Bradenton Gulf Islands, encompassing the Bradenton region along with its Gulf Islands, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, is located on the west coast of Florida between Saint Petersburg and Sarasota. The sun-drenched region borders Tampa Bay to the north and the Gulf of Mexico to the west. Miles of sandy beaches, candy-colored beach houses, and the casual, romantic island flair captivate guests and locals alike.

The region represents the essence of original South Florida – away from the crowds of tourists. From quiet and secluded hideaways to hotspots for water sports enthusiasts and popular beaches with all amenities, those who land here are sure to find their dream beach and quickly get used to the Florida lifestyle.

Anna Maria Island An island to drift around

On Anna Maria Island, vacationers experience the meaning of the word „chill“ as soon as they arrive. Life here is relaxed, and no one can escape the rhythm. The locals cherish traditions, and the architecture is reminiscent of a Florida from the classic movie „Some Like It Hot“ with Marilyn Monroe. The many colorful beach houses give the island its character. Some of them date back to the 1920s and have been lovingly restored and turned into vacation homes, B&Bs, stores, or restaurants. Larger hotel and restaurant chains are nowhere to be found. The gastronomic scene is diverse, but what unites them is always a relaxed atmosphere and authentic Florida charm. Fresh fish and seafood are the specialties here and can also be caught by the guests themselves – the restaurants then take over the preparation – „hook and cook“ is the magic word for this division of labor. Probably the most typical Old Florida experience is a dinner in one of the beach restaurants. A convivial dinner on the beach is simply part of the Florida lifestyle.

The historic fishing village of Cortez

Cortez, Florida’s oldest fishing village, is located in the south-east of the island. Here, guests can immerse themselves in the world of the settlers and learn more about quilting, soap making, wood carving, fishing net repair, and fish filleting. Since the village was founded in the 19th century, the residents of Cortez have proudly pursued fishing, specializing in mullet, grouper, snapper, and stone crabs. In addition to their commercial fishing operations, some fishermen in the area captain private yachts or rent out their own boats to offer visitors inshore and offshore fishing experiences. If you are in Cortez, you should make a detour to the Star Fish Company, which was founded in the 1920s. The market and restaurant serve the best fish and seafood, including a picturesque view.

Longboat Key The insider tip on the Gulf of Mexico

Longboat Key is the second of the two elongated islands off the coastal town of Bradenton and adjoins the southern tip of Anna Maria Island. For Condé Nast Traveler, Longboat Key has been one of the most beautiful islands in the Sunshine State for many years. The lagoon-dotted island is unspoiled, so you can encounter exotic bird species here, and the underwater world with its fish, dolphins, and cozy manatees is exciting and full of surprises.

Downtown Bradenton

Downtown Bradenton offers visitors numerous museums, restaurants, and nightlife options, as well as small boutiques and stores. Guests and locals mingle at street festivals and farmers’ markets on Old Main Street and in the charming artists’ quarter „Village of the Arts“.

Village of the Arts Florida’s largest live artwork

Florida’s largest live arts venue, the „Village of the Arts“, was founded in 1999 as a non-profit organization. The Village is dedicated to building a community in which various artists live and work together and improve the quality of life in the city. Small stores and artists’ cafés, lovingly designed front gardens, and streets suggest from afar that there is boundless artistic freedom here. The colorful historic houses from the early 20th century are home to almost 300 apartments, award-winning restaurants, specialty stores and bakeries, workshops, studios, and yoga studios. During the monthly „ArtWalk“ on the first Friday evening and Saturday afternoon of each month, the artist community opens up all the work and retail spaces and welcomes visitors for studio and shopping tours. Live music, indie art, and workshops provide insight into the artistic living and working community, making the Village of the Arts a thriving neighborhood in the Bradenton Gulf Islands region.

Fruit for Al Capone

The Bradenton region is still known for its agriculture. Today, Florida produces more than 70 percent of the United States’ citrus supply. Mixon Fruit Farms is one of the oldest existing family businesses in the country. In the early 1900s, the Mixons would walk to downtown Bradenton to sell their fruit to guests at hotels such as the historic Hampton Inn in downtown Bradenton. Built in the 1920s and once known as the Manatee River Hotel, it attracted guests from all over the world to Bradenton – including celebrities like Al Capone and baseball player and national hero Babe Ruth.

Talent factory for top athletes and training camp for vacationers

The region has also been a favorite for athletes, teams, and their coaches for years. State-of-the-art facilities, the mild climate, and not least the relaxed atmosphere make it one of the destinations for training and sporting events. Bradenton is also home to one of the best-known sports schools in the world, the IMG Academy. The training camps are not just reserved for professionals; enthusiastic amateur athletes who plan their Florida vacation around their favorite sport can also train here.