The year-round sun and warmth of Florida make it the ideal destination any time of year you need a break, but springtime and the Easter holiday are some of the best days to take a trip and explore. Pack your bags and gather your loved ones for a fun and exciting fall vacation full of sand, water, sun, and fun. 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 Easter in Sarasota and Bradenton retreat.

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Easter Dinner

Take a vacation from everything and let some of the professional chefs at one of the many delicious area restaurants make the feast. There are various restaurants in the area that will be serving up the traditional Easter meal. Contact your restaurant of choice to find out the details like date, time, and the need for reservations.

Easter Services

Taking a vacation this Easter doesn’t mean taking a vacation from the celebration of the important day. The churches around Bradenton, Sarasota, and the surrounding area are organizing special services to celebrate the day. Contact your preferred place of worship and inquire about dates, times, and locations of services.

Beaches

An escape to a beach location means spending plenty of time on the beach, no matter when you come. The warming weather and waters of spring mean you can spend a little extra time out in the sun. Sunbathe, talk a walk, or brave the waters for a swim, snorkeling, or SCUBA adventure in the still-chilly water.

25th Annual Sarasota Film Festival

Make celebrating 25 years of presenting quality films a part of your Easter respite. Starting in March, the festival features over 200 films, including features, documentaries, shorts, and kid-friendly films. Tickets are available on the festival website and include tickets to live events. There is also a virtual festival full pass that gets you access to all the films available through the virtual event website. Both the live and virtual events run March 24 – April 2 if you’d like to add it to your vacation calendar.

The Ringling

Art, history, circus memorabilia, gardens, a historic theater, and more await the circus enthusiast at the property preserving the legacy of John and Mable Ringling. John is one of five brothers who formed the Ringling Brothers Circus. 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.

Beach Horseback Rides

Saddle up and head out on a different kind of adventure. There are several companies in the area that provide horseback rides that stroll along the water on the sand. The horses can even venture out into the water for a more thrilling experience. 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 personality.

The Keys

Off the coast of Sarasota and the surrounding area is a group of barrier islands that protect the bay from the crashing waves of the Gulf of Mexico. Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key, and Siesta Key all make great day trips from Bradenton or Sarasota and offer their own style of sand, sun, and fun without the traffic of the mainland. Each island has its own unique flair as well as plenty of Florida fun like parasailing, boat tours, and unique festivals.

Breweries, Distilleries & Wineries

Take some “adults-only” time to 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. Wine lovers will want to add a stop at Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard, where the wines are made from grapes grown in the on-site vineyard. Enjoy a tasting or tour or book a special event like a wedding or anniversary celebration. Once you’ve tasted the offerings, choose your favorite wines or spirits to take back to your rental to pair with home-cooked meals.

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Celebrate Easter in Sarasota and Bradenton

Enhance your Easter with a private vacation rental provided by Anchor Down Vacation Rentals. We offer units as small as one bedroom all the way up to eight bedrooms for an Easter retreat that includes all your loved ones. After a long day of Easter fun, 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 with the group and watch your favorite movie. Choose a premium unit for perks like a fireplace, double ovens, flat-screen TVs, a private pool, and more. Include the whole family by inquiring about select rentals that allow your fur babies to stay.

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