Beach House Vacation Rentals in Bradenton Beach

Most Fun Things to Do at Bradenton Beach:

Get Back to Nature at the Leffis Key Preserve - This island preserve has trails, boardwalk and a 26-ft hill planted with marsh and dune vegetation where you can get a panoramic view of beautiful Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Great for kids. Also wheelchair accessible. Dogs not allowed. The hill was planted with native dune and coastal ridge plants such as sea oats, beach elder, dune sunflower, southern red cedar, green buttonwood, sea grape, gumbo-limbo, Hercules' club, Jamaica dogwood and strangler fig. In addition, over 20,000 marsh grass plants, such as smooth cordgrass, saltwater cordgrass and salt jointgrass, were installed along the banks of the tidal ponds. The plant installation was accomplished with volunteer labor that included hundreds of school children, local environmental clubs and citizens. Site amenities include footpaths that circle and scale the hill, benches, and 1,500 lineal feet of boardwalks that meander through the mangrove forest, with strategically placed viewing platforms for viewing over the open water. You can also fish from the boardwalks along the Intracoastal Waterway. Helpful signs describing the various habitats and the respective plant and animal life are located along the paths.

Shop and Dine at Bridge Street - at the center of the Historic Old Town District. The street is beautifully landscaped and lined with charming and quaint buildings with unique shops, restaurants, and bars. The non-profit Bridge Street Merchants Association has made great investments in time and effort to make Bridge Street a thriving yet charming town center, bursting with civic pride! Come enjoy the many events including the Sunday Market and live music! Bridge Street offers a walkable community with spectacular water views from the both the pier and the gulf beach. Ride the FREE Island Trolley and get off at "Anna Maria's Hot Spot," to make new friends, bond with old friends or simply escape life for the day. The turquoise Island Trolley will take you the entire length of this beautiful 7 mile island, stopping off at any one of the 80 conveniently located trolley stops to dine, shop or just stroll along the historic streets & along the miles of beautiful beaches. Located at the mouth of Tampa Bay, Anna Maria Island has managed to retain the charm of laid-back Florida. Instead of high-rise condos and shopping malls, you will find quaint boutique style shops and restaurants along with sugar-white beaches & emerald gulf waters. You can enjoy a sunrise overlooking Tampa Bay in the morning and a sunset overlooking the Gulf of Mexico that evening.

Go Fishing from the City Pier - Perched at the north end of beautiful Sarasota Bay, the Historic Bradenton Beach City Pier and is a favorite of residents and tourists alike. When the original wooden bridge to Anna Maria Island was replaced with a draw bridge, the island side of the bridge was retained to create a fishing pier. The restaurant was added later and has become one of Manatee County's most popular eating spots. The City Pier features tremendous views and great fishing. Live bait, supplies and tackle are available. On the bay end of the pier, the Richard P Suhre Pavilion offers a shady spot to fish or just enjoy a beautiful unobstructed view of Sarasota Bay and it's coastline. The pavilion is also a popular spot for special events such as weddings. The Day Dock is a public dock open to boaters on a first come first serve basis that can temporarily dock and visit both the Pier and the many businesses on Bridge Street. An temporary anchorage area is also available on the south side of the Pier for vessels that are too big for the Day Dock facility's with an available dinghy dock.

Picnic and Play at Herb Dolan Park - on 26th Street North and Avenue A, is an open area with a terrific view of the Sarasota Bay, Anna Maria Sound and Tampa Bay. Picnic areas, basketball court, playing field, swing set, play structure and a Kayak launch are among the features to be found here. John Chappie Park located at 1400 Gulf Drive North features beach access, wildlife education, benches and a trolley stop. The Katie Pierola Sunset Park is located on Gulf Drive right on the beach and features picnic tables sheltered under 'Tiki' huts. Great views of the beach especially at sunset are found here. The Lou Barolo Park is located on Highland Ave at 4th Street north and features a picnic area, play structure and pickleball court.

Find Unique Gifts and Collectibles at the Coquina Beach Market - Come and stroll beachside and enjoy a variety of vendors offering fresh produce, arts, crafts, jewelry, collectibles, pottery, purses, woodworking, baked goods, gourmet foods, apparel, plants, health and beauty items, unique gifts, souvenirs and more. Watch local artisans creating their crafts. The talented AMI String band performs from 11:30 -2:30. Enjoy the beautiful white sand beach and relax with eats and drinks overlooking the Gulf at Coquina Cafe. Markets are held on Sundays and Wednesdays from 10am - 4pm at Coquina Beach Park, 2650 Gulf Drive South in Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island. Manatee County does not allow dogs anywhere in Coquina Park. The market is stroller, walker, and wheelchair accessible.