If you’re a beach bum... you’ve come to the right place! The Bradenton area is comprised of 741 square miles and 150 of those are waterfront. The beaches of Anna Maria and Longboat Key represent 16 miles of powder white sands along the Gulf of Mexico... so no matter where you are, you’re literally a minute or two from the bay or the beach.

~ Day 1 ~

Pack a lunch and head to Coquina Beach. Located on the southern tip of Anna Maria Island, Parents Magazine recently listed Coquina Beach on its top 10 list of the country's best beaches for families. There is plenty of free parking available at the beach as well as a playground and picnic tables.  

Then -- Enjoy a kayaking tour through the backwaters of Anna Maria Island in search of dolphins, manatees and stingrays.  www.mysitontopkayak.com, 941-778-7757

~ Day 2 ~

Start your day with a morning walk.. Witness sea turtle nesting season with the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch. Beach tours are conducted during the early morning hours of June, July & August. Contact Turtle Watch to make a reservation: 941 778 563, director@islandturtles.com.  

After a relaxing lunch -- Jump on the trolley and head to the Joan M. Durante Park on Longboat Key. The park is a 32-acre wetland restoration project. The park has several nature trails as well as a boardwalk and a beautiful botanical garden. Guided tours are also available.
After a busy day of exploring, it’s time to relax. Treat yourself to a massage on the beach at Island Wellness Beach Massage and Yoga. www.annamariabeachmassage.com


~ Day 3 ~

Visit the Manatee Beach, the largest public beach in the county. Manatee Beach is a great place to unwind! Just lay back on your beach chairs and enjoy the sun and the surf... Just don’t forget the sunblock!

Then -- If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous – Check out Horse Surfing!

Ride BAREBACK for approximately one mile on the beach. Then ride your horse as it SWIMS in the water! Believe it not, it’s fun for the whole family... riders can be as young as 3 years old. To book your reservations visit: www.beachhorses.com.

Need a place for dinner? No problem ... You can keep your toes in the sand and enjoy our breathtaking sunset at many of the area restaurants including Beach Bistro, the Sandbar and the Beach House.