It’s Okay to Be a Beach Bum
Visit Bradenton’s Beaches and Soak Up Some Sun
There’s a lot to do on Florida’s Gulf Coast. You can choose to spend your day golfing, shopping, or sampling the large selection of seafood you’ll find in the area. You can drop in on museums, take a nature walk, or look for native Florida wildlife such as alligators and gopher tortoises.
But, if you’re like most people, you come to Bradenton to enjoy the sun, sand, and saltwater. This is why we have curated all of Bradenton’s beaches to help you find the perfect spot to pull up a chair, dust off the swimsuit, and inflate the beach toys.
It’s time to play.
Where are the best Bradenton Beaches?
The best beach depends on you. Some people like a crowd, where you’re likely to be invited to join a beach volleyball game. Others prefer a quiet, secluded stretch of sand where you can read your book or work on your tan. Here are some of Bradenton’s beaches we can recommend:
Best Public Beach in Bradenton – Holmes Beach
4000 State Road 64 and Gulf Drive
Holmes Beach, FL 34217
Image credits https://www.expressnews.com/lifestyle/travel-outdoors/article/Anna-Maria-Island-a-time-capsule-of-simpler-times-12968868.php
Heading to the beach with a big group or a family full of kids? Holmes Beach is a popular hotspot, and it’s also called Manatee County Public Beach. This is an easy access point wherever you’re coming from in the area. It’s also family-friendly and equipped with lifeguard staff, concessions, and restrooms.
White sand, clear water, and gentle waves: it’s a paradise without any fuss or frustration.
Amenities at Holmes Beach include:
- Bike racks
- Parking (some lots are free!)
- Changing rooms
- Tiki hut
- Ice cream shop
- Gift shop
- Picnic tables
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Volleyball nets
- Chair/umbrella rentals
Best Quiet Beach in Bradenton- Whitney Beach
Broadway Street, Longboat Key, FL
Image credits https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/home-and-real-estate/2021/01/neighborhood-guide-anna-maria-island
It’s everything you imagine when you think of a serene Florida beach. There’s the gem-colored water and the fine white sand. There are the seabirds hunting for fish and sometimes, dolphins in the distance. Whitney Beach is exactly what you need when you’re looking for peace, quiet, and uninterrupted bliss. The coastline is only a quarter-mile long on this beach, and the views of the Gulf are simply stunning
Here’s what you need to know about your visit to Whitney Beach:
- Park in the public parking area on Broadway Street just off Gulf of Mexico Drive.
- Bring your own drinks and snacks. There’s nothing available on the beach.
- Lifeguards are not present on Whitney Beach.
Fallen trees and beached branches can be found along the beach – use caution.
Best Busy Beach in Bradenton- Coquina Beach
2650 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach, FL
When you’re looking for a beach that can accommodate your urge to be social, Coquina Beach is the place to be. A large, free parking lot fills up fast, so get there on the early side. You’ll find plenty of shoreline for your blankets, beach chairs, and towels. Plenty of people can be found fishing and the picnic tables are abundant. There’s even a bit of shade, with plenty of trees protecting the picnic areas from the unforgiving Florida sun.
Amenities include:
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Changing stations
- Lifeguards
- Playgrounds
- Concession stands
Best Beach for Dogs in Bradenton- Palma Sola Causeway
South End, Anna Maria Island, FL
Image credits https://planetofhotels.com/en/usa/bradenton/palma-sola-retreat
When your furry family members love the beach as much as you do, it’s natural to bring them along. You’ll find you’re not alone, especially at the Palma Sola Causeway Park, which is on the Intracoastal Waterway. While you’re there, consider renting a kayak or a paddleboard – there’s a business that stays pretty busy setting people and their pets up for a fun-filled beach day.
Here’s what you’ll find at Palma Sola Causeway:
- Walking trails
- Mangroves
- Jet ski rentals
- Horseback riding
- Grills
- Fishing
Why Visit Bradenton’s Local Beaches?
The beaches are why you come to Florida. Enjoy swimming in the gentle waves, looking for dolphins and manatees, and watching pelicans cruise just over the water’s edge, looking for their next tasty meal.
Our beaches are about more than sand and salt. We have parks, playgrounds, volleyball games, and all the kayak, canoe, jet ski, and tube rentals you need. Pack a cooler and enjoy lunch at a picnic table or on the sand. Or, travel light and grab a treat at one of the local concession stands when you get hungry.
Year-round sunshine and fresh air are available in Bradenton, one of the most interesting coastal areas in western Florida. Located right on the Manatee River, there’s more to explore and enjoy than you can possibly fit into one trip. Click here to plan your vacation today! We are here to help you have the perfect vacation getaway, by offering a wide selection of luxurious accommodations and amenities that perfectly match your needs.
