Bradenton Beach - A Piece of Anna Maria Island Paradise...
Bradenton Beach is set on Anna Maria Island just across the bridge from the mainland city of Bradenton itself. Bradenton Beach is strategically located as a permiere beach vacation location right n the Gulf of Mexico and provides a full range of vacation activities for its visitors.
Like most resort areas on Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach is blessed with miles of sugar white sand beaches that gently slope into the warm coastal Gulf waters. Beaches on the Gulf side of Anna Maria Island lend themselves to simply strolling along the water’s edge, picking shells and swimming under the supervision of a lifeguard.
On the other hand, the bay beaches of Anna Maria Island tend to offer more in the way of water craft activities that include things such as parasailing and jet ski riding. Of course this is where you will find numerous boat charters that specialize in deep sea fishing.
Bradenton Beach Parks
There are a couple of small parks in Bradenton Beach, worthy of note only because one, Herb Dolan Park, offers great views across to Sarasota and Tampa Bay, and the other, Katie Peirola Park, is a great spot for sunset viewing.
Bradenton Beach City Pier
The City Pier has recently reopened following hurricane damage in 2004 and is popular for fishing. It was interesting to hear that when the old wooden bridge connecting Bradenton Beach to the mainland was replaced, the island side of the bridge was retained as a fishing pier. Today, after its two million dollar refurbishment, the City Pier is home to a restaurant, tackle shop and public restrooms.
Whether you are into fishing or not, The City Pier is a lovely spot for a stroll and to watch the catch coming in.
Bridge Street Market
Bridge Street is the historic centre of Bradenton Beach and, as it was directly at the end of the old wooden bridge linking it to the mainland; it became a thriving and prosperous community. When the old bridge was replaced it lost some of its appeal and many businesses closed down.
Today, after a major restoration project, Bridge Street has rediscovered its charm and offers quint little shops selling antiques, paintings and a variety of other crafts. When you are hungry, there are some lovely pavement cafes as well as more up market restaurants and bars.
At the end of the day, head back to the beach, the pier or Katie Peirola Park, and be prepared to witness a spectacular sunset across the Gulf of Mexico. There is nothing better to lift the soul after an enjoyable day exploring this little piece of paradise on the central Gulf coast of Florida.
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