something they’ll like. This also makes an excellent fishing spot, and many locals have reported catching a red snapper from time to time; bring your reels, anglers, split shots, and all other gear!
Enjoy Local Restaurants
You’re sure to get hungry while in the area, which is the perfect excuse to sample some tempting restaurants. Luckily, there’s a little something for every palate.
Blue Marlin
As far as Bradenton Beach restaurants go, Blue Marlin (open 5-10 p.m. daily) can’t be missed. If you like eating fresh seafood and tasting great new wines while sitting outside in a lovely green courtyard and listening to live music, this place is made just for you. If you’re not too hungry, you can start with a simple shrimp or fillet ajillo. They sear it in olive oil and garlic. They then add some lime on the side. Try their one-of-a-kind garlic bread, as well, made from scratch! Their steamed clams (topped with garlic butter and white wine) are also top-rated. View their menu, and plan your trip to Blue Marlin today!
Beach House Restaurant
This one’s easily also one of the best restaurants in Bradenton Beach. The reason is simple: it covers over 650 feet of the Gulf front and beach area. You can see it, hear it (the waves, the gulls, and more), and taste it (the fresh fish or scallops they serve, along with other menu favorites). This place is one of the most excellent, upscale eateries around, and it’s one of the closest to the general beach area. When coming here, the vibe you can pick up is casual, relaxed, and perfect for a low-key meal with your family. Visit any day (11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.). All food’s locally sourced!
Bridge Street Bistro
Nothing can make your island time as pleasant as a quick bite here at the Bridge Street Bistro, open Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. or Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. The Bridge Street Bistro also features a daily 1 to 4 p.m. Happy Hour, in which you can get your hands on a cold domestic, bottled beer (each $3) or house wine, tap beer, or well drink (each $4). If you like Sky Martinis, Cosmos, or Manhattans (each $5), this is the place for you. You can’t pass up their hand-cut filet mignon for the main course if you truly appreciate a well-cut steak made perfectly. This filet comes with mashed potatoes and vegetables for an overall unforgettable meal.
Bradenton Beach Vacation Rentals Anyone seeking Bradenton Beach rentals should consider ours. We at Beach House AMI cover the entire canal front and all of Anna Maria Island, allowing you to settle down wherever you please on the island. Some of our rentals even offer on-site pools, so you won’t have to get up and walk to a local beach to dip in the water. Many of our rentals can even sleep with larger families or groups of friends, such as the Paradise Point rental we offer (with five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and even a heated pool of its own). Our AMI rental customer service team is standing by to help with your questions. If you want to know more about our Anna Maria Island area vacation rentals, reach out today!
