The year-round sun and warmth of Florida makes it the ideal destination any time of year you need a break. The Memorial Day holiday is a great opportunity to take a break and enjoy a long weekend that’s also the unofficial beginning of summer. Enjoy a vacation full of sand, water, sun, and fun with loved ones. The Sarasota and Bradenton area are mainland destinations that provide the ultimate experience in Florida beach vacations. Not only do they have their own beaches, but they’re also close to several barrier islands that offer a different beach vibe for your Memorial Day in Bradenton and Sarasota retreat.

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Beaches

An escape to a beach location like Bradenton and Sarasota means spending plenty of time on the beach, no matter what time of year you come, but especially during the warming weather and waters you’ll find around the Memorial Day holiday. You and your loved ones can spend a little extra time out in the sun and in the water. Sunbathe, change up your exercise routine with a walk or run on the beach, or brave the waters for a swim, snorkeling, or SCUBA adventure in the warming water.

Boat Tours

A great way to get to know the area you’ve decided to call home for the Memorial Day holiday is to get out and explore – on land and on water. While exploring on land is easy, you’ll want to get familiar with the waters of the area too. There are several companies that offer tours of the waters surrounding Bradenton and Sarasota. Guides are full of information about the area, so you’ll learn a little about the area’s history and ecology while enjoying time at sea. Keep your camera ready and your eyes peeled for sea life including dolphins, manatees, rays, and more! Book a private tour for you and your loved ones and pack a picnic, including your favorite alcoholic beverages.

Beach Horseback Rides

Saddle up and head out on a different kind of adventure this Memorial Day. While a trail ride along area trails is the usual experience, you can also take the experience along the water. There are several companies in the area that provide horseback rides that stroll along the water on the beach. There are even some tours where the horses venture out into the water for an extra splash. Whichever company you choose, advanced reservations are required, and they’ll need details like rider height, weight, and age so they can pair each person with the horse that fits their needs.

The Keys

Off the coast of Sarasota, Bradenton, and the surrounding area is a group of barrier islands that protect the bay from the crashing waves of the Gulf of Mexico. Head to Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key, or Siesta Key this Memorial Day for an unforgettable day trip. Each island has its own unique flair as well as plenty of Florida fun like parasailing, boat tours, and more without the traffic of the mainland.

The Ringling

Art, history, circus memorabilia, gardens, a historic theater, and more wait for you to explore. The property preserves the legacy of John Ringling, one of the five brothers who formed the Ringling Brothers Circus, and his wife Mable. Wander the property and visit the State Art Museum of Florida, two circus museums, an education center, the historic Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, Bayfront Gardens, and the historic Asolo Theater. The grounds and gardens are always free to visit, and admission to the Museum of Art is free on Mondays, but hours may vary during the holiday.

Breweries, Distilleries & Wineries

Take some “adults only” time and visit the area’s wineries and distilleries. There are several distilleries that call Bradenton and the surrounding area home, including Naughty Monk Brewery, Darwin Brewing Company, Loaded Cannon Distillery, and others. If you’re a wine lover, add a stop at Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard, where the wines are made from grapes grown at the on-site vineyard. Enjoy a tasting or tour or book a special event. Once you’ve tasted the offerings, choose your favorite wines or spirits to take back to your rental to pair with your favorite home-cooked meals.

Celebrate Memorial Day in Bradenton and Sarasota

Enhance your Memorial Day in Bradenton and Sarasota with a private vacation rental provided by Anchor Down Vacation Rentals. We offer units as small as 1-bedroom all the way up to 8-bedrooms for a Memorial Day gathering that includes all her loved ones. After a long day, make a home-cooked meal in your unit’s fully equipped kitchen, and enjoy it in the spacious living/dining areas, or in a private outdoor space. Relax in a private bedroom or gather the group and watch your favorite movie or TV show. Choose a premium unit for perks like a fireplace, double ovens, flat screen TVs, private pool and more. Include the whole family by inquiring about select rentals that allow your fur babies to stay.

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