Bradenton Beach is Like the Youngest Brother of the Three Siblings on Anna Maria Island

Last Updated on April 25, 2024 by Marybeth

When you thought ahead to when you would have kids, didn’t you imagine they’d all be alike? Or at least look alike. Mine were all going to be white-blonds, love playing in the ocean, and tan easily.

I ended up with one white-blond, one strawberry blond, and one dark blond.  Only one loves the ocean and tans easily, and they all avoid the sun as to not be wrinkled like their mom.

Anna Maria Island has three towns, with distinct personalities, just like those kids of ours. Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach.

Map courtesy of NeoClassicalMaps, find this and many other glicee prints of hand lettered, watercolor originals; maps created in the style of the original mapmakers of long ago, here.

Anna Maria is the oldest who wears Lilly and Vineyard Vines. She volunteers, shops local and rides her beach cruiser everywhere. Her husband made a modest fortune in the stock market and their kids are headed to Princeton and Vassar.

Holmes is that affable middle child; smarter than you and your spouse put together.  He has an infectious laugh. No one really knows what his job is and no one really cares: he brings the best craft beer to the party, can expound on any topic, and loves having people coming over at all hours.

Bradenton is the youngest who started out surfing when he was 4, almost left home to develop his surfing skills in Florianópolis, Brazil, at age 17, but went to Le Cordon Bleu instead. He’s opened three thriving restaurants, founded a beach cleanup non-profit and mentors young entrepreneurs.

I’m making all of this up. But when you visit, you’ll see what I mean. And in reality, the town of Anna Maria was settled first, then Holmes Beach, then Bradenton Beach. Same birth order.

We stayed in Bradenton Beach mostly because of the walk-ability but also because were were married on Anna Maria and our reception was in Bradenton Beach. Mom said it was the best party she’d ever been to. We decided to visit to celebrate our anniversary, and I brought those three kids of mine. (Everyone celebrates their anniversary with kids in tow, right?)

THE BEACH

Coquina Beach

1800 Gulf Drive South

Ahhhh, THE BEACH. Florida’s gulf coast has some of the most tranquil, heavenly, utopian, let-me-lie-in-this-sand-forever-just-bring-me-wine beaches on earth. You’ve heard the effusive descriptions “baby powder soft” “purest white” “squeaky clean.” It’s all true and more. Read this  fun article on all the varied sands of Florida, on Visit Florida, “Battle of the Beach Sands.”

But the soft white sand is not the only draw; the sunsets are beyond description. Every night the must-see event is the sunset. Hundreds pour out of the beach front restaurants holding up their smart phones, all drawn together like old friends, and the unifying theme is the sunset. Talk about heavenly.

THE BAR

Bridgetender Inn and Dockside Bar

135 Bridge Street

We love ALL bars (you may have gathered that by now; who isn’t happy in a bar??) but when a bar makes you feel like family, even when you’re clearly not a local, you find yourself picking out your favorite barstool…  We did that here! The owner, Fred Bartizal is from Wisconsin and a huge Green Bay Packers fan, so when his team is playing everyone gets a Jello Shot! Hey, I can pretend to be a Packer’s fan!

And get this, all of our dog loving friends:  The Bridgetender supports Vintage Paws – www.vintagepaws.org – a senior dog rescue. “Adopt a Dog Who Already Knows the Ropes.”  Doesn’t that just pinch at your heart? Here at Beaches, Bars and Bungalows we’re considering adopting a senior dog, once our remaining rascally beloved yapper trots off this merry earth.

Vibrant, beachy, laid back. You’ll see all ages, smiles and laughter all around. Located right on the Bay; you can arrive by boat or by foot. Sit inside, or outside on the main deck, or at the Dockside Tiki Bar under the trees (our favorite.)

We fell in love with this place! Our bungalow was one street away, and we visited the Dockside Tiki Bar more times than I am willing to confess. The view, the simplicity of the bar under the trees, the friendly bartenders.

THE BUNGALOW

Pelican Post

201 First Street North

Pelican Post has been completely renovated since our visit, and has added a swimming pool. Our photos are from 2015! I’ll let them remain here so you can see how far Pelican Post has come, visit their site for current photos of the amazing transformation.

Pelican Post is So extremely quiet and relaxing. The busy vibrant downtown main street is one block away, but you’d never know it. The beach is a short walk away, and the sweet little downtown main street is one block away.

The history of The Cottage: built in the early part of the last century, The Cottage was transported here by barge to house construction crews building the original bridge which opened in 1921. If those walls could talk!

Take a look at more of this small coastal town with the entrepreneurial, festive spirit:

Blue Marlin Grill

Island Time Bar and Grill on the ground floor, Bridge Street Bistro on the top floor.

The Fish Hole Mini Golf, right on the main street

Quintessential beach bar:  Beach House Waterfront Restaurant

Island Time Inn, no longer in operation

The Rush Inn

Bill’s Fish Camp – 3 historic rental cottages, this pic and the one above, more info here

This tiny cottage, right across the street from the water, and its “tiki bar,” below

“Rudesville,” and “Your money is welcome, and you’re not.” If you know the story behind this, contact us!

So, what do you think? Have you been here? Is my fanciful description of the three towns cheerfully sharing this small paradise, despite their differences, legit? Or are you thinking I’ve either had too much coffee, or too much wine…..

Let me know in the comments below!

Bradenton Beach is on Florida’s gulf coast, 37 miles south of St. Petersburg and 17 miles north of Sarasota.