If you asked the folks who live in Bradenton, Florida if they go to the beaches, the majority of them will probably tell you no. And that’s funny, because whenever you go to any of the beaches, they are always packed with people. And they are the ones who have the right idea! What’s the use of living next to the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico, if you’re not going to par-take of all it has to offer. For anyone interested in beach-going, you will discover that there is more than just sun-bathing and swimming. Depending on how adventurous you are, you can go snorkeling, scuba diving, para-sailing, surfing, boating, deep sea fishing, wind surfing and even treasure hunting.
So pick your poison and go to the beach. Pack your lunch, pick up the family and go enjoy yourselves in the fun and sun. A list of Bradenton’s beaches and the amenities they offer is listed below.
Anna Maria Beach
West End of White Avenue to Bean Point
Anna Maria Island, Florida
They offer a picnic area, playground, picnic shelters and grills. However, parking is a little difficult, but you can try the corner of Gulf Dr and Spring Avenue ,if you get there early enough. There are also great vacation rentals (apartments, motels, condos) in the area, plus gift shops and restaurants.
Points To Remember: Difficult parking
Hours: Get there early
Holmes Beach
Flotilla Drive
Holmes Beach, Fl
They have fishing, a picnic area, a playground, there are shaded areas, restrooms and showers. Holmes Beach has several access points, along with vacation rentals, gift shops and restaurants.
Points To Remember: Has several access points
Bradenton Beach
Gulf Drive
Bradenton Beach, Florida
They only have a volleyball court, but they also have vacation rentals (seaside inns, condos, motels), restaurants and gift shops. Parking may be available on the side streets off Gulf Drive, if you get there early enough.
Points To Remember: Parking on side street only
Hours: Get there early
Manatee Public Beach
St.Rd. 64 & Gulf Drive
Holmes Beach, Florida
There is volleyball, a fishing pier, picnic tables, lifeguard, a playground, concessions with indoor and outdoor seating, shaded areas, restrooms and the beach. They also have 120 parking places and public transportation drop off and pick up. There are vacation rentals, restaurants and gift shops.
Points To Remember: Lifeguards on duty
Hours: 9:00am – 7:00pm in the summer; 9:00am – 5:00pm in the winter
Cortez Beach
State Road 789
North of Coquina Beach
Bradenton Beach, Florida
There id fishing and the beach only, but it’s a surfer’s paradise. You can pack a lunch and still go enjoy yourself. There are shaded areas, parking and it’s within walking distance to Bradenton Beach. Take your camera and take pictures of your family and the view. Or if you prefer, you can enjoy the restaurants, bars and gift shops.
Points To Remember: A surfer’s paradise, walking distance to Bradenton Beach
Coquina Beach
Between 5th and 13th Street
West of Gulf Drive
Bradenton Beach, Florida
There is fishing, playing volley ball, lifeguards, a playground for the kids, concessions, picnic tables, picnic shelters and grills, showers, shaded areas, and restrooms. There is also free parking, vacation rentals, restaurants and gift shops.
Points To Remember: Lifeguards on duty
Hours: 9:00am – 7:00pm in the summer; 9:00am – 5:00pm in the winter
Reservations Needed: Picnic Shelter needs to be reserved
Department: Manatee County Parks & Recreation Department
Phone Number: (941)742-5974
Coquina Bayside Park
State Road 789
East of Gulf Drive
Bradenton Beach, Florida
There is a boat ramp, fishing, picnic tables, a playground for the kids, nature trails, picnic shelters and grills, restrooms and the beach. You also have the restaurants, gift shops and vacation rentals.
Reservations Needed: Picnic Shelter needs to be reserved
Department: Manatee County Parks & Recreation Department
Phone Number: (941)742-5974
Greer Island Beach (Beer Can Island)
West of Gulf Drive
Past Longboat Key Bridge
Longboat Key, Florida
They offer only fishing and the beach, but go anyway. It’s the beach for heaven’s sake! Take a metal detector and do some treasure hunting! You’ll be surprised at what you can find. There is limited parking and if you go there, it’s best to either go by boat or walk during low tide. This is an excellent beach for looking for shells and it also has public transportation with drop offs and pick up.
Points To Remember: Boat access or walk during low tide
For any other questions about the beaches in Bradenton, Florida, you can contact the department below:
Manatee County Parks and Recreation Department
5502 33rd Avenue Drive West
Bradenton, FL 34209
Phone: (941) 742-5923
Fax: (941) 742-5972
