Bradenton, Anna Maria Island & Longboat Key
This is Florida but not as you think you know it. Discover a place where authentic Florida charm still exists.
Anna Maria Island
In this laid-back paradise, there’s plenty to do but no pressure to do anything at all! The pace is leisurely, allowing you to embrace relaxation or adventure in your own time. Relax and unwind while creating cherished memories and savour the luxury of togetherness.
Getting around – Ditch the car and travel the island by foot, bike, golf cart or Segway – there is a 20mph speed limit across most of the island so traffic is safe, slow and steady. Or take the free public trolley bus which serves the whole island, hop on and hop off to explore along the route.
Nature and marine life - On land or sea you can walk, kayak, paddleboard or parasail – all while encountering the rich local wildlife that calls this destination home. Witness breath-taking sunsets from the pristine beaches and spot the local pod of dolphin frolicking in the waves.
Water Activities – Embark on an Eco tour, enjoy a ‘Catch and Cook’ expedition, fuel your adrenaline with parasailing or jet-skiing or take to the waves in a more leisurely fashion with a guided kayak or paddleboarding session. Don’t miss a memorable sunset cruise or dolphin watching tour.
Anna Maria Island – one of the less well known but most beautiful destinations Florida has to offer. It boasts a 94% first time visitor return rate.
Just 7 miles long and 1 mile wide, AMI is a barrier island ringed with pristine, sugar white sand beaches and the warm turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
On Anna Maria Island, forget freeways, high rises and mega malls and think flip-flops, sandy lanes to beaches and toes in the sand dining.
Visitors love AMI for being low key, unpretentious and non-commercialised. There are no chain restaurants instead, enjoy friendly, independent, family-run restaurants and boutique, artisan shops. Thanks to local building policy nothing over 3 storeys high can be built so unlike in many parts of Florida you’ll find that the palm trees are often higher than the buildings.
Accommodation - The perfect spot to find something to suit everyone from luxurious beach resorts with real WOW! factor to boutique hotels and an unbeatable choice of stylish condos, luxury villas and beach cottages.
Both hotels and homes offer the option to self-cater for a home-away-from-home getaway with each property fully equipped to the highest standard.
Wonderfully appointed homes with swimming pools and walking distance to the beach.
Perfect for a family or multi-gen group holiday or reunion with old friends – a wonderful way to holiday worry-free, without being on anyone else’s schedule.
Use the local concierge service to equip your home for all your family’s needs from baby safety, play equipment and laundry to restaurant and supermarket deliveries.
Beaches - Beach life is everything on Anna Maria Island, with several distinct beaches depending on what kind of day you’re after.
The calm, low surf makes for family friendly beaches. Discover sand dollars, watch pelicans playing on the waves and spot Coquina shells at the water’s edge.
The public beaches offer a lively scene with picnic areas, water activities, volleyball and children’s playgrounds or discover the wild charms of hidden gems such as Bean Point on the northern most tip or Coquina Beach towards the southern end of the island. Wherever you go, you’ll find breath-taking views for picture perfect days, relaxing in the sun.
Head to Anna Maria Island for some of Florida’s most dramatic sunsets.
Bradenton
This small historic city, known as the Friendly City, with a population of less than 60,000 people is an experience not to be missed, enjoy cultural sights and attractions without the crowds. Discover:
Visit The Bishops Museum of Science and Nature – a great family attraction which includes exhibits on Florida's natural history, marine life, palaeontology, and astronomy. It also houses the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, where injured or orphaned manatees are rehabilitated before being released back into the wild.
Enjoy a 1.5mile stroll along Bradenton Riverwalk, a scenic park and promenade, and take in the sights along the Manatee River as well as children’s playgrounds, a skatepark, art installations and an amphitheatre which hosts events, concerts and performances.
Head to Robinsons Preserve, a large coastal nature preserve. This natural haven spans over 600 acres and is known for its diverse ecosystems, supporting a wide range of plant and animal species. The preserve offers scenic trails and boardwalks that visitors can explore by foot or by bike or, paddleboard or kayak through the tidal ponds and mangrove tunnels for a peaceful and immersive experience in the coastal environment.
Cortez Marina - Discover the historic fishing village of Cortez, one of the last of its kind in Florida and truly an off the beaten path outpost. Grab a table and a drink and enjoy its unique culture, centred around some of the freshest seafood in all of Florida. Watch the fishermen come in with the day’s catch and eat it almost fresh from the rod. Deepwater surrounding the Bradenton region also makes this an ideal fishing spot and provides an excellent opportunity for boat charters with experienced skippers and catch and cook expeditions.
Village of the Arts – the eclectic Village of the Arts in downtown Bradenton, populated with colourful historic cottages that house everything from award-winning restaurants to speciality shops, studios, healing arts and Bradenton’s best art galleries.
Sport / Golf – Legacy Hotel, IMG Academy
For UK golf lovers, there are more than 300+ golf courses in the region and the area will play host to the PGA Tour World Champions Cup this December 5-8th. Baseball fans come to see the Pittsburgh Pirates at their springtime training ground, at LECOM park.
Culinary – The Bradenton Area offers many diverse and delicious flavours and unique dining experiences from relaxed beach-side dining, atmospheric café-bars and upscale restaurants. Here you’ll find exceptionally high-quality, dock to table seafood, the freshest you’ll find in all of Florida and throughout the area there is an emphasis on delicious organic, farm to table cuisine to be enjoyed in independent family run restaurants.
Relax and enjoy toes-in-the-sand beach-side dining whilst watching the dramatic evening sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
Longboat Key
Longboat Key, a barrier island west of Sarasota and Bradenton, is known for its 12 miles of white-sand beaches, luxury resorts, waterfront golf, and upscale dining. Split between Sarasota and Manatee counties, the island offers plenty to do for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and retirees.
Play 45 holes of championship golf at The Resort at Longboat Key Club, spend time on the beaches, fish for a wide variety of saltwater species, and visit beautiful and secluded Beer Can Island.
Sample the local cuisine along the waterfront, from casual to sophisticated, and shop at the famous St. Armands Circle, which has more than 100 stores and restaurants. Check out a free water skiing show by the Sarasota Ski-A-Rees water skiing team and watch the St. Armands calendar for events.
Families with children will want to visit the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, where visitors can see the resident manatee as well as other marine animals, including sharks.
While Longboat Key has some of the finest beaches in the world, there’s even more outdoors to explore on the barrier island. Longboat Key is the home of Joan M. Durante Community Park, a protected wetland and walking/biking path where you’re sure to spot various birds, jumping fish, crabs, and more. It’s also worth renting a kayak as Joan M. Durante Park offers calm waters, mangrove tunnels, and natural plant species that make for a pleasant paddling adventure. This hidden gem also sports a playground and bathroom facilities, so it’s easy to spend the day here and get back to nature.
To follow are some special packages to Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key
exclusive to Holiday Pirate Customers
Bradenton offers
Return direct flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Tampa
Car hire (Compact Car inc all insurances)
7 nights at Shorewalk Vacation Villas in a 2 Bedroom Apartment, Self Catering
Prices from £1025 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
Prices from £775 per person (based on 4 adults sharing inc SUV car hire)
(Special offer code: Pirate1)
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Return direct flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Tampa
Car hire (Compact Car inc all insurances)
7 nights at The Hampton Inn Bradenton Downtown Historic Riverfront in a Standard Room, Inc Breakfast
Prices from £1059 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
(Special offer code: Pirate 2)
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Return direct flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Tampa
Car hire (Compact Car inc all insurances)
7 nights at The Springhill Suites Bradenton Downtown Riverfront in a Standard View Room, Inc Breakfast
Prices from £1149 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
(Special offer code: Pirate 3)
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Return direct flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Tampa
Car hire (Compact Car inc all insurances)
7 nights at The Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound by Margaritaville in a Standard Room, Inc Breakfast
Prices from £1199 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
(Special offer code: Pirate 4)
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Return direct flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Tampa
Car hire (Compact Car inc all insurances)
7 nights at The Legacy Hotel at IMG Academy in a Standard Room, Room Only
Prices from £1215 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
(Special offer code: Pirate 5)
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Return direct flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Tampa
Car hire (Compact Car inc all insurances)
7 nights at The Bradenton Beach Club Apartments in a 2 Bedroom Apartment, Self Catering
Prices from £1799 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
Prices from £1169 per person (based on 4 adults sharing inc SUV car hire)
(Special offer code: Pirate 6)
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Return direct flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Tampa
Car hire (Compact Car inc all insurances)
7 nights in a 4 bedroom home with private pool (Madeira or Bookelia), Self Catering
Prices from £1639 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
Prices from £1079 per person (based on 4 adults sharing inc SUV car hire)
Prices from £900 per person (based on 6 adults sharing inc Mini Van hire)
(Special offer code: Pirate 7)
Anna Maria Island Offers
Return direct flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Tampa
Car hire (Compact Car inc all insurances)
7 nights at Silver Surf Beach Resort in a Standard Room, Inc Breakfast
Prices from £1159 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
(Special offer code: Pirate 8)
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Return direct flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Tampa
Car hire (Compact Car inc all insurances)
7 nights at The Beach Club at Anna Maria Island in a 2 Bedroom Apartment, Self Catering
Prices from £1779 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
Prices from £1149 per person (based on 4 adults sharing inc SUV car hire)
(Special offer code: Pirate 9)
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Return direct flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Tampa
Car hire (Compact Car inc all insurances)
7 nights at The Tropic Isle at Anna Maria Island Inn in a Standard Room, Room Only
Prices from £1879 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
(Special offer code: Pirate 10)
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Return direct flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Tampa
Car hire (Compact Car inc all insurances)
7 nights at The Tortuga Inn Beach Resort in a One Bedroom Apartment, Self Catering
Prices from £1979 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
(Special offer code: Pirate 11)
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Return direct flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Tampa
Car hire (Compact Car inc all insurances)
7 nights in a 3 bedroom home with private pool (Sealife), Self Catering
Prices from £1999 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
Prices from £1269 per person (based on 4 adults sharing inc SUV car hire)
Prices from £1029 per person (based on 6 adults sharing inc Mini Van hire)
(Special offer code: Pirate 12)
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Return direct flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Tampa
Car hire (Compact Car inc all insurances)
7 nights at The Waterline Villas & Marina, Autograph Collection in a King Room, Room Only
Prices from £2059 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
7 nights at The Waterline Villas & Marina, Autograph Collection in a 2 Bedroom apartment, Room Only
Prices from £2059 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)Prices from
£1399 per person (based on 4 adults sharing inc SUV car hire)
(Special offer code: Pirate 13)
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Return direct flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Tampa
Car hire (Compact Car inc all insurances)
7 nights at The Mello on the Beach in a 1 Bedroom Apartment, Self Catering
Prices from £2359 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
(Special offer code: Pirate 14)
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Return direct flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Tampa
Car hire (Compact Car inc all insurances)
7 nights at Coquina Beach Condos in a 2 Bedroom Condo, Self Catering
Prices from £2499 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)Prices from
£1499 per person (based on 4 adults sharing inc SUV car hire)
(Special offer code: Pirate 15)
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Return direct flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Tampa
Car hire (Compact Car inc all insurances)
7 nights in a Luxury brand new 4 bedroom home with private pool (The Getaway), Self Catering
Prices from £4429 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
Prices from £2479 per person (based on 4 adults sharing inc SUV car hire)
Prices from £1829 per person (based on 6 adults sharing inc Mini Van hire)
Prices from £1499 per person (based on 8 adults sharing inc Mini Van hire)
(Special offer code: Pirate 16)
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Return direct flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Tampa
Car hire (Compact Car inc all insurances)
7 nights in a 3 bedroom Gulf Front home with private pool (Seashore House), Self Catering
Prices from £5199 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
Prices from £2879 per person (based on 4 adults sharing inc SUV car hire)
Prices from £2099 per person (based on 6 adults sharing inc Mini Van hire)
(Special offer code: Pirate 17)
Longboat Key Offers
Return direct flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Tampa
Car hire (SUV inc all insurances)
7 nights at Zota Beach Club in a Standard Room, Room Only
Prices from £1599 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
(Special offer code: Pirate 18)
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Return direct flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Tampa
Car hire (Compact Car inc all insurances)
7 nights at Casa Del Mar Beach Resort on Longboat Key in a 2 Bedroom Gulf View Apartment, Self Catering
Prices from £1799 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
Prices from £1179 per person (based on 4 adults sharing inc SUV car hire)
(Special offer code: Pirate 19)
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Return direct flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Tampa
Car hire (Compact Car inc all insurances)
7 nights at The Resort at Longboat Key Club in a Golf Course View Room, Room Only
Prices from £2249 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
7 nights at Casa Del Mar Beach Resort on Longboat Key in a 2 Bedroom Golf Course Suite, Self Catering
Prices from £3599 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
Prices from £2059 per person (based on 4 adults sharing inc SUV car hire)
(Special offer code: Pirate 20)
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Return direct flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Tampa
Car hire (Convertible Car inc all insurances)
7 nights at The St Regis Longboat Key in a Superior Room, Room Only
Prices from £3499 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
(Special offer code: Pirate 21)
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multi-centres...
All the above packages can be twinned with Orlando, Miami or any other US destination, just give us a call on 0844 80 444 80 and our reservations will tell you more about the beautiful destinations of Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Longboat key, the will also help tailor-make your holiday to your personal requirements.
Families...
Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key are the perfect choice for a family holiday - great beaches, safe and plenty to explore in the local area and children often stay free - Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and speak to one of our team who can provide a quote for your family.
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