Bradenton, Florida
How to do Bradenton like a local — without the tourist mistakes.
This is the guide we wish we'd had when we first moved here. Beaches, restaurants, things to do — every recommendation tested, every distance measured from the front door of Let's Flamingle.
Things to do
From the white sand of Anna Maria Island to the trails of Robinson Preserve, from the Pirates at LECOM Park to IMG Academy — what we'd send our own family to.
Beaches
The Gulf is just over the bridge. Three barrier-island beach towns, each with a slightly different feel. Here's which is which — and which to choose.
Restaurants
Bradenton serves up Gulf seafood, Southern comfort food, and waterfront dining at every price point. These are the places in regular rotation — not a tourist top-ten.
Coffee & drinks
From the morning latte to the after-dinner pour. Local roasters, craft breweries voted best in Tampa Bay, and a couple of cocktail bars that punch above their weight.
Practical info
Getting around & getting here.
You'll want a car. Bradenton is spread out and the beaches are over the bridge — walking and transit aren't practical for most of what you'll want to see. Uber and Lyft are widely available if you'd rather not rent.
Once you're on Anna Maria Island, the free trolley runs the length of the island roughly every 20 minutes from 6 AM to 10:30 PM. Park once at the beach, take the trolley between the three island towns.
Airports
- Sarasota–Bradenton (SRQ)9.5 mi
- Tampa International (TPA)47.1 mi
Practical stops
- Publix (closest grocery)1.2 mi
- Walmart2.1 mi