Travel: discovering the real Florida

Forget rollercoasters and water slides, it’s time for families to uncover something new in the Bradenton Area

With miles of unspoiled beaches, seaside villages, charming downtowns and fantastic shopping opportunities, the Bradenton Area and Anna Maria Island offer a delightful and laidback choice for families looking to book a relaxing holiday in the heart of Florida. Say goodbye to skyscraper hotels and restaurant chains – on the beautiful Anna Maria Island you’ll find only quaint self-catering apartments and characterful holiday homes along the seven miles of white sandy beach for a real home-from-home feeling. What’s more, there’s an abundance of family friendly activities to be enjoyed, without a theme park in sight!

Family friendly 

The relaxed vibe, coupled with an array of activities, makes the Bradenton Area a great spot for families. Make the most of the spacious waterfront homes, which cater to families of all sizes, and the island delivery service will drop off and pick up everything you need, from buggies to beach toys, ensuring your long-haul trip is stress-free. Day trips to nearby Tampa and Orlando are also available.

Outdoor adventures

Head out on to the water and you’re likely to see manatees and dolphins in their natural habitat. Try out horse surfing, flyboarding, paddleboard yoga and zip-lining, or head out to explore on a segway. Set sail with the family, take a dip snorkelling, jet-ski around the Gulf of Mexico, and finish the day with
a seafood dinner and your toes in the sand.

TripAdvisor recently included Anna Maria Island in its Top 30 Rising Vacation Rental Destinations in the US. And with more families wanting holiday homes than ever, now is a good time to check out which cottage or oceanfront mansion is right for you.

Get active

The IMG Academy has trained the best athletes in the world, including Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova. Here, families can enjoy short courses and camps at the academy. Alternatively, with the World Rowing Championships coming to Sarasota-Bradenton in September, you may prefer to row, kayak or simply spectate with a picnic.

Bags of charm 

The Bradenton Area and Anna Maria Island offer everything from boutique stores and independent eateries to free transport to take you to any of the unspoiled beaches along the island’s shores. Outside the eco-friendly shops on Pine Avenue, you’ll even find edible boxed gardens with free-to-take vegetables! It’s simply impossible to not get swept up in the charm of this stunning destination.

bradentongulfislands.com 

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