HOW TO GET TO BRADENTON
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) serves as the local airport for the Bradenton Area. With SRQ’s convenient location, onsite access to rental cars, and over 50 nonstop flights, you can have your toes in the sand by lunchtime.
The Bradenton Area is also conveniently located just a 45-minute drive from Tampa International Airport (TPA) and a 2 hour drive from Orlando Airport, both airport offer non stop flights from the UK.
GETTING AROUND
By car - One of the ways to get around town is with your car or a rental. It gives you the freedom to set your own schedule, go with the flow, and even carpool with friends or other members of your group.
Public transportation - Public transportation networks are established, but they are limited by route and frequency. Anna Maria Island has its own free public trolley transport system, providing transportation from the north to the south end of the island every 20-30 minutes. Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) provides transportation throughout the larger Bradenton Area. For service from Coquina Beach to Longboat Key, reservations are required in advance.
By ferry - Getting to and from the mainland to Anna Maria Island is easier than ever with the Gulf Islands Ferry! The ferry connects Downtown Bradenton with the idyllic charm of AMI City Pier on Anna Maria Island and Historic Bridge Pier on Bradenton Beach. With the longest trip taking approximately 50 minutes, you can enjoy a scenic, traffic-free commute or a leisurely day trip. Once on Anna Maria Island, hop on the Island Trolley to explore the Bradenton Area’s best-loved beaches, shops and dining spots all for as little as $10 per adults and $6 for children 4-18 roundtrip.
Alternatively, go “green” and explore the natural beauty of the area by foot, bike, scooter, segway or electric golf cart. Although the range will be limited, they are great to explore the area more thoroughly. There are several rental locations around.
DOWNTOWN BRADENTON
Downtown Bradenton is the heart of the city, packed with restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s also home to the Bradenton Riverwalk and local attractions including Island Gallery & Studios, the Manatee Performing Arts Center, the Bishop Museum of Science & Nature, and ArtCenter Manatee.
Old Main Street, or 12th St. West, is the center of downtown. Lined with historic buildings, it extends south to Memorial Pier, where you’ll find Pier 22 Restaurant, a casual fine-dining destination with stunning waterfront views. Nearby, the Central Library offers books, media, and a wide range of programs and services to both residents and visitors.
The Bradenton Riverwalk is a world-class outdoor gathering space located in downtown Bradenton along the Manatee River. It’s a 1.5-mile, ADA-accessible park with many features including an amphitheater, skate park, splash pad, playground, beach volleyball, a fishing pier, and plenty of outdoor public art.
On Saturdays from October through May, the downtown Bradenton Market is held from 9 am to 2 pm. Located on Old Main St., it features over 125 vendors including local artisans, chefs, farmers, and more, as well as live music and special programs like cooking demonstrations and seasonal celebrations.
In February of each year, the Bradenton Riverwalk comes alive with Manatee County’s largest free civic event – The Bradenton Area River Regatta. This two-day event features Formula-2 Powerboat Superleague Racing at speeds over 120/mph. The weekend is also packed with live music, demonstrations, a kid’s zone, a 5k race, kid’s fishing derby, and a drone light show.
During major holidays, such as St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween, and New Years’ Eve, Old Main St. shuts down for fun and exciting block parties with food, adult beverages, live music, vendors, kid-friendly activities, and more.
Free downtown Bradenton parking is available at the City Centre Parking Facility, located at 3rd Avenue West between 10th and 12th Streets. Below the parking garage, you’ll find the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, and several of the area’s best retail locations, including Orange Blossom Coffee, Pink & Navy Boutique, The Beach Shoppe, The Stoked Flamingo, and Millie’s Sweets and Treats. Additional downtown parking is available at the Judicial Center Parking Garage (615 12th St. West) and street parking is available throughout the downtown area.
